Training vessel „Kapella”

Reportedly, the great Russian military commander Suvorov once said: „Train hard fight easy”. It fits perfectly to describe the practical lessons that are held on the training vessel „Kapella”, because the learning process there is hard and harsh, but very close to real conditions in emergency situations onboard.

Practicing emergency operations in a warm swimming pool may be easier and more pleasant. The only problem is that the aim of the training is not having fun, but acquiring critical skills and abilities, which may save your life and help you save the lives of others some day.

The training ship „Kapella” has a long and legendary history. It was constructed in 1964 as an oil tanker „Ardatov” and travelled all the world’s oceans during its active service life. Gaining its present status it was renamed “Kapella” after the old training sailing vessel of Riga maritime school.

Now „Kapella” is used for training purposes. It has six rooms for theoretical studies, a swimming pool for practicing emergency operations involving boats and helicopter rescue equipment, real equipment for fighting water and fire, foam and smoke labyrinths. On board you can learn how to use a rescue boat, a guard boat and a life raft.

The crew keeps all machinery in working order: diesel generators, boilers, towing and anchor equipment. All this and the main engine can be studied “inside and out”. In addition to that there is a working Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) on board.

„The „Kapella”

Fire is always frightening even when used for study purposes.

Dressed like this you may go through fire, but with extinguisher foam you do not need any equipment.

Learning how to use a rescue boat is the bounden duty of any seafarer. Rescuing operations involving a helicopter also call for proper training.

It turns out that entering a rescue raft is not as easy as may seem. Knowing how to do it is not enough; you also need agility and practice.

A rescue boat is launched. Now we have to find the person in need of help, take him out of water and render first aid.