Welcome to K38 Way of Safety

Please contact us direct for information regarding our specialized military training courses.

Stage A - Attendance

E-Learning

Attend an online learning course or a mentor program, an introduction. To begin the process of Adjunct Instructor Training at the first phase of learning. Introduction or mentorship content to the specific discipline or subject matter.

Certificate Title: Certificate of Learning

a) Knowledge base in Low Risk Level Environment (Green)

Stage 1 - Level I - Participant

Course ID: #K38-RWC-211-1

Hours: 8

Certificate stream of achievement for management course principles, standards and risks as applied to the course modules, goals and tasks. The first level of student development. The first Level of instructor development. Content applying risk management, task analysis, situational awareness, planning, hazard awareness and avoidance and personal survival in Low-risk zones.

Certificate Title: Certificate of Achievement

a) Knowledge base in Low Risk Level 1 Environment. (Green)

With Level 1 Mandate Assessment and Tasks. 

Stage 2 - Level II - Management 

Course ID: #K38-RWC-212-2

Hours: 16

Certificate stream of operations of the participant principles, standards and risks as applied to the course modules, goals and tasks. The second level of student development. The second level of instructor development. Focus includes the practical basic workplace safety, simple response protocols. Content applying risk management, task analysis, situational awareness, planning, hazard awareness and avoidance and personal survival in Low to Moderate risk zones.

Certificate Title: Certificate of Understanding

a) Operating in Low Risk Level 1 to Moderate Risk Level Environments. (Orange)

b) With Level 2 mandates assessment and tasks.  

 Stage 3 - Level III - Technician

Course ID: #K38-RWC-213-3

Hours: 24

Certificate stream of technical applications of completion of the principles, standards and risks as applied to the course modules, goals and tasks.  The third level of student development. The third Level of instructor development. Focuses include basic workplace safety, simple response protocols. Content applying risk management, task analysis, situational awareness, planning, hazard awareness and avoidance and personal survival. Compound workplace safety functions and Low, Moderate and High risk, compound (multiple) rescue responses

Certificate Title: Certificate of Operations

a) Working in Low to High-Risk Environments. (Yellow)

With Risk Level 3 mandates assessment and tasks.  

Stage 4 - Level IV - Specialist 

Course ID: #K38-RWC-214-4

Hours: 32

Certificate stream of specialist applications of performance of the principles, standards and risks as applied to the course modules, goals and tasks. The fourth level of student development. The fourth Level of Instructor Development. Focuses include basic workplace safety, simple response protocols. Content applying the risk management, task analysis, situational awareness, planning, hazard awareness and avoidance and personal survival. Compound workplace safety functions and compound (multiple) rescue responses; understanding the personal, equipment and protocol limits, and performing complex (multiple level) rescue responses in Low, Moderate, High and Severe risk environments.

Certificate Title: Certificate of Completion

a) Severe Risk Environment (Red)

b) With risk Level 4 mandate assessment and tasks. 

Stage 5 - Level V - Expert 

Course ID: #K38-RWC-215-5

Hours: 40

Certificate stream of expert applications of assessment of the principles, standards and risks as applied to the course modules, goals and tasks. The fifth level of student development. The fifth Level of Instructor development. Focuses include advanced workplace safety, simple response protocols. Content applying the risk management, task analysis, situational awareness, planning, hazard awareness and avoidance and personal survival. Compound workplace safety functions of all risk, compound (multiple) rescue responses. Managing the personal, equipment and protocol limits, and performing complex (multiple level) rescue responses in Low, Moderate, High, Severe, and Extreme risk environments. An instructor Subject Matter Expert and Court Appointed Expert.

