> Is there a way to turn forced/synchronous writes off through JDBC
> using the embedded firebird version?

The easiest way - use appropriate flag in connection parameters:

switch it off:
jdbc:firebirdsql:localhost:c:/databases/my.fdb?force_write=0

switch it on:
jdbc:firebirdsql:localhost:c:/databases/my.fdb?force_write=1

Works, but not nice - breaks logical structure.

More correct is to use FBMaintenanceManager class - there is a method
for it.

Roman