Akhmetov’s “Steel Front” together with the defense forces is preparing a team of future skippers
Rinat Akhmetov’s “Steel Front” initiative was successful released the first set of skippers trained in a specialized school. During the year of operation, the School of Skippers trained 30 specialists to work on high-speed boats, which were provided within the scope of the project. The training included about 30 hours of theoretical classes and more than 50 hours of practical training: in particular, each cadet spent 10 hours at the helm in the role of captain.
A skipper is a professional who operates small vessels such as boats, yachts, fishing boats or small warships. Their responsibilities include managing the ship, ensuring the safety of the crew and passengers, navigating, following the route, and coordinating the work of the team. In a military environment, skippers undergo additional training covering emergency maneuvering, anti-drone operations, casualty evacuation and tactical support.
“This experience made it possible in a very short period of time to qualitatively and quickly prepare people literally from scratch to the basic level for performing tasks on the water, which are incredibly difficult, especially in the Black Sea. I hope that the courses will be expanded in the future, which will provide an opportunity to study at a larger number watercraft, with more people“, said the senior cadet of the school.
The training program, developed jointly by Ukrainian and international instructors, was adapted to the needs of the military. It covered a variety of aspects, including navigation, radio communication, navigation, route planning, handling the vessel in difficult weather conditions, emergency maneuvering, anti-drone operations, casualty evacuation and towing of damaged vessels.
