Command the Operation of Survival Craft -Freefall - Skills Maintenance

• The Command the Operation of Survival Craft Freefall – Skills Maintenance course covers:
• Roles and responsibilities of the Survival Craft Commander during an emergency muster and TEMPSC deployment.
• Freefall and davit systems; operational procedures, safety controls, and launch and recovery sequences.
• Organised deployment of TEMPSC, including muster control, embarkation, and safe launch using freefall davit systems.
• Leadership and welfare of personnel during TEMPSC deployment, including communication and decision-making under time-critical conditions.
• Hazard identification and control during survival craft operations.
• Responding to problems arising during TEMPSC deployment and operation.
• Practical exercises using freefall davit-launched survival craft in realistic marine training environments.

This course is delivered through a blend of:

• Facilitator-led classroom sessions reviewing swing arm lifeboat systems, operational procedures, and safety requirements.
• Practical, hands-on training using freefall davit-launched TEMPSC and survival craft equipment in ERGT Australia's specialist marine training facilities.
• Scenario-based exercises simulating emergency muster, launch, manoeuvring, and recovery operations under realistic conditions.
• Performance-based assessments against ERGT Australia's performance standards to confirm ongoing competence in the safe command and operation of freefall survival craft.

The Command the Operation of Survival Craft Freefall Skills Maintenance course is designed for personnel in offshore and maritime industries who hold the nationally recognised unit PMAWHS312 Command the operation of survival craft and are required to maintain their competence as part of their role. It is best suited to personnel in safety-critical positions who may be called upon to command a freefall TEMPSC during an emergency evacuation of an offshore facility or vessel.

This course is not appropriate for learners who are new to survival craft operations or who have not previously completed formal training and assessment in commanding TEMPSC. Learners are expected to arrive with an established level of skill and knowledge and to have been actively using these capabilities in their role.

Participation Requirements

To participate fully in the program, learners should be aware of the following:

Physical Requirements

This is a physically active one-day course conducted in a marine training environment. Learners must be able to:

• Board, operate within, and exit a Freefall TEMPSC, including movement in and around survival craft equipment in a marine environment.
• Operate Freefall release mechanisms, hatches, davit controls, and other survival craft equipment while managing the demands of a simulated emergency.
• Perform physical tasks including climbing, bending, and lifting as part of launch, recovery, and emergency response exercises.
• Wear and operate personal protective equipment required for marine practical activities.
• Sustain physical activity across a full day of practical training in a marine environment.

A medical certificate is not required; however, a health questionnaire and declaration of fitness will be required. Learners are encouraged to contact ERGT Australia before the course if they have any concerns about their ability to meet these requirements. Reasonable adjustments will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Psychological Requirements

This course involves working in a marine environment with realistic emergency scenarios, including the specific demands of Freefall TEMPSC operations. Learners should be prepared to:

• Operate in and around TEMPSC on water, which requires composure and focus in a marine environment.
• Participate in freefall launch exercises, in which the craft is released and drops into the water. This is a distinctive physical and psychological experience that some learners may find confronting. Facilitators will brief learners thoroughly before any freefall exercise is conducted.
• Maintain command composure and sound decision-making under the time pressures and simulated urgency of an emergency evacuation scenario.
• Lead and direct other personnel during exercises, including communicating clearly under realistic emergency conditions.

Learners who have concerns about participating in emergency evacuation scenarios are encouraged to speak with ERGT Australia prior to enrolment.

Behavioural Requirements

All learners are required to:

• Follow facilitator instructions and all safety procedures precisely at all times during practical exercises, with particular attention to freefall launch safety protocols.
• Actively fulfil the Survival Craft Commander role during exercises, including maintaining clear communication and situational awareness throughout scenarios.
• Adhere to ERGT Australia's site safety rules and all applicable marine training safety protocols.
• Report any health, fitness, or equipment concerns to the facilitator before or immediately during a session.
• Behave professionally and respectfully toward all participants and facilitators throughout the course.

Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital

Learners must have basic Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills to understand safety procedures and complete assessments. Learners must be able to access and navigate a digital device to log in and access the course materials. Support for learners is available on request. More information is available on our website under "Learner Support".