We were delighted to welcome Tom Barnett from HM Coastguard to our monthly member’s meeting on Monday, 10th February to talk to us about the work of search and rescue (SAR) at sea.
HM Coastguard is part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, an executive agency of the Department for Transport. Not only are they responsible for search and rescue operations around the UK coastline, but also cover an area spanning hundreds of miles in international waters, where cooperation with search and rescue organisations from other nations is vital.
Tom kept our audience enthralled with tales of waterborne bravery, from mud rescues close to shore to dismasted yachts in the Atlantic Ocean, describing how technology helps identify those in distress and even aid helicopter crews spot people in the water.
The importance of personal safety was emphasised, especially the need for boaters to inform friends/family of their plans and the need to register an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to help the Coastguard identify those in peril without delay.
MVS Poole also invited other harbour-based organisations to the event, resulting in a brilliant turnout of almost 70 people. Thanks to everybody who came along and bought tickets for the raffle, with great prizes on offer.
Special thanks must go to Tom for giving up his evening to talk to us, and by extension to HM Coastguard for all their work keeping us safe.