Eight new and trainee volunteer crew members at Criccieth RNLI have spent three evenings last week undergoing rigorous training on the use of radar equipment. The training is part of all crew members’ standard preparation and is provided by professional trainers from the RNLI’s Lifeboat College, based in Poole.
The comprehensive training programme covers all aspects of radar use including its use for navigation at night or in foggy conditions and for search and rescue purposes. The standard syllabus will give each successful crew member a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certificate; the internationally recognised standard for such operations which is often a legal requirement for using such equipment. However, the RNLI’s course includes additional information required by RNLI crew members to cover emergency situations.
Although taught on station, the training equipment is provided by the RNLI centrally. Crews are not only trained in using high-tech equipment, but also more traditional methods thus ensuring each volunteer is capable of adapting to any situation. The high-tech equipment used includes a multi-screen display including a lifeboat simulator, radar and digitised chart; these give the crew first hand experience of using radar in real time scenarios.
Criccieth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Peter Williams commented ‘The rigorous and ongoing training undertaken by all RNLI crew members ensures the volunteers can deal with the emergency situations faced in a highly professional and capable manner. This particular course, which forms part of a wide-ranging training programme, ensures our crew’s are trained to the highest international standards in the use of radar equipment.’
