PUPILS from Cowes High School got a taste of life on North Sea oil rigs when 26 sixth formers took part in a trial with BP's new rescue and recovery craft at Haslar.
The pupils took part in a trial of the new 18.6-metre craft at QineiQ's Centre for Marine Technology.
Its specially designed interior allows for the care and treatment of casualties retrieved from the sea.
Pupils became "casualties" for the day in a full-scale replica of the vessel incorporating the accommodation section, medical reception area and afterdeck.
Captain Gorrie, BP's senior marine consultant, said: "It was a very successful day and demonstrated exactly what was required to help us finalise the design of the vessel."
The centre is no stranger to cutting-edge research work. Recently, it was involved in trials for the GBR Challenge vessel which is also based in Cowes.
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