Fire-fighting training on offer

Vital fire-fighting training for those working at sea will be available in Orkney soon, with a purpose-built rig due to arrive in the county later this month.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) course has been written and organised by Orkney College UHI, in partnership with Kirkwall Airport operator, HIAL, to serve both the emerging marine renewables sector, people working in the fishing industry and on the islands’ ferries.

The rig has been under construction in Ireland since late August. Based on the internal layout of a ship, it will provide realistic marine search and rescue scenarios.

Based at Kirkwall Airport, the rig will initially be used to conduct a three-day programme of basic maritime-based fire training.

It is expected the course could be extended to other industries over time, not only in Orkney but right across the north of Scotland. The first course is due to start in November.