Certificate Title: Certificate of Performance

a) Extreme Risk Environment (Black)

b) With risk Level 5 mandate assessment and tasks

 NIGHT OPERATIONS

Course ID 1: #K38-RWC-NO-208-1

Course ID 2: #K38-RWC-NO-209-2

An additional to a Stage 3-5 course per request of the agency with a 4-hour training block. The first and second level of student Night Operations development. The first and second level of instructor specialist/expert development for teaching night operations. A post requisite training for Technical and Specialist field operations pertaining to night time operations for search and rescue or recovery efforts.

Specialty training with standard pre-requisites

1. Night Operations 1-Low to Moderate Level: Certificate of Completion

2. Night Operations 2-High to Extreme Level: Certificate of Performance

a. Extreme Risk Environment (Black)

K38 In-House Instructorship Program

The goal of the In-House Level 3 Technical Instructors program is to train, evaluate and certify highly qualified instructors. This training, assessing and auditing process reduces the risk exposure for power boating programs.

Instructor candidates must successfully pass all phases of instruction. Instructor candidates cannot instruct certification programs until they have qualified to the level of course provisions. This is an Operations Level course with a risk level category of ‘high’.

This course is for public safety agency personnel, please inquire to see if your agency qualifies.

IN HOUSE TRAINING LAW AND LEGAL DEFINITION

In-house training is a training program for learning opportunities developed by the organization in which they are used. Training may be required to be provided to employees as part of legislative requirements for industry performance and safety standards or continuing education requirements. However, training may be offered voluntarily by an employer to maintain the competitiveness of the organization.

Some of the benefits of in-house training are:

1. Savings on travel, lodging, meals, and other miscellaneous costs.

2. Customization to the specific needs of the organization

3. Opportunity for follow-up after training

Recertification Maintenance

Course ID: #K38-RWC-28-RCT

Course Code: 29-REC

Cost: Discount applies 20% for recurring training

OPERATOR-COXSWAIN RECERTIFICATION POLICY

Maintaining current K38 certification for Operator/Coxswain qualification must be done prior are right after the expiration date issue on the Stage of Training and the Course Reference Number listed on your certificate. Lapsed certifications that are 90 days past their expiration date will be required to retake the course at normal course registration fees.

Coxswains can maintain their qualification by retaking the original course at a recertification rate, or by taking a higher stage of training if one is available. 

K38 encourages all Operator/Coxswains to continue their professional development through continued education. 

K38 Operator/Coxswain records are kept for a period of 3 years and no longer. 

K38 Operator/Coxswain certification does not qualify them for instructor level training, it is for operational use only. 

Instructor qualification is a specified training program comprised of continual audits and program maintenance.

Our training courses vary in Stages of competency development. Each stage is an 8 hour block of training depending upon the risk level and type of course requested.

Our training courses vary in Stages of competency development. Each stage is an 8 hour block of training depending upon the risk level and type of course requested.

Our training courses vary in Stages of competency development. Each stage is an 8 hour block of training depending upon the risk level and type of course requested.

01-IRR. ICE RESCUE: Ice rescue responder, Snow, Avalanche, Winter Training

02-MWR. MOVING WATER: Swift moving water, Swiftwater, flood waters, surf, swell, current

03-HPB. HUMAN PROPELLED BOAT: Rafts, SUP, Paddle craft, floats

04-RTR. ROPE - TECHNICAL RESCUE: Access, Rope or Line systems, technical rescue, high angle or low angle, 

05-PBR. POWER BOAT: Inboard, Outboard, water jet, electric, fuel, diesel powered

06-HWS. HEAVY WATER: Big wave safety, extreme risk environments or specialized   training and safety coordination

07-AES. AQUATIC EVENT: Aquatic event safety and management practices and training needs.  Course Marshal PWC Officiating training

08-ACS. AVIATION CREW: Helicopter crew safety

09-IPQ. INSTRUCTOR: Instructor Professional Qualification education 

10-NIO. NIGHT OPERATIONS: Night operation training for specialized disciplines

11-MFA. MEDICAL-FIRST AID: CPR, Basic to advanced first aid, EMT, and Paramedic services

