Under the expert guidance of relief coxswain Andy Pearson from RNLI Thurso and experienced Longhope crew, our more recent volunteers worked on practical skills that will help towards completing modules on their individual crew training plans.
After a briefing at the lifeboat station the practical work began with a towing exercise at the pier, getting the measure of the new RNLI tow rope which has been designed with safety in mind and benefits from water-aided shock absorption. The rope requires strength and careful handling as once in the water it is extremely heavy.
The lifeboat briefly returned to Longhope pier to wash down the towing equipment and then proceeded towards Widewall Bay, with opportunities for crew members to practice their navigation skills along the way.
Once at the chosen destination there was time for anchor drill, man overboard and emergency steering practice before a quick steam to Burray for lunch.
The journey home to Longhope provided an opportunity for crew to prepare and launch the Y-boat.
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.
