31/03/2004

Lifeboat busy with crew training and boat maintenance

After ten years of service, Bernard O’Driscoll stepped down as Hon.Secretary of the Baltimore RNLI and was honoured by a special presentation at a dinner organised by the lifeboat crew. Bernard is staying with the Lifeboat in the role of Deputy Launching Authority. Tom Bushe has taken over as LOM, following a family tradition, his father Richard had held the position of Hon Secretary prior to Bernards tenure.

The RNLI’s Competency Based training system continues to be implemented at our Station. Training and subsequent assessment will guarantee that the high standards expected from Lifeboat crews are maintained. A Yachtmaster Theory course has been run at the Station. This will allow Coxwains and Navigators to acquire a Yachtmaster’s qualification for motor vessels as required by the RNLI. Recruitment of crew & slip crew is a priority for the immediate future.

Two film crews have been to Baltimore to film the lifeboat. A German crew have been here to film a storm as it crossed the atlantic and have taken footage of the lifeboat being launched and recovered as well as some shots of assistance being given to a vessel in difficulty in rough conditions. An Austrian crew, working for National Geographic, has also taken footage strapping cameras to the gunnels of the boat to ensure dramatic picture. They have contracted to give us a copy of the footage as a condition of carriage.

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