12-YMT. YOUTH MENTORSHIP-TRAINING: Youth from the ages of 4 to 18 years of age prior to becoming a legal adult, mentorship

13-PST. PUBLIC SAFETY: Public safety agency training, search and rescue, volunteer   teams, disaster response, general training for safety

14-ANR. ANIMAL RESCUE: Domesticated, wildlife, livestock, exotic animals, reptilians, mammals

15-AIM. ADULT – INSTRUCTOR MENTORSHIP: Adult education, mentor or leadership programs

16-FPS. FILM PRODUCTION SAFETY; Water safety and technical safety support for the film industry in a variety of services

17-CIS. CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY: Technical and safety training that serves the construction and commercial industry on a variety of projects

18-MST. MILITARY: Military safety, operational or mission profile training for land to waterborne divisions

19-LET. LAW ENFORCEMENT: Law Enforcement Officers (LEO); police, sheriff, warden, harbor officer, inspector, border patrol, search and rescue

20-ALT. AQUATIC LIFESAVING: Water safety: lifeguards, lifesavers, SCUBA, 

21-CST. COMPETITION SAFETY TRAINING: Novice, Expert, Professional safety

22-FRS. FIRE RESCUE: Fire rescue services for fire personnel who are appointed to a   specific discipline

23-TRV. TERRAIN RESPONSE VEHICLE: All-terrain vehicles including snowmobiles

24-WST. WINTER SAFETY TRAINING: Avalanche, snowshoe, fishing

25-URP. UNMANNED ROBOTIC PRODUCTS: UAV and unmanned boats and   lifesaving devices

26-SME. CONSULTANT-SME EXPERT: Consultation on projects or program development, court expert

27-VER. VEHICLE SURVIVOR EXTRACTION AND RECOVERY: Survivor in vehicle   extraction and recovery. Applied to ice, standing and moving water, vehicle over the side of roadway

28-RCT. RECURRING TRAINING: Proficiency skill development focus on 2-6 hours training block

29-REC. RECERTIFICATION: Maintenance of current qualification to sustain assigned license

30-YAC. YACHT PWC SAFETY TRAINING: Yacht industry PWC recreational training for certification needs

31-PWC. RECREATIONAL PWC - COMPETITION: PWC qualification training for recreational or competition needs

32-CCR. COURSE COMPLETION RECORD: Course Completion Record for agency personnel training

33-MER. MERIT AWARDS: Awards program for qualified and competent persons

Rescue Water Craft (RWC) are an inboard jet drive boat, less than 4.8 m (16 ft.) in length and, as such, is subject to all USA federal rules and regulations, especially pertaining to boating safety and operation as enforced by the

U.S. Coast Guard. States and local jurisdictions may have additional requirements for operation of power-driven craft in waters under their control. Additionally, other nations may have their own standards and regulations of compliance of operation that apply to operators and passengers.

RWC are Personal Water Craft with a change in the nomenclature terminology of the craft definition for the purpose of occupational use, use of application, safety, risk management, seamanship discipline and standardization. Water Safety & Rescue operations place these boats in a variety of uses by public safety agencies, military, volunteer, waterway access and operability, disaster responses, and others operating in severe to high-risk environments; that these vessels were not inherently designed to be; used, operated, or equipped.

Due to the inherent risk of operation in riverine, open water, surf and disaster zones: third-party audited courses and instructors are required to reduce, mitigate, assess and monitor the risk applications and reduce injury- accidents and to ensure that boating safety, maritime security and program sustainability is the primary foundation enforced for the craft and program operability.

A small pleasure boat less than 16 feet in length with an inboard jet drive as its primary source of propulsion. Designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the craft rather than within the confines of the hull. Subject to all USA federal rules and regulations especially pertaining to boating safety and operation as enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard. States and local jurisdictions may have additional requirements for operation of powerboats in waters under their control. Additionally, other countries may have their own standards and regulations. The State of Hawai’i in the USA refers to Personal Water Craft as ‘Thrill Craft’.

