European Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme , 28 Sep – 5 Oct 2013
Photo Credit: International Maritme Rescue Federation
Rescue volunteers from across nine European nations are to participate from 28th September to 5th october 2013 in Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme sharing experiences and knowledge, to improve Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) responses and help to prevent loss of life in Europe’s waters. The volunteer crews involved, collectively commit thousands of hours of their time every year to serving their communities to keep those going out on the water safe.
During the seven intensive days they will spend with their counterparts from the other rescue organisations on the exchange provides a perfect platform to share their experiences, knowledge and best practice in Maritime SAR matters. The Crew Exchange is comprised of simulated search and rescue exercises as well as training modules from the host organisation in areas such as first aid, navigation, off road driving, crisis management, leadership and maritime English.
Participants will also experience day and night time exercises including towing, navigating, man overboard recovery, sea survival training, lifeguard training, recovering boats and helicopter transfers. “Collaboration and experience sharing is key to improving Maritime Search and Rescue responses to prevent loss of life in the world’s waters.” Said Bruce Reid, Chief Executive of the IMRF. “
The European Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme is a great example of how nations through their volunteer crews can share knowledge on best practice in maritime SAR. “With IMRF co-ordination, these volunteer rescue organisations from around Europe can cost effectively share the burden of developing rescue capability to help meet the ever growing challenges in European waters by learning from the experiences of others.
Teams of seven crew members go to seven countries – each hosting a seven day long programme from the nine participating nations – Norway, Denmark, Germany, Finland, UK, Iceland, Sweden, The Netherlands and Estonia. The skills and experienced gained will help save more lives in European waters and, through the IMRF, across the world.
The exchange runs from September 28 to October 5. The IMRF European Lifeboat Crew Exchange programme is delivered with the support of the Life Long Learning programme of the European Union.
The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) brings the world’s maritime search and rescue organisations together in one global – and growing – family, accredited at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).IMRF’s member organisations share their lifesaving ideas, technologies and experiences and freely cooperate with one another to achieve their common humanitarian aim: “Preventing loss of life in the world”s waters”
For more information, please visitwww.international-maritime-rescue.org
