International Ride Operator Certification Program (iROC)
Your lifeguards are certified, why aren’t your ride operators?
That’s the question IRT asked itself over a decade ago and which led to the creation of the world’s only third-party ride operator certification, the International Ride Operator Certification. Drawing on decades of experience training, managing, and developing ride operators, as well as in-depth experience developing amusement ride operating standards through active leadership and participation in organizations such as ASTM International, AIMS International, NAARSO, and IAAPA, IRT, in consultation with leading industry operators, has developed the International Ride Operator Certification (or “iROC”) program.
iROC is a Certification Program which provides train-the-trainer training and accountability to ensure your operations team is performing to the standards of the 10 Critical Components.
iROC comprises of three elements:
Training Support
Training according to the iROC Ten Critical Components begins with licensed iROC Instructors. Instructors obtain their license to administer the iROC program through attendance at the iROC Roll Out Training (conducted at their facility) or the annual iROC “Ride Camp” Safety School. Once licensed, IRT authorizes iROC instructors to administer the iROC program at their home facility, by training in-house trainers on the fundamental principles of the Ten Critical Components, the iROC training philosophy, and how the Ten Critical Components fit into the operating procedures for any specific ride. iROC Instructors and Trainers then train and test front-line ride operators on these fundamental principles using IRT-provided classroom training materials, testing, and videos (all provided online) as well as during on-site training at specific ride locations.
- iROC Roll-Out Training Program
- Annual “Ride Camp” Safety School Registration
- Training Methodology
- Online Operator Training
- Streaming video
- iROC Instructor Resource Manual
- iROC Operator Resource Manual
- Cloud based secure record keeping
- Monthly iROC Instructor Intel Call
Accountability
The iROC Program provides the tools necessary to ensure that an operator’s training is realized in performance. iROC Facilities receive access to IRT’s proprietary iROC Self-Auditing Mobile App to ensure accurate tracking and management of performance standards as well as two unannounced Certification Audits annually conducted by IRT-trained auditors. IRT audits typically include twelve ride locations chosen at random to include a mix of ride types, from kiddie rides to the largest thrill rides and waterslides. Ride Operator performance is assessed based on more than thirty audit criteria each ride cycle. Scores on individual rides are aggregated to award an overall facility score.
- Two unannounced iROC Certification Audits Annually
- Up to 12 rides assessed – Over 30 performance criteria
- Videotaped observation
- Narrative Audit Report with corrective actions
- Detailed Assessment Sheets
- Exit Meeting
- Failing audits require additional follow up audit
- iROC Self-Auditing Mobile App (Android / Apple)
- Annual Reporting (with historical comparison)
Post-Incident Support
iROC Operators are among the best in the world. Nonetheless, in the unlikely event that a serious injury or fatality occurs in the park, IRT is your partner. Upon request, IRT will assist in the investigation of the incident and, if necessary, provide expert witness and documentary support. There is no additional fee for this service other than travel expense.
How does iROC Benefit You?
Safety
Studies show that amusement park injuries are primarily caused by guest misconduct or, less frequently, operator error. The iROC program reduces the opportunity for guest misconduct by ensuring that operators are paying appropriate attention and proactively taking steps to prevent misconduct before it starts. Moreover, iROC operators are trained to actively manage and control the entire ride cycle from beginning to end, reducing the opportunity for boredom and careless errors in ride operation.
Standardization
In the wake of an unfortunate incident in the amusement industry, an oft- repeated theme in media reports is the lack of standardization in amusement regulation. iROC provides consistent operational standards for safe, professional, and efficient operation regardless of where the facility is located. For multi- park systems, iROC bridges the gap created by state regulation, giving your guests and your team members confidence that the rides they experience at one park will be subject to the same operating standards across the entire chain. For standalone parks, iROC instills in your guests confidence that your rides are being operated according to a national set of standards absent under the current system of state-by-state ride regulation.
Support And Communication
IRT facilitates communication between facilities to ensure an open dialog and innovation in the area of ride safety regardless of corporate affiliation. iROC facilities do not hesitate to communicate with one another when safety in on the line. And that is good for the entire industry.
Risk Management
According to studies, the median personal injury jury award in the United States is over $1 million and facilities can expect to spend another $1 million, or more, solely on the administrative costs of a lawsuit including employee time, lost profits and productivity, and lost opportunities. Those costs are not insured and come directly from your bottom line. The iROC program gives you the training and assessment tools necessary to help you avoid these expensive and time- consuming claims. Avoiding even one such claim, saves your facility substantial expense and pays for the iROC program many times over.
Education
iROC clients are invited to the annual iROC “Ride Camp” Safety School, the primary means of attaining and maintaining iROC Instructor Certification. Hosted by an iROC Facility each year, Ride Camp provides unparalleled in- depth continuing eduction focused exclusively on ride operations excellence. Ride Camp is a fun, educational, immersive, and singularly focused experience devoted entirely to ride operations training and performance.