PWC VESSEL HULL CONFIGURATIONS 'CLASSES' 

1. Stand-up (1 person)

2. Sport (1-2 persons)

3. Runabout (sit-down 1-3 persons)

4. Sport Utility (1-4 persons)

A PWC/RWC that is dedicated to military applications but may have additional design features, functions, accessories and color schemes. The critical significance of human factors is determined by coxswain efficacy for interaction in the selected domain of underway and maximal operations effectiveness of a moving platform. Such as night operations or emergency procedures to maximize safety. MRV performance metrics are invested into four categories: safety support, mission deployment, vessel engine type and hull/accessories. Performance indicators are regulated by the inherent craft design and determined weight onboard a specific make, model and year of production power craft, and the wind and sea conditions. Crew and vessel sizing limit the scope of use. Vessel design is best fitted for specialized need, maintenance requirement and offers a lower budget and manpower requirement for power water craft programs.

An accessory aquaplane device. That is towed not behind a Rescue Water Craft, but dragged from its forward bow connection point to the RWC stern cleat located under the rear seat, resting upon the transom of a Rescue Water Craft. For the purpose of placing a person, or persons on board, transport equipment, load small animals, or recover and transport athletes at aquatic events, operated at a safe speed underway.

The construction material shall not cause spinal flexion of any person laying in a prone position, but remain in a fixed, permanent position, from length to beam, and possess independent fixed grab hold handles that are not used to tether the TAD to the PWC/RWC/MRV, using a three-point attachment system. Connection points to the vessel shall use the original equipment manufacturer, trailer tie down anchor points below the bond line, and stern eye for the center connector point below the aft seat.

The use of a TAD requires specialized OEM training, warnings, cautions and warranties of the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). The Personal Water Craft manufacturers and trainers are not responsible for the use, care, transport, attachment, or inspection of the use of an accessory device.

A Towable Aquaplane device to be registered as a lifesaving device will need to be engineered by appropriate qualified and verified subject matter experts, tested by a maritime scientific laboratory and medical board review for safety.   

K38’s influence wraps around the world since the 1970s recognized as the ‘First Generation of Jet Skiers’. K38 instructors have trained thousands of competent and qualified personnel. K38 licensed Operators and Coxswains have saved thousands of lives, prevented accidents and saved property. Their collective efforts are the success of our company and brand image. K38 is the worlds’ leading authority and training service provider specializing in small power craft and support safety and educational services. Our unique industry relationship with the Personal Water Craft Manufacturers is renown. And we surf. We ride dirtbikes. We create happening events. We work hard. We know what tragedy is and recovery. We are steady.

K38 is recognized as industry leader since 1989 with an experience level of 44 years in 2024 and over 45,000 hours of expertise in our respective subject domains. K38 created the first certification program for night qualification and are a certifying body. True to our origins we still have the Jet Ski Fever! Our company founder is a court appointed Subject Matter Expert (SME). The company operates in in three regions: Americas, Europe and Asia. K38 Instructors are true, dedicated and serve the greater good. We have hosted courses in 23 nations. Our European headquarters fulfills operations under the directorship of Ben Granata who has an esteemed background in public safety, film industry, big wave surfing, military and safety services.

K38 headquarters are based out of Hayle, United Kingdom. The sister company is H20 Safety United Kingdom. Our partnership with Aquatic Safety Department (ASD) in the Americas offers additional services for public safety agencies and private industry for compliance, competency and lifesaving. We are blessed by God and our student experience; however, this volume of work belongs to public service, humanity and the survivors we have served.  They are our story. Be a part of K38, Join us.

