Investing in our next generation fast rescue craft capability

In high-risk industries, where emergency response skills may one day be called upon without warning, training should reflect the realities of the workplace as closely as possible.

That philosophy sits behind the recent upgrade of the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) fleet at our Fremantle Training Annexe. Two offshore-specification Viking Norsafe rescue craft have been commissioned, strengthening our ability to deliver realistic maritime and offshore emergency response training.

The new fleet consists of two distinct rescue craft - one vessel is equipped with an inflatable righting system, while the second incorporates a self-righting superstructure. Both are powered by jet propulsion engines, providing learners with exposure to technology commonly found throughout the offshore energy and maritime sectors.

Fast Rescue Craft play a critical role in offshore emergency response. Designed to be deployed quickly in challenging conditions, they are used to recover personnel from the water, support standby operations and respond to emergencies at sea. While the vessels themselves represent increased capability, their greatest value lies in what they enable from a learning perspective. Emergency response is rarely about completing a task exactly as it was demonstrated in a classroom. Responders must recognise changing conditions, make sound decisions under pressure and operate equipment confidently in dynamic environments. Developing those capabilities requires training that reflects the operational realities learners may one day face.

Every investment we make is guided by the same principle: will it improve the learning experience? Across ERGT, that might mean designing and building our own training props to accurately replicate an operational environment, or investing in specialist equipment where it provides learners with exposure to current industry practice. We don't measure the value of an investment by the asset itself, but by its ability to create more authentic learning experiences and better prepare people for the realities of their role.

This approach reflects our commitment to continuous improvement. We continually review our facilities, equipment and training environments to ensure they remain aligned with industry expectations, emerging technologies and evolving operational practices. By carefully investing where it makes the greatest difference, we ensure our training continues to develop confidence, competence and decision-making that can be transferred directly to the workplace.