RNLI Joint Training - 26.03.16
As we have recently purchased a new ‘D’ Class lifeboat we had asked the RNLI for a joint training exercise to learn more about its operational capacity and to see how the RNLI operate their boat. As a result we visited the RNLI at their Roa Island Station on Saturday.
’D’-Class inshore lifeboats like ours do not ‘self-right’ should they capsize in bad weather whilst afloat. In order for them to be righted in any weather conditions, the crews have to practice the drill for doing so.
Following a safety briefing by Andy Baxter, the capsize boat and Barrow RNLI’s own lifeboat 'Vision of Tamworth’ were launched into an incoming powerful tidal current and a choppy sea with a Force 5 easterly wind. We were able to watch from close quarters aboard the Barrow lifeboat whilst the Barrow team took it in turns to capsize and then right the capsize boat.
John Falvey, the RNLI’s Operations Manager at Barrow said, “Our team gained more practice in the drill of righting a capsized boat and the Duddon team gained a lot of knowledge which they will put into practice with their boat should the need ever arise…We will definitely be organising more events like this which are of mutual benefit to both teams”.
An extended thank you goes to the RNLI for involving us in this training session and we look forward to working together in the future.