K38 is the Gold Standard.

http://k38italia.it/

In 1999, K38 Founder Shawn Alladio was the International Jet Sports Boating Association water safety director. She met Fabio Annigoni from Italy at the event where she was leading a Course Marshal Team.  Fabio was invited to attend a Rescue Water Craft course at Pillar Point, California; home of the famous big wave surfin break called 'Mavericks'.  From there, K38 Italia was born and Fabio brought professional Rescue Water Craft courses to Europe.

In 2003, Rodrigo Costa and Antonio Mestre attended a K38 course held in Brazil. They again returned to the United States of America and attended a course at Pillar Point, California in 2004, once again the big wave surf break called Mavericks provided training. Soon after K38 was brought to Portugal. The Maritime Police instructor Mario Pinto was invited by Antonio. After a short time, Mario brought in Carlos Santos as expert maritime K38 instructor. Today K38 Portugal is in partnership with A.N.S.L.A. Resgate. Carlos Santos is our lead military instructor.

Originally run by big wave surfer Chris Bertish, Ben Granata took over K38 UK in 2005.  Ben now fields the company and has expanded services to H2O Safety and has raised the bar for service related work.  K38 UK heads up operations in Europe, Americas and Asia.

Mike Kukla originally managed K38 Poland training, Fabio Annigoni brought RWC training to Europe. Fabio subsequently trained a group of Lifeguards managed by Jakub Friedenberger who now manages training programs.  K38 Poland is operating in partnership with Lifeguard Gdynia.

Marine Sports Foundation (Maris) began a unique partnership with K38 in 2007.  We overcame our translation needs first with Simon and then with Hiroshi Yamaoka.  In 2009, Hiraoki Kishi came on board and now leads an instructor cadre in Japan, from Hokkkaido, the main island and Okinawa. K38 Japan is associated with Hokkaido Water Sports Association.

Chuang Kuei Yuan came to Morro Bay, California to complete his instructor training in 2009.  Shortly thereafter he began providing K38 courses to his countrymen. He and his family operate a watersports company in Taiwan.

H2O Safety is an affiliate of K38 and a program course provider for the RYA.  A variety of services and courses are available. Please contact https://h2osafety.co.uk/h2osafety-contact/ for any inquires such as fleet hire, training, or project development.

Our sister company website;   

www.h2osafety.co.uk

K38 COURSES

1. K38 Rescue Water Craft: Stages 1-5

2. K38 Instructorship Program

3. K38 Military Maritime Training

4. K38 Program Audits

5. K38 Yacht Training

ROYAL YACHT ASSOCIATION (RYA)

1. RYA Personal Water Craft Course (PWC)

2. RYA Powerboat Level 2

FIRST NEEDS TRAINING

4. First Aid Courses

5. First Response Emergency Care (FREC)

6. All Terrain Vehicle Training Courses (ATV)

H2O SERVICES

1. Rail Bridge Repair Safety

2. Modular Pontoon Hire

3. Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine Courses

4. Global Television & Film Support

FLEET HIRES

1.   Pontoon & Docks

2. Land Vehicles

3. Marine Craft

4. Shelters

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITY

H20 Safety is the UK’s foremost company regarding Personal Water Craft (PWC) for recreational use and Rescue Water Craft (RWC) for professional use for search and rescue, lifesaving, surveillance, maritime security, military and law enforcement.

We assist clients to increase your agency personnel knowledge, accelerate your professional demands, develop lifesaving skills and provide the Gold Standard in water safety management for commercial projects and performance audits. 

Duty of Care is a ‘way of being’ and the responsibility of both competent and qualified instructors and students who represent the highest level of operational safety and security globally. This is a dedicated and disciplined partnership of the public trust.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Our training was developed by the world’s leading Subject Matter Experts in the Rescue Water Craft field with over 35 years of expertise.  We’ve been in business since 1989. We have worked around the world, in all types of waterways, waterborne disaster. We are the creator of all Rescue Water Craft training programs from large surf, riverine, open water, flood response and surf zone operations. 

We offer live instruction with competent and qualified instructors. Our training programs provides you with licensed qualification tailored to your agency needs, experience and risk level.

