VANGUARD LIFEBOAT & RELEASE SYSTEM SERVICE TRAINING COURSE, NOVEMBER 2009

Vanguard conducted its second Lifeboat & Release System Training Course from 9 to 12 November 2009 in Singapore.

 Participants hailed from Europe, East Asia as well as the Americas. For the first time ever, the theory modules were conducted at the host hotel – the Grand Copthorne Waterfront on Havelock Road. This was especially welcomed by participants who had just got off a long flight from the Americas and could retire to their rooms soon after class concluded.

Areas covered comprised IMO regulations and Vanguard’s products including lifeboats, rescue boats, survival capsules as well as the latest SH50 On/off-Load Hook Release System with the built-in Fall Prevention Device (FPD). In view of the greater emphasis placed on the use of FPDs, Vanguard’s trainers also demonstrated the company’s latest fibre strop FPDs with built-in thimble eyes. These strops are made of synthetic fibre, have a SWL of 5 Tons per strop and are 15 times stronger than steel.
  
The practical module was conducted at a training centre that was specially leased for this purpose. Participants were given the unique opportunity of studying the Vanguard SH50 Hook Release System that was installed in a unique cut-away lifeboat.

Firstly, the hook system was dismantled by service engineers who then made “faults” to it. The trainees were subsequently required to diagnose the “faults” and re-assemble the system within a specified time frame.

The practical module received much positive feedback as it gave the trainees a unique opportunity to familiarise themselves with the SH50 release system and its installation procedure.

At the end of the program, the participants were treated to a buffet dinner at a restaurant in Boat Quay, a famous entertainment area on the banks of the Singapore River. The venue was chosen for its picturesque views of the river with the cityscape as a backdrop.

There was encouraging feedback from our participants about the SH50 On/off-Load Hook Release System in view of its durability, safety and value for money proposition. In view of the ever growing emphasis on the use of FPDs, Vanguard is well positioned to respond rapidly and cater to demand with its new LSA products.