Senior Team Leader, Tom Barnett, welcomed us to the very impressive centre in Fareham which is part of the UK National Emergency Service – providing a single point of contact in the case of any emergency on the water.
Tom explained how they oversee operations which range from cliff and tidal rescues of walkers through to major ocean incidents way out in the Atlantic. Tom enlightened us to the many and varied aspects of lifeboat operations and other coastguard assisted, volunteer teams on which they can call when needed.
We became sold on the benefits of EPIRBS, PLBs, on and off the water, also the DSC button and RYA Safetrx which is great help to the CG.
Tom included in his presentation many stories and anecdotes from his long experience which were fascinating and enlightening to many of us.
He was able to lift the blinds on the operations room below us so we could see the team in operation who were dealing with several incidents in real time.
Following the morning visit, many of us met up at Priddy’s Yard for and enjoyable lunch and stroll.
12th April 2025