How did we get here?

In the mid 80’s NASCO was asked to develop a Top Gun Course for the hard rides environment. This course was developed, implemented and has been widely accepted. Like the Lifeguard Top Gun Course, it focuses on leadership skills and behavior that is not only desirable of one entering into a management position, but are necessary skills and attributes one needs in order to be an effective leader. Since this time, NASCO has developed an appraisal system and two training programs for the hard rides environment.

ROC (Ride Operator Certification) Course

Over many years of careful observation and research, NASCO felt it was necessary to develop a program that will bring some uniformity to the training of hard ride operators across the industry. In 2003, the ROC was successfully piloted. This course showed a great impact in enhancing the performance of the ride operators. The mission of the ROC course is To Enrich the Experience of the Seasonal Operator by Teaching Standard Safe Practices in the Amusement Rides Industry. The ROC is general in nature and as such, is not designed or intended to replace ride or procedure specific training that is required for all operators.

Water Rides in the Hard Rides Environment

An increasing number of aquatic based rides in the hard rides environment prompted NASCO to develop the Water Sentry Course. This course is not intended to replace hard rides training, but act as a supplement to their initial training. Aquatic based rides present different safety and operational concerns than traditional hard rides. NASCO realizes that in order to address these concerns, operators need additional training that focuses on how to handle potential emergencies that could occur on their ride.

Hard Rides Training and Services

ROC (Ride Operator Certification) Course

This is a training for ride operators in the hard rides industry. This program is intended to enhance the operator’s performance and while it does not include specific training it covers the general principles and concepts of a ride operators job particularly in the areas of safety and guest satisfaction. The course focuses on six main areas of performance as required by a ride operator.

Course length: 7-8 hours

Water Sentry Certification Course

The Water Sentry Certification Course covers rescue and emergency skills related to the operation of an aquatic based ride in a hard ride environment. This course is restricted to individuals working in water less than five (5) feet deep with no pronounced current while working from the deck or bank. Includes shallow water search and rescue skills as well as rescues for a deck or bank. Designed for operators or supervisors of rides such as a log flume or tube ride.

Prerequisites:
Retrieve a 10 pound brick from five (5) foot of water
At least 15 years of age

Course length:
4 to 6 hours

Hard Rides Top Gun

Like the Waterpark Top Gun course, this course concentrates on developing the leadership skills of operators that have been targeted as having the potential to move into an initial level of management. It is designed to enhance the students ability to generate teamwork and to gain a more complete understanding of safety at their specific park. Both classroom and practical components will be utilized to foster learning from the participants as well as the facilitators.

Course length: 20 hours

Hard Rides Index

This is a performance appraisal system for hard rides operators. The index focuses on six main areas of performance: professionalism, scanning, guest interaction, cleanliness, appearance and posture. All six of these performance areas are key components of a ride operator’s job. During this index, each ride or ride group is observed at least three times. The objective of this index is to assess the performance of the ride operator and evaluate the first line of supervision on how well they are reinforcing good/desirable behavior and consistent enforcement of rider and operator safety, policies and procedures.