The JLA Story

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Events Leading to the Formation of the Jersey Lifeboat Association (JLA)

The formation of the Jersey Lifeboat Association (JLA) arose from a series of troubling events, characterized by internal conflict, administrative failures and allegations of misconduct that plagued the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crew in Jersey. These events, starting from 2011, highlight a tragic scenario of mismanagement and miscommunication, which eventually led to the establishment of the JLA.

Events Leading to the Formation of the Jersey Lifeboat Association (JLA)

Formation

In 2015, problems with the RNLI and the lifeboat crew came to a head. Ultimately, those problems led to the crew collectively resigning. The RNLI then withdrew its lifeboats from St Helier leaving the Island exposed due to lack of suitable cover.

With the wealth of life boating and lifesaving experience within the crew it was decided that the crew could go independent. The crew, with enthusiastic support from the public, went ahead and incorporated the Jersey Lifeboat Association as a life-saving charity in 2018 and this was recognised as an official
Search and Rescue Organisation in 2019.

Background

The JLA operates with approximately 50 volunteers, consisting of highly trained lifeboat crews and dedicated fundraisers. It is a member of the UK Independent Lifeboat Association, which includes almost 100 independent stations. The JLA prides itself on its superb training processes, incorporating RYA training and boat management programmes, offering unique capabilities to Channel Island boaters. These capabilities include FLIR thermal imaging technology and defibrillators, both of which are currently unique to the JLA, and which are vital for saving lives at sea. The JLA collaborates daily with other Search and Rescue (SAR) assets in the Channel Islands.

Key Assets

All-weather (Tyne Class) Lifeboat - Sir Max Aitken III:
1. Length: 14.3 meters.
2. Engines: Twin Detroit 550HP diesel engines.
3. Top Speed: 17 knots.
4. Self-righting.
5. Use: Designed for operating in shallow waters.
6. Current Challenge: The lifeboat’s engines are nearing the end of their operational lifespan.
To keep this critical asset in service, the engine replacement & other essential upgrades have an estimated cost in the region of £385,000.00
7. Equipped with the most advanced thermal night vision search equipment.

Inshore Lifeboat - Gemini Rigid Inflatable (Albert Pinel):
1. Length: 8.8 meters.
2. Engine: Mercury Verado 225HP.
3. Top Speed: 52 knots.
4. Equipped with advance lifesaving apparatus.

Strategic Objective

To maintain a fully serviced and crewed all weather and inshore lifeboat service 24 hours a day all year around.
To assist in the preservation of life in the water around Jersey.
To assist in the general safety of mariners and sea users.
To enhance sea safety to the public of Jersey at regular onshore events.

Call to Action

The JLA depends entirely on the generosity of Jersey residents and businesses to fund their operations. For those interested in supporting the mission, particularly in contributing towards the new engines for the Sir Max Aitken III, donations are greatly appreciated. The JLA encourages donors to contact them directly for more information.

Your Lives, Your Crew, Your Lifeboats

This summary highlights the JLA's mission, assets, and funding needs, emphasising their reliance on public support to maintain and enhance their life-saving capabilities.

Links to official documentation
Sir David Calvert-Smith QC Report. | States Assembly Complaints Board

For those wanting more detail, the report by Sir David Calvert-Smith QC is available here.

Formation

Around 2012 – 2015, problems with RNLI, Ports and the crew were beginning to arise. Ultimately, those problems led to the RNLI withdrawing its lifeboats and the crew resigning. It was suggested the crew could go independent, and that such action would get the support of government, the RNLI and Ports. Sadly, this turned out not to be. Nevertheless, the crew went ahead and incorporated the Jersey Lifeboat Association as a life-saving charity in 2018. It was recognised as an official Search and Rescue Organisation in 2019.

Background

The JLA operates with approximately 50 volunteers, consisting of highly trained lifeboat crews and dedicated fundraisers. It is a member of the UK Independent Lifeboat Association, which includes almost 100 independent stations. The JLA prides itself on its superb training processes, incorporating RYA training and boat management programmes, offering unique capabilities to Channel Island boaters. These capabilities include FLIR thermal imaging technology and defibrillators, both of which are currently unique to the JLA, and which are vital for saving lives at sea. The JLA collaborates daily with other Search and Rescue (SAR) assets in the Channel Islands.

Key Assets

All-weather (Tyne Class) Lifeboat - Sir Max Aitken III:
1. Length: 14.3 meters
2. Engines: Twin Detroit 550HP diesel engines
3. Top Speed: 17 knots
4. Self-righting
5. Use: Designed for launching from slipways and operating in shallow waters.
6. Current Challenge: The lifeboat’s engines are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. To keep this critical asset in service, the JLA plans to replace its engines at a cost estimated around £250K.

Inshore Lifeboat - Gemini Rigid Inflatable (Albert Pinel):
1. Length: 8.8 meters
2. Engine: Mercury Verado 225HP
3. Top Speed: 52 knots

Strategic Objective

The JLA’s primary strategic aim is to raise funds for new engines for the Sir Max Aitken III lifeboat, ensuring that this vital asset continues to serve the Jersey community. The cost of the new engines is expected to be around £250K, depending on the model needed.

Call to Action

The JLA depends entirely on the generosity of Jersey residents and businesses to fund their operations. For those interested in supporting the mission, particularly in contributing towards the new engines for the Sir Max Aitken III, donations are greatly appreciated. The JLA encourages donors to contact them directly for more information.

Motto - "Your Lives, Your Crew, Your Lifeboat"

This summary highlights the JLA's mission, assets, and funding needs, emphasizing their reliance on public support to maintain and enhance their life-saving capabilities. More comprehensive reports regarding the formation are accessible below.

For those wanting more detail, the report by Sir David Calvert-Smith QC is available here.

Links to official documentation
Sir David Calvert-Smith QC Report. | States Assembly Complaints Board