Advanced Winch and Rigging Safety Training takes center stage this fall as Chuck MacLellan of Scomac Associates, LLC joins Shane Coleman to co-present ERSCA’s highly regarded course at the American Towman Exposition 2025. Scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, this full-day training session will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center and promises an in-depth, hands-on experience for tow operators nationwide.
This collaboration between two seasoned professionals—MacLellan and Coleman—and two pillar institutions—ERSCA and American Towman—signals a unified effort to raise the bar in towing and recovery education through focused advanced winch and rigging safety training.
What the Course Covers
The Advanced Winch and Rigging Safety Training course is built on a robust curriculum designed to equip operators with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to execute complex recoveries safely. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a motivated newcomer, this course brings the fundamentals and advanced techniques together in a way that’s practical, relevant, and immediately applicable.
Key Training Modules Include:
- Safe and efficient operation of modern winches and recovery systems
- Mechanical advantage principles and real-world load calculations
- Critical safety practices and risk mitigation strategies
- Detailed inspection and usage of rigging equipment: wire rope, synthetic rope, snatch blocks, chains, straps, hooks, and attachments
- System integrity and identifying failure points
- Scene control and hazard zone management using Zoned Work Areas
- Hands-on scenarios simulating real recoveries using rigging props inside the classroom setting
Training is delivered through a mix of classroom instruction and rotating workstations where students engage directly with equipment, solve problems, and collaborate on safe rigging strategies. While the course won’t include outdoor hands-on scenarios at the expo, advanced winch and rigging safety training props and simulation tools will be used indoors to reinforce practical skills.
Training is delivered through a mix of classroom instruction and rotating workstations where students engage directly with equipment, solve problems, and collaborate on safe rigging strategies. While the course won’t include outdoor hands-on scenarios at the expo, advanced winch and rigging safety training props and simulation tools will be used indoors to reinforce practical skills.
About Shane Coleman
Shane Coleman brings decades of industry knowledge to the classroom. A second-generation tower, Shane has run operations at his family’s business and served as a technical representative for one of the industry’s leading towing equipment manufacturers. His instruction style is clear, direct, and filled with wisdom gained from real-life scenarios. Shane is a core contributor to ERSCA’s curriculum development and has taught numerous classes across the country, earning the respect of operators, trainers, and regulators alike.
Shane’s ability to translate technical concepts into understandable takeaways makes him an ideal lead instructor for a course of this complexity. His approach ensures that even high-level rigging principles become actionable skills for attendees. His guidance will be key to making this advanced winch and rigging safety training course both accessible and impactful.
About Chuck MacLellan
Chuck MacLellan is the founder of Scomac Associates, LLC and a certified instructor in multiple ERSCA programs, including standard duty and heavy-duty towing, electric vehicle operations, and advanced rigging. His background blends field experience with a passion for safety, operator development, and national compliance standards.
Chuck has taught both public and private sector responders, including commercial vehicle enforcement officers, and is known for his ability to connect with students through relatable instruction, strong visuals, and real-world stories. At American Towman Exposition 2025, Chuck will support Shane Coleman in co-presenting this advanced winch and rigging safety training course, bringing additional depth and regional expertise to the session.
Why American Towman Exposition?
Now in its 35th year, the American Towman Exposition is more than a trade show—it’s an annual gathering of the towing industry’s most dedicated professionals. From technical training and safety seminars to exhibits, awards, and networking events, AT Expo serves as a cornerstone of professional development in the recovery world.
By partnering with ERSCA to host this advanced winch and rigging safety training course, American Towman Magazine continues its legacy of supporting high-quality training that directly improves operator safety and professionalism. The expo’s infrastructure, attendee reach, and credibility make it the perfect venue for this kind of advanced course.
Course Format and Expectations
Attendees can expect six intensive hours of learning broken into focused modules. Classroom portions will explore rigging theory, safety regulations, and equipment physics, while breakout rotations will involve:
- Hands-on rigging challenges with feedback
- Demonstrations of safe vs. unsafe equipment use
- Evaluations of typical failure scenarios and how to prevent them
- Collaborative troubleshooting of complex recovery setups
All participants will leave with actionable insights they can take back to their companies and apply immediately. Whether towing on the highway, responding to industrial incidents, or leading a recovery crew, this advanced winch and rigging safety training offers tools and strategies that increase safety and efficiency.
Course Details
- Location: Baltimore Convention Center – AT Expo 2025
- Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Cost: $425 per person (early registration), $475 after November 18
- Register: atexposition.com
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for heavy-duty recovery operators, safety directors, fleet supervisors, trainers, and anyone responsible for rigging operations. While some familiarity with basic winching is helpful, the course is open to all experience levels. Many attendees return year after year to sharpen skills and stay current with evolving equipment and safety standards.
Given the rotating nature of classroom-based simulations and prop demonstrations, every attendee will get face-to-face time with instructors and personalized feedback tailored to their experience level.
Final Thoughts
ERSCA’s Advanced Winch and Rigging Safety Training is a powerful opportunity to learn from the best. Shane Coleman’s experience, Chuck MacLellan’s teaching precision, and the prestige of the American Towman Exposition create a training environment that’s as valuable as it is rare.
Spots are limited. If you’re attending AT Expo 2025 and want to elevate your rigging game while strengthening your safety culture, this course is a must-attend event. Learn more about our other towing safety training events.
Register today at atexposition.com