“Learning the ROPES:  Ride Operations Professionalism, Efficiency & Safety” is IRT’s newest training for the attractions industry.  Designed by International Ride Training using standards developed in consultation with some of the leading ride operations professionals in the world, Learning the ROPES is an ideal course for both new ride operators who have little or no background in the fundamentals of safe, efficient, and professional operation and seasoned operators who may be in need of a “back to basics” refresher course to shake off bad habits and refocus on their operation with fresh eyes.

A ride is a ride is a ride.  International Ride Training believes that the core principles of ride operation do not change regardless of whether the ride is located in a waterpark, fixed site theme park, carnival, family entertainment center, or a standalone attraction.  Regardless of where the ride is located, our guests expect that their ride experience will always be safe, conducted with an eye toward great guest service, and feature a professional operator.  Learning the ROPES teaches ride operators to be cognizant of each of these issues so that their operation not only meets, but exceeds, guest expectations.

Learning the ROPES is a self-directed, online course broken down into eleven lessons:

• Professionalism
• Guest Engagement
• Rider Screening
• Loading
• Unloading
• Area Access Control
• Restraint Device Security Verification
• Operator/Attendant Communication
• Safe Zones
• Pre-Dispatch Safety Check
• Preparedness

Each lesson features three training resources:  the “Learning the ROPES Operator Handbook,” streaming video, and a training assessment to ensure comprehension of learned concepts.  Lessons range from approximately 15-20 minutes per lesson with the entire course lasting approximately 2 ½ hours. For new ride operators, International Ride Training recommends that trainees complete the course before beginning their on-the-job training at their particular ride location.  This enables trainees to have a full understanding of safe operating fundamentals before learning how those fundamentals apply to their particular amusement ride.  For experienced operators, Learning the ROPES is an effective annual “brush-up” training to refocus ride operators on the job at hand.

• Annual Subscription: For employers that would like all ride operators to take the “Learning the ROPES” training, International Ride Training offers annual subscription plans.  An annual subscription allows unlimited access to all ride operators at the facility.  Facilities have unfettered ability to enroll their ride operators in the Learning the ROPES training whenever they would like and have access to site-specific electronic training records for each operator that completes the training.  Annual subscription rates vary depending upon the size of the facility and the number of ride locations.  Contact International Ride Training at erik@ridetraining.com for more information regarding annual subscriptions.