Poole volunteers get a behind the scenes look into HM Coastguard
Poole volunteers took time out for a visit to the National Maritime Operational Centre (NMOC) and the rescue helicopter base today (January 28)
Lifeboat crews often get to talk to the Coastguard on the VHF radio when out on a service call so 18 volunteers from Poole Lifeboat Station took the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes.
The day started with a presentation by one of the senior Coastguard officers which included a brief on the assets they have around the coast and some of the main functions of HM Coastguard. The crew then got the opportunity to look around the operations hub where all the search planning and 999 calls happen.
With a multitude of screens and operators monitoring radio distress channels, weather and incident databases it showed they have their hands full if an incident was to happen.
During the look around a 999 call came in and the crews got the opportunity to see what happens from a Coastguard perspective which saw a lifeboat launch. This is the side our volunteers don't often see.
The crew then took the opportunity to visit the rescue helicopter base and spoke with the pilot and crew and got the opportunity to look around the helicopter itself.
A really useful day full of great discussions about our joined up aim of saving lives at sea.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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