K38's teaching philosophy is centered around personalized instruction and student-centered learning based off decades of program development as the creators of RWC programs enjoyed worldwide. We started in the Personal Water Craft industry in the 1970's and enjoy legendary status because we have our hand upon our trade. We believe in identifying our client's unique response depends and tailoring our approach to meet their individual needs. We provide standards Stages of training from Levels 1-5;  the sole night operations training authority and are considered an international industry standard. Students received a work and skills book with daily quizzes and inspection reviews.  Our goals are to train clients to a 'competent and capable' level of experience, based on responsibility, knowledge and skill.  The Tasks assigned are skill building and layered in behavioral modification for responding to agency waterway and seasonal needs. Training is specialized to these unique small power water craft and their performance requirements. Why? Maintenance is a significant part of maritime units program success. This is why K38 promotes annual audits for compliance and safety of team members and gear.

Yes, in 1995 K38 created military training programs wit the United States Marine Corps at the Coronado Naval Amphibiosu Base (NAB), California. We enjoyed worldwide by maritime special forces, training, safety support and product development subject matter expertise.  We have worked on many projects for our military clients such as Project Jackal and Project Stingray. Contact us and let's get into a meeting discussing your specialized needs.

Yes, we offer qualified and competent safety services in several countries for special projects and public safety agency personnel. Contact us and we can set up a meeting to discuss your specialized needs.

Yes, we offer qualified and competent safety services for construction, film industry, salvage projects and yacht training for staff and security needs.  Anything on the water, we have you covered!

We do not offer a refund once a course is paid for and a cancellation is requested. There are no refunds. If you cannot attend the training you will be given a future course date to attend and fulfill your enrollment. Be sure you are committed to registration once you agree to the training dates.

Our training courses vary in Stages of competency development. Each stage is an 8 hour block of training depending upon the risk level and type of course requested.

1. Water Helmet

2. Thermal Protection (drysuit/Wetsuit/thermals). No shorty wetsuits, bathing suits or boardshorts permitted.

3. Full finger water gloves

4. Type V lifejacket preferred

5. Hard sole water boots, no barefeet

6. Eye Protection at your discretion, must fit with helmet and have a safety leash

7. Water Whistle

We do not use swim fins as a rescue boat operator./coxswain.

If attending Night Operations you will need the following:

1. Waterproof strobe (non-water activated)

2. Handheld or helmet waterproof light

3. Green chemlight 

Recommended you have SOLAS tape on your helmet

If you have gear questions, please contact us and we can consult with your specific needs.

We do bring Rescue Water Craft with us to training regionally. If you travel to a predesignated course the boat and training equipment are supplied. There may be an additional travel fee depending upon distance.  We supply emergency cut off switches (slang: Lanyard) for our training equipment for each student.

Certification expires after 3 years from the day of successful course completion. It is advised to recertify or to advance to a higher level of experience to reach out 6 months prior to your qualification expiration date to reschedule.

Yes, we offer for qualifying public safety agencies a Stage 3 In-House instructorship program that involves a 2-week training program with online study, program training aids and program audits for a period of 3 years. The is an all encompassing program that assists public safety agencies in maintaining a competent and qualified training program for their agency personnel. Agency records are maintained for a period of 3 years upon successful course completion. 

STAY STEADY - BE READY 

Welcome aboard! We are glad you are here. Check out our pedigree!

MISSION - We provide knowledge and reputable skill everyone can depend upon so you don’t have to define the lessons learned after a tragic accident.

VISION - A Moment for Safety Will Save a Lifetime of Regret

VALUES - Professionalism is a way of being in service

GOALS - Provide the gold standard that peril appreciates

Drive - Inspire responsibility and equipment safety through behavior and action

Dedication -To be the person everyone on the team or a survivor at risk can rely upon

Service - Be comfortable in the storm, the dark night, the heave upon any shore and endure