Bunker Busting

As the season draws to a close we headed out on Saturday to check the route up to the remote aerial site on top of Godlingston Hill. Its ok in the day, but I bet we would have to go up there in the dark and no doubt when the weather is horrendous !

For security reasons we cant show you inside the bunker (although its obvious where it is!), but on route Tom and Rid had a little issue with a gate.

Thankfully Tom mended the gate, we found the bunker, got in but were concerned with the number of warning signs on the door regarding radiation and if you lost radio 2 briefly at 2.30 on Saturday, I did tell Tom not to press the button !

Lost something.....report it !

Reading the main MCA website there was a report of a major search down in Cornwall after a surf board was located without an owner.

Coastguard, Police, RNLI and a helicopter crew had searched for several hours without finding anyone and as no one was reported missing, the decision was made to call off the search.

If you lose anything out on the coast or out to sea, please report it to the nearest Coastguard station, it really could save a lot of trouble.

Blackpool Coastguard

Get a load of Deputy Blog's new Rescue Vehicle.... Next stop North Pier ding ding.

On trial

New bit off kit came past the station today, ideal for the IRT, off road, winch on the front, loads of space for kit. Being smaller than the MRU it has less of a foot print when off road so more environmentally friendly.

Two small problems.....it comes in red (not blue and yellow) and it won't stay for long!

The Athena

HM Coastguard Falmouth have a  massive job on this morning.


RNAS Culdrose's  Sea King Helicopters (771 Naval Air Sqd) will no doubt be proving their worth again; these helicopters have have a great capability.

More Later...

11:40 A very tricky rescue, looks like the Helo would be right on the edge of capability, even refuelling on Scilly. Luckily there are a number of mechant vessels responding.

19:48 Phew! It appears the majority of the fisherman have been taken aboard a container ship heading for Jamaica...so its not all bad, it could have been going to Ostend or worse...Hull. 

Well done MRCC Falmouth .

Receiver of Wreck

The main task of the Receiver of Wreck is to process incoming reports of wreck in the interest of both salvor and owner. This involves researching ownership, liaising with the finder and owner and other interesting parties.

The above is taken from the main MCA website on the role of the Receiver of Wreck, a role that comes under the MCA.

We actually met the Receiver of Wreck (RoW) in the early part of the year and she has a most interesting role.


What people do not know is that you can not only face a large fine for removing items from the coast or sea but also massive clear up costs.

There is a correct procedure to follow if you find something or a wreck, there may be an owner to that item and its the role of the RoW to establish ownership and then compensate the finder (in its simplest terms). You can not just remove something as this could be theft, also having claimed salvage on something the salvor could be liable for any clear up costs which could run into thousands of pound (don't forgot environmental damage etc!)

Today the IRT were tasked to enquiry about reports of the recent yacht that was lost on Peveril Ledge that had been partly recovered and this may have been contrary to the insurance company (the owner of the vessel) instructions.

Our advice is to tread very carefully, the law is quite strict (especially following the Napoli incident). It used to be considered that items washed up were there for the finder , times have changed and findings must be reported.

Half Term

With many children on half term holiday's and the weather bright, perhaps its a timely reminder to say if you are heading out on the water or enjoying our countryside to be prepared.

Check the weather
Take the correct clothing especially footwear.
Check the route
Check the tides
Ensure you tell someone where you are going and what time you might be back.
Ensure your mobile if charged up (land based)
Ensure your safety equipment is working (water based)
Know your limits.

Remember if you are in trouble or you think someone is in trouble on the coast or out to sea, DIAL 999 and ask for COASTGUARD.

Station Officers Meeting

Austen and I had a visit to Weymouth (Portland MRCC) for the bi-annual Station Officers meeting.

The big concern for us is the cost savings the Agency has to find in line with the Government spending review. Thankfully at this time it appears the Coastguard Rescue Service has not been majorly affected other than the requirement for cost savings - electric, heating, fuel etc.

There is lots of training to be done in the next 12 months, more rope work, water rescue, first aid, search management and more.

So it looks like business as usual which is just as well with the number of incidents we have had this year!

Tonight Austen and I attended the RNLI college in Poole for the presentation of Andy Spicer's (Station Officer Poole) long service medal - from all at Swanage congratulations on this achievement.

Training

Training last night was the second half of the exciting Water Rescue DVD, which included some stuff from a professor of cold water science..... or something like that.

Highlight of the evening was counting the number of costume changes the presenter went though. I counted 15 in total.
I also spotted a spider in the top left corner of the training room.
Sadly Brian had to leave early as he had to watch some paint drying at home.
Joking aside it was quite useful really.

Time Expired Pyrotechnics

A little reminder to the public that the Coastguard NO LONGER take in  Pyrotechnics.