This modern paved range is located near the base ball fields adjacent to the Main Gate and will allow SUBASE to offer not only the Basic and Experienced Rider courses but also the recently developed Military Sport Bike Rider course.
"By having the courses taught here on SUBASE, it allows us to take care of all our tenant commands and Submarine personnel who are required to maintain their riding credentials," said Shane Ducharme, Lead Instructor and Traffic Safety Coordinator for SUBASE.
Per OPNAVINST 5100.12H, the Navy Traffic Safety Program instruction, all military and DoD civilian riders must recertify their motorcycle safety training every three years.
"There is nothing more critical than having the training and skills needed to survive on the streets when on two wheels," noted Ducharme.
Classroom lectures will be held in Building 83 on the third deck, and the driving portion will be held on the new range.
Ducharme, a motorcycle rider himself, had to undergo rigorous training to become a course instructor. He and all the instructors on base are certified through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation every two years.
The Basic Rider's course (BRC) is a two-day course and the Experienced Rider's course (ERC) is a one day course. The new Military Sport Bike Rider course (MSBC) is a one day course and only open to military members.
"The sport bike course is geared towards advanced cornering and evasive maneuvering techniques," said Duchamre
The BRC is required for all authorized military riders on and off base, and all DoD civilian riders who ride their motorcycles on base or on duty. All courses will be available at no cost.
While the courses are required and free, the SUBASE Safety Team hopes students will attend because of their desire to ride safe.
"Cars and motorcycles are two different beasts," said Sean Griffith, a SUBASE Safety Specialist. "Even if you have been driving a car for thirty years, you increase the risk of hurting yourself when driving a motorcycle."
Moreover, Griffith pointed out, "You have no external protection but the clothes on your back."
Those clothes are a requirement for all military and civilian riders, and students must bring their personal protective equipment (PPE) to their course: a helmet meeting DOT, Snell Memorial Foundation certification; eye protection; foot protection; and, protective clothing.
Students must also currently bring their own motorcycles to the training and can work with Pass and ID to ensure they are able to bring the bike onto base for the class.
While no motorcycle safety course can eliminate all the risks for its graduates once they take their bikes onto the road, Ducharme feels the Navy courses are some of the best for making riders aware of and prepared for the risks.
"We have to accept risks every time we hop onto the saddle," said Ducharme. "But with the proper training, as with Operational Risk Management we as riders are able understand the risk, see our own limits, and take control as best we can to ride safe at all times. My favorite statement on motorcycling is taken from a video in our MSRC. It says, 'Anybody can be a fast rider. The goal is to become an old rider!'"
To learn more, review the schedule or sign up for SUBASE Motorcycle Safety courses, riders may use the ESAMS website or contact Shane Ducharme at 694- 4201.
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