We are pleased to announce that an updated version of the members handbook is now available as of 13 June 2019
The members handbook may be downloaded via the following link:
Boaters Members Handbook – Issue 2.0
Watchkeeping safety – use of VHF radio and AIS
The MCA have recently issued updated guidelines on the use VHF and specifically on the reliance on AIS within effective watchkeeping.
This is sumarised within the following RYA article and it is recomended reading for all club members:
Watchkeeping safety – use of VHF radio and AIS
Captain Ahab: For those in peril….
I recently watched on the Goggle-box a truly amazing, awe inspiring series of programmes.
And no it was not the Rio Olympics.
It was not even the Rio Paralympics.
But about a group of ordinary people doing ordinary jobs who abandon whatever they are doing and leg it to the water’s edge whenever their bleeper starts to bleep.
For this was a documentary series about those work for the RNLI.
And when I say work, I mean those people who put their lives in peril at sea for those whose lives are already in peril.
They choose to do this.
And for this they don’t get paid.
Not a brass farthing.
Diddly squat.
Nothing.
Amazing.
Indeed it was so amazing that if I was a few years younger, well quite a few actually; a whole lot braver; a far better sailor; and lived far far closer to the water’s edge, I might have been beating a path to my local RNLI to ask how to join up.
As Boaters we all know how unpredictable the sea and winds can be.
And some of us will even know that even the best maintained boat can let us down from time to time.
Stuff happens
And when it does even the most experienced sailor may require the services of the RNLI.
Even Boaters.
But too often as the programme showed the bleepers went off to help eejits.
Usually with drink involved. Or drugs. Or just plain stupidity.
It seems that there is a fast chunk of the land lubbing population who have forgotten as we have evolved from water inhabiting creatures to a race that belongs on land, that H2O is dangerous.
And that if you have an IQ in double digits you should stay wall away from where the land meets the water.
Eeejits, in other words.
But to the brave boys and girls of the RNLI, even an eejit’s life is still worth saving.
Even an eejit’s life is still worth putting your own neck on the line for.
Not sure I could be as sanguine.
They don’t judge.
They just go about their business saving lives.
And that is why after every trip I make a donation to continue the work of the RNLI.
You never know when you just might need them.
Even eejits.
