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Boathouse News,
Once again it has been a quiet time as regards call-outs for the crew with just one call for the inshore lifeboat on the 14th January which involved the lifeboat standing by to assist in a multi-agency incident if required. The incident was satisfactorily resolved with no assistance needed from the lifeboat crew.
There will be changes made to the crew training programs as from the 24th January with the introduction of a new OCF (operational competence framework) training scheme which will replace the current COBT system.
One of the modules in the new system will be the introduction of an inshore lifeboat navigator’s qualification. At present the qualified Helms are responsible for navigating on the ILB. The new navigator qualification will bridge the gap between crew and helm.
Four members of the all-weather lifeboat crew have been busy over a number of months training to get their Mechanics qualification certificates. They will be assessed over two days in March by crew trainer Matt Parr and hopefully all four will get the green light to becoming ALB Mechanics.
Also in March the RNLI will be celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea.
There will be many events taking place throughout the country with every station organising their own celebrations and fundraising events.
At Sheerness plans are in place for a Gala Dinner. More details to follow when things are finalised. We are looking for sponsorship from any local businesses or individuals for the event so if you would like to be involved, please get in touch.
Crew members will also be looking for sponsors when they take up the challenge of a 200mile indoor run which is being organised by crew member Damo.
More details of ‘what, where and when’ will be announced when things are finalised. Watch this space.