Perils of the Sea

by Rick Bickerton (RB)

It is well known among seafarers and offshore personnel that transferring people between vessels and platforms via rope ladders carries an inherent risk of injury or death. Publicly available reports from maritime organizations such as the International Marine Pilots’ Association (IMPA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) document annual fatalities, injuries, and numerous near-miss incidents occurring throughout the maritime and offshore industries.

It is also widely recognized that proper training in safe transfer procedures, together with the correct deployment, inspection, and maintenance of equipment such as rope ladders and accommodation ladders, significantly improves safety and helps reduce injuries and fatalities.

My name is Rick Bickerton. For the past 35 years, I have been involved in the design and construction of training facilities and high-fidelity training aids for a variety of commercial organizations, institutions, and military clients. Details of my background and experience can be found in my profile.

Our most recent development, the Sea State Platform, replicates the motion experienced on a vessel deck in varying sea conditions using programmable 6DoF technology, including pitch, roll, heave, surge (fore and aft), yaw, and sway (port and starboard) movement.

As part of a complete training solution, we also provide a range of associated training aids, including self-storing accommodation ladders, rope ladders, vertical ladders fitted with fall-arrest systems, and lifeline systems incorporating harnesses and rescue capabilities.

I invite you to review the videos on our site and information on the Sea State Platform.

Pricing is not published on the website, as each system is customized to meet individual client requirements. Please contact us for further information and pricing.