On Thursday evening, April 25 twenty Marine Training Corp cadets visited the RNLI lifeboat station at Rye Harbour. They were extremely well-behaved and listened well to instructions as they were shown how the Atlantic 85 lifeboat and the tractor worked. The visit began with a safety brief which is vital as the boat and crew are on call 24/7 and during their visit there could have been a shout requiring the lifeboat station to be evacuated.
After the obligatory group photograph by the press officer at the station, the cadets were split into three groups. One, to learn about the boat, the second to learn about the tractor and the third group understanding the kit that the crew have to wear to keep safe and dry. The latter enjoyed dressing up in the kit, wearing the helmets and trying on the very heavy but essential life jackets. They were allowed to go up onto the boat and sit in the helm’s and navigator’s seats. Crew member Emma Stonham explained everything clearly to them and they were able to ask questions. This was a real hit with the students and those who clambered up into the tractor, in the care of launch authority, Mark Stephenson enjoyed it, too. Mark was impressed by the interest that the students showed. The lifeboat operations manager, Paul Bolton, was in charge in the kit room.
Some of the cadets commented as they left.
Lance Corporal Lori, from the Ore Unit: “It was very interesting to see how to put the dry suit on and that it should be done in two minutes.”
Junior Cadet Isaac from the Rye Unit: “We were told how to get onto the lifeboat safely, where the radar is and what the various buttons do. I really found it interesting.”
Junior Cadet Josh from the Rye Unit: “I learned that the special tractor pulls the lifeboat into the water and back out. We learnt from what equipment they carry and various things about the lifeboat itself.”
The Rye unit wants to be a presence in the local community and is looking for opportunities to offer help; it is also looking for adults to help with the training of these cadets so if you are interested, please do get in touch.
To contact the Marine Training Corps: admin@marinetrainingcorps.org.uk
Image Credits: Kt bruce .