Its hard enough as it is!
>> Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Just returned from Seaworx 2011 and a big thanks must go out to Yamaha UK for inviting us onto the stand. It was very interesting seeing some different RWC derived products but it amazes me why people choose to use wave jumping images in their promo material.
For the past 5 years we have been trying to promote Personnel Watercraft or Rescue Watercraft through the 'K38 Way' of training. A massive component of Shawn Alladios training focuses on discipline. We have at our finger tips an enormously powerful tool (not a toy) capable of speeds in excess of 55 mph.
It is extremely rare that in a rescue capacity we would ever touch these speeds as we run the risk of injuring ourselves, crew and any casualties we have on board.
I think it is fair to say that the negative stereo type associated with these craft is the reason why emergency service managers are often reluctant to even consider them. I hear about the 'worries' managers have regarding the craft and how their personnel will always be 'on a jolly' that because they are powerful machines 'staff will get injured'. These fears are credible but with a correct training structure that K38 delivers and strong project management injuries will be minimised.
So why do suppliers and commercial users promote what they do with pictures and videos of the craft wave jumping and driving fast, doing donuts and chucking loads of spray. Is this not the type of operating that we try to avoid? Is this not the image that concerns the people with the purse strings.
In commercial applications wave jumping shouldnt happen, it puts the operator, crew, victim(s) and other water users at risk from injury. It is a sign that the operator isn't in control and doesnt fully understand craft dynamics.
Whislt it may look good, surely it is not the best way to promote such a strong rescue tool.
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