Next weekend I will be traveling offshore to our Ursa platform for an audit. So yesterday I had to take Water Survival/HUET. What's that mean? Helicopter Underwater Egress Training. Okay...what's that mean? Basically it's a course that covers the essentials to develop/improve water survival skills. You know, in case the helicopter crashes over the Gulf, or if you have to evacuate the platform. Fun and happy stuff!!
Part of the class requires students to practice in-water survival techniques (survival float, helicopter egress, clothing inflation, use of lifesaving equipment, and water entry from a height). It's all done in an indoor pool. So yesterday I got paid to swim around and escape from a model helicopter. I was sort of anxious about doing it before I left. I mean, what if I can't get out of the practice helicopter?? What if I drown in the pool in my seat belt? And you have to do it while they are flipping you over?? Crap.
Turns out it really wasn't that bad. I did every single test run (there were 7) without a single mistake. I was quite proud of myself afterwards. I mean, I had to hold my breath, knock out the window, undo my seat belt and swim out! That's a lot to do. But when your life's at stake, I guess you can do anything. Though let me tell you about the bumps and bruises I have on my arms today!!
Here's a video of what I had to do. This video was shot at the same place I took my training, but this is from January - it's not me.
No comments:
Post a Comment