Following the November accident that damaged the Sir Max Aitken III we commissioned an audit of our paperwork and procedures. The audit was conducted on behalf of the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association under the terms of the Rescue Boat Code.
Their conclusion was that the JLA “has a very well documented set of procedures and records.”
Our internal review of the accident has led to a number of enhancements to both our procedures and the equipment used for search and rescue. We have the fastest inshore craft, and both boats carry defibrillators and heat seeking equipment. We consider ourselves the first response!
We are also pleased to announce that we are joining the National Independent Lifeboat Association. This will give us an avenue for working with the increasing number of independent lifeboat organisations in the UK. It will also provide a conduit that will allow:
- Representation on the UK SAR Operators Group,
- Representation to the UK Government,
- Promotion through a nationwide media campaign,
- Assist in rewriting the rescue boat code,
- Working groups to share best practice.
We are delighted to be getting back on track, and look forward to the return of our all-weather lifeboat next month. Furthermore, we look forward to working with the other SAR facilities, both those based in Jersey and those from further afield.
If you missed Ben’s recent column in the JEP, you can read it here.