Reflex Marine is pleased to announce that its Personnel Transfer Device, the FROG-6, has been officially certified by the Brazilian Navy who is the accredited body for Offshore Safety in the region.
Reflex Marine is the first EU based company to gain this homologation which was officially confirmed in February this year. The accreditation was gained after extensive product testing and scrutiny of the technical capability of the FROG-6, which passed with flying colours. The FROG is globally regarded as the safest system for transfer of personnel and is currently used in all regions of the world for routine crew transfers except Brazil.
The standard method of transfer offshore in Brazil is by helicopter and traditional rope baskets are commonly used as a contingency. However, Brazil’s continuing commitment to exploring other methods of transfer is positive and there is growing interest in new products and innovative solutions for the deep-water offshore industry. Carol Richards, Reflex Marine’s Regional Sales Manager for South America has been building important relationships in the energy industry between Aberdeen and Brazil to explore how Reflex Marine’s technologies can improve safety in the country’s burgeoning energy sector. Carol commented:
“Our strong relationship with Brazil, which is experiencing considerable growth in its energy sector, is very important development for not only Reflex Marine but for the Aberdeen oil and gas industry. Brazil is an important market and the interest shown by the Navy is clear evidence of the high esteem in which the skills, knowledge and expertise of Reflex Marine are held worldwide”.
In December of last year Reflex Marine welcomed personnel from the coastguard section of the Brazilian Navy to witness the testing of the FROG-6 first hand. Representatives from the Directorate of Ports and Coasts explored Reflex Marine’s industry leading FROG capsule and witnessed immersion, load, vertical and lateral impact tests. Guests to the civic reception that followed included the Lord Provost of Aberdeen and Gordon McIntosh, director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure at Aberdeen City Council.
The FROG-6 provides extensive protection from the four key risks of transfer including falling, collision, heavy landings and immersion. The buoyancy panels provides self-righting and floatation which protects passengers in the unlikely event of immersion in water. These buoyancy panels are coupled with a stainless steel frame to protect passengers from side impacts. The seats are mounted on coil springs which are combined with gas dampers to protect passengers from vertical impacts and heavy landings. The polymer foam shock absorbing landing feet also help to reduce vertical impacts. The device utilises quick release three-point harnesses which provide passenger safety, comfort, rapid egress and provides additional protection from falling. Additionally, secondary backup lifting assembly is provided to provide lifting redundancy.
If you would like to find out more about the FROG-6 or any of Reflex Marine’s crane transfer device range please click here.
Reflex Marine has an established partner based in Macae, Brazil who offers Reflex Marine products as well as inspection, maintenance, replacement parts and training. To get in contact or find out more please click here.