Bureau Veritas / DNV Certification
The engineering design of the FROG-3 has been reviewed by Bureau Veritas, Sparrows Offshore Services and Det Norske Veritas (DNV). All impact testing was witnessed by DNV.
The unit carries CE certification (and complies with the EC Machinery Directive). The FROG-3 falls into the category of equipment that requires third party type examination for CE marking.
DNV Bergen conducted the type exam, examining our design package, manufacturing and quality procedures, operating instructions, and risk assessment. They also witnessed the testing of the FROG-3, ensuring that it meets the criteria set in the EC Machinery Directive (equivalent to UK Supply of Machinery Regulations).
In addition to the DNV review of the design, Bureau Veritas conducted a 3rd party review of our design calculations.
RGIT - Wave Pool Trials
The FROG design, tetrahedral buoyancy configuration and low centre of gravity ensures that the FROG floats upright and is stable in water.
The buoyancy also gives floatation to the stretcher and medic in the event (although very low risk) of immersion during stretcher transfer. The FROG-3 has been thoroughly tested at the RGIT wave pool training facility, with wave simulation of 2m equivalent, to varify the self-righting, stability and passenger protection in these conditions.
The FROG-6 and FROG-9 have also undergone immersion trials to ensure the units are able to self-right and float in water.
MIRA Ltd - Whiplash Effect
The FROG-3, FROG-6 and FROG-9 all have a tough protective frame to shield passengers during offshore transfer - an operation that has a high degree of impact risks.
In the FROG-3 passengers are secured within the frame in bucket seats with full harnesses, supported on a dampened seat base. Any impacts from hard landings or side motion are taken by the frame and damping system.
The data of the maximum impacts was reviewed by MIRA Ltd to evaluate the effects on personnel in the FROG-3. The results concluded that during all impacts the passengers remain safe from any compression or whiplash related injury. For vertical impacts the biomechanical research indicates that, at a maximum landing speed of 4m/s, the risk of injury to spine is less than 0.2% and to neck of 8%, assuming a helmet is worn. For transverse or lateral impacts the risk of injury to neck is less than 14% at maximum impact velocity (again with a helmet).
