DWR Distribution is currently hosting Rinus “Rhino’ Bakker of Rhino Rigs, who was
invited by Prolyte to deliver an extensive five-day training course on Rigging Basics in
Johannesburg this week. Since 2007, Rhino Rigs has delivered 18 of these training
courses in SA, with the support of DWR and Prolyte. The course is brand agnostic and
steps across the lines of brand specifics to addresses rigging technology in a broader
sense.

Speaking to Pro-Systems Africa News, Bakker explains that one of the primary focus
areas of the training is establishing health and safety standards for entertainment
rigging internationally, and implementing these standards at a local level. “The big
international artists who perform world tours will not have one rider for America and
another for Europe – and therefore it stands to reason that standards should be the
same across the world where ever possible,” states Bakker.

Over the past four years, Bakker has been involved in the consultative process that
has resulted in the establishment of an international code of practice for
entertainment rigging, known as ICoPER – which was published recently by the
Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) and the Professional
Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA). The practices described in the Code are
intended to provide a universal foundation for those engaged in planning, managing
and executing entertainment rigging. ICoPER also provides guidelines for those who
wish to develop policy, design training content or help establish certification criteria.
ICoPER can be downloaded by following the provided link: www.plasa.org/technical/ICOPER_V1.0.pdf

“I will be meeting with the executive director of SACIA, Kevan Jones during my visit
to South Africa to discuss the implementation of ICoPER in South Africa as well as the
continued accreditation of our training courses by the national body,’ Bakker explains.

The RhinoRigs and Prolyte rigging training has been very well received by participants
and continues to be one of DWR’s seminal training opportunities for local riggers.
“Over the seven years that I have been providing training for riggers in South Africa,
90% of participants indicate that they are very satisfied with the level of training
provided’ states Bakker. “I travel all over the world, and can compare many different
markets, however, what sets South Africa apart is the people,’ says Bakker. “Robert
Izzart and the team at DWR are always so accommodating, and participants are eager
to learn and develop their skills,’ he concludes.