2010 powerboat Immersion test dates announced 

Imagine being a sock in a washing machine!  

Unfortunately in an extreme sport like powerboat racing occasionally when things go wrong this is how you end up; Upside down in your boat whilst it fills with water. Safety crews are never far away to assist you but seconds underwater can feel like a lifetime.

To prepare racers in how to deal with situations like this specialist courses are run similar to that, that a helicopter pilot would have to undertake these are more commonly known as Dunk tests or Immersion tests.  

It is a mandatory requirement to have an annual immersion test if you are racing in a restrained/safety cell (closed cockpit) craft. This applies to both Circuit and offshore racers.  

The immersion test is valid for 14 months from the date of successful completion.

The standard course comprises 3 simulated ditches in custom built dunkers.  

A flat ditch is followed by a submerged 45 degree exit, and finally by an inverted 180º escape drill.

All ditches are supervised by experienced instructors, with divers ready to assist in the pool if required.

Racers are  also taught in the use of EBA – Emergency Breathing Apparatus – to aid escape.

Shelley Jory British Powerboat Racing Champion annually takes the immersion test and although she is not required to as she races in a non canopied boat, she swears it is a vital part of her training .

“You are put into a simulator in a swimming pool, turned upside down, drowned and taught how to survive and it really is a must for anyone playing or racing in fast boats,” she explains. “I have no doubt that this training saved my life when I crashed my V24 in 2003 I was trapped under water for 3 minutes, without this training I probably wouldn’t have survived.”

There are two main centres to undergo this type of training ;  

Andark Diving in Southampton offer several course throughout the year and can arrange specific group sessions  for 6 or more people to suit your own availability. To find out more about Andark’s tests visit the Andark Website  

Alternatively Osprey Rescue, who provide rescue cover for Circuit Powerboat Racing  events both nationally and internationally host a number of their specialist  courses at various locations and have just announced their 2010 dates and venues;  

2010 Osprey Dates & Locations  

Date	Time	Venue	Notes
Sunday 31/01/10	10:00 - 13:00	St Felix Girls School, Southwold	Bookings on a first come first served basis. Space limited so book early.Bookings to - Malcolm Curtis - malcolm.curtis@aviva.co.uk  or call/text 07800 698791
Saturday 13/02/10	15:00 – 17:30	Chase Tech  College, Burntwood, Staffs
Saturday 27/02/10	15:00 – 17:00	Deyes Lane School, Magul	TBC
Saturday 13/03/10	15:30 -17:30	Chase Tech  College, Burntwood, Staffs
Saturday 27/03/10	15:30 -17:30	Chase Tech  College, Burntwood, Staffs

               

To book onto an osprey course please telephone: Bob Reynolds 07811 959520  

Bookings to be confirmed by sending a  cheque in advance made payable to Osprey Powerboat Rescue Team  

Send to : Bob Reynolds, 43 Lilac Grove, Rising Brook, Stafford, ST17 9ED  

Note: Minimum of 3 people per session. If minimum persons are not confirmed 4 days prior to the session it will be cancelled and any cheques received for that session will be returned  

Whilst Shelley and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston under went their training for the Cowes Torquay Cowes powerboat race, Predator VX360 were onboard with them to film them undertaking the test see how they got on here Watch Video