Training sessions for the Isle of Man TT Marshals for 2006 started in earnest last weekend, with the first of ten sessions planned between now and the start of TT 2006.

All attendees completed their training towards the IMC badge and Certificate from St. John Ambulance. The certificate given is a nationally recognised St John Ambulance certificate; 'Emergency Aid for Motorcyclists' which trains people with dealing with RTA’s. The full day course also covers emergency helicopter loading, TETRA radio training, training on the use of flags and training on procedures involved in communicating with the Race Control Tower.

There are still ten sessions between now and the start of TT practice with a further one scheduled during practice week itself, however many are already fully booked including the four scheduled to take place in the mainland.

For details on how to secure a place on one of the training days, you should contact Isle of Man TT Marshals Association Secretary Jan Hurst at training@iomttma.com or by telephone on 01624 852891.

Speaking about the response to the training events, Chairman for the IOMTTMA Roger Hurst said:

"We have been delighted by the response from our marshals this year, and with all the training taking place between now and the start of TT, we will have a significant increase in the number of fully trained marshals around the course. The association as a whole has come in for some criticism of late, but we have responded in the best way, by upping our efforts in all areas, and the dedication of our members to give up their own free time to train to such a high level is incredible and we thank them all for their commitment."

Chairman of the TT Coordinating Committee David Cretney MHK added:

"The TT Marshals Association are working incredibly hard on improving the valuable job they do at our events on the Isle of Man. The already high standards of marshalling around the TT Circuit will rise considerably with the increase of available training days, and to hear that nearly all the places are filled already, despite the increase in available days, is very encouraging for the future of the Isle of Man TT and Manx Grand Prix. We look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with the Association because the are one of the key ingredients in making sure the TT has a long and successful future."

As well as the IMC training days, there are a number of Isle of Man based social evenings planned where further training is provided, and some of the TT’s top riders will take part in a Chat Show. For more information please visit the web site of the IOMTTMA at www.iomttma.com.