Immersion Test FAQ

Prior to taking the Immersion training, all onboard crew must have a valid scuba certificate or have received

suitable training.

This alternative training should be approved by the National Authority.

Any driver racing in a powerboat that uses a restraint system has to perform the Immersion training.

This training will provide experience and a simulation of being in an overturned boat. Each training takes around forty seconds. Prior to taking the Immersion training, all on-board crew must have a valid scuba certificate or have received suitable training.

This alternative training should be approved by the National Authority. Any drivers / pilots that have to use such equipment are highly recommended to seek professional training by a National Authority i.e. PADI, BSAC, Microdive, SAA. These organizations will provide training on how to assemble and use such equipment. Advising such organizations of your requirement may help them in devising a training schedule for you.

Regulations:-

The UIM has revised their training procedure guidelines as of, Date: 1/12/2017.

This information is supplied as a guide for immersion training for Circuit and Offshore cockpits.

Enclosed within this document are the new requirements and procedures for the drivers.

The Training Rig:-

The training rig should simulate a reinforced cockpit as closely as possible. It must be able to turn the cockpit over in such a way that the driver / pilot, strapped inside, is totally immersed in water.

The cockpit must have the following:

 An opening no larger than found in a normal reinforced cockpit, with sides no lower than the driver’s / pilot’s shoulder.

 A driver / pilot harness as per UIM rule 509.03.

 A detachable steering wheel as per UIM rule 509.10.

The Offshore cockpit must have the following:-

Seating arrangement similar to the race boat, side by side, tandem.

 An opening no larger than found in a normal reinforced cockpit.

 A driver / pilot harness as per UIM Offshore rule 508.21.

 A steering wheel as per UIM Offshore rule 508.22.

Personal equipment:-

The driver / pilot must wear the following personal equipment:

 Race suit.

 Shoes or trainers.

 Gloves (if normally used by the driver).

 Helmet.

 Life jacket / Cell Suit.

 Forward head restraint device (FHRs).

 The parts of the personal air system that are worn by the driver/pilot (s) in the race boat.

Additional Equipment:-

 Air source – Personal air system or Demand valve connected to a compressed breathing air bottle.

Precautions:-

The organisers of the training must ensure that the persons assisting are capable of evacuating the driver / pilot rapidly in case they are unable to do so. There must be a person qualified in resuscitation present during the whole training. Every sequence of the training will be explained to the driver beforehand.

Performing the training:-

The training shall be performed according to the following sequence:

 1st Training - Complete Roll Over, wearing all personal equipment, harness fastened, canopy fastened (if used). Breathing air.

 2nd Training - Complete Roll Over, wearing all personal equipment, harness fastened, canopy fastened (if used), but not breathing air.

Please note that all trainings will include demonstrating the driver / pilot ability to use the air supply successfully under water for approximately 30 seconds in simulated accident conditions.

The above trainings will be with either the cockpit canopy cover on or off, depending on the driver / pilot race boat.

Performance evaluation:-

The training is deemed to be successful when the driver is able to maintain composure and reaches the surface successfully.

The driver / pilot must not move until the diver has indicated by a tap on the shoulder, that they may start their escape.

Training Guidelines:-

The Driver / Pilot will be overturned in the cockpit; the covering safety diver will indicate to the driver / pilot by a tap on the shoulder. The Driver / Pilot will perform their escape using the following guidelines under supervision of the safety divers.

The sequence will be as follows:

To use their air supply successfully under water for approximately 30 seconds in simulated accident conditions.

 Driver / Pilot will release the canopy catches and open the canopy.

 Driver / Pilot will remove the steering wheel.

 For Offshore, escape must be demonstrated without releasing the steering wheel per 508.22.

 Driver/ Pilot will release the head and neck restraint quick release(s)

 Driver / Pilot will release the seat belt harness.

 Driver / Pilot will place hands on side of canopy and forward roll out the cockpit and swim to the surface.

Failure to accomplish the training can be by the following points:-

Moving before the diver taps the Driver / Pilot.

Failure to release either the canopy catches, steering wheel (Unless in Offshore), head and neck restraint quick release, or seat belt harnesses.