Crane simulator on line at Trident Training Facility

Trident Refit Facility had the grand opening of its crane simulator at Trident Training Facility Friday. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured a demonstration of the simulator and the Commanding officers of TRF and TTF each got to try it out.

"Crane operators were never trained formally," said Leroy Banks, mobile crane supervisor. "They were grandfathered by on-the-job training. The simulator gives the hands on training with worrying about damage or breaking things. And, it makes it easier to concentrating on learning without the stress of damaging equipment while working on an actual load. Now all the training is recordable, which is good because there is a standard of steps and habits that we can control."

There are only three crane simulators in the Navy, and Kings Bay is the first lab to have two simulators. Portsmouth, N.H., was the first to have a simulator.

The Crane Inspection Certification Bureau created the simulator to fit the needs of the crane operators at Kings Bay.

"We can cut down on crane mishaps and use better operational risk management," Banks said. "TRF is in the process of training a lot of crane operator apprentices, and this tool is going to pay for itself real fast. Also, already qualified operators need to re-qualify every two years."

The Navy facilities Web site states that in 2007, there were164 accidents Navywide by cranes, which was down from 185 the year prior. Most accidents are due to operator error, according to reports. Only 41 of the 164 accidents were serious. But, every little scuff is documented for record purposes.

Roitresha Watkins of Trident Refit Facility, one of two female crane operator apprentices, is happy with the program.

Trident Refit Facility Commanding Officer Capt. John Stewart gets instructions for running the crane simulator.

"The apprenticeship is a great opportunity to learn and receive benefits while you learn," Watkins said. "They send you to courses at Coastal Community College, and the simulator is awesome. It helps alleviate the all the bad habits before you even start."

All training courses and simulators comply with Operational Safety and Health Administration standards.

"Today we unveil the beginning of a new era in crane operations," said Trident Refit Facility Commanding Officer Capt. John Stewart. "The newest training tool is a great edition and will pay for itself in months. It is not a toy. It is a tool teach and train and get the skills to do the job in a safe environment."

Kerrie Maslin of Trident Refit Facility, a third-year crane operator apprentice, is on track to be the first female crane operator at TRF. Maslin is a 2005 Camden County High School graduate.

There are three different cranes, the Bridge, Portal and Mobile cranes, to qualify. Each has different requirements.

" I am glad they have the simulator because, when operating a crane for the first time you get nervous and it makes it easier to get the controls and learn the crane without the nervousness," Maslin said.