Lifeboat training in Orkney takes a step forward

August 24, 2015 at 2:56 pm

The training lifeboat to be installed in Stromness is pictured on arrival in Orkney.

The opportunity for seafarers to gain vital training and experience using lifeboat and rescue equipment here in Orkney took a big step forward this week, with the arrival of a lifeboat training rig which is being installed in Stromness.

Orkney College’s Maritime Studies Department received funding from the Energy Skills Partnership and Orkney Islands Council’s Economic Development Grants Scheme to build the full-size rig on the former Northern Lighthouse Board Pier in Stromness.

The rig was fabricated by Stonehaven-based Survival Craft and arrived in Orkney this week. Previously, for this type of lifeboat training, trainees would have to travel at least as far south as Aberdeen.

Mark Shiner is Curriculum Leader for the Maritime Studies Department at Orkney College UHI, he said: “The new equipment for the Nav School consists of a twin arm davit launching an enclosed motorised lifeboat plus a single arm davit which will launch a smaller open lifeboat or inflatable liferaft. This smaller lifeboat has been kindly loaned to us by OIC Harbours who are currently managing the installation of the gear with input from OIC Engineering Services.

“What is exciting about this project is that once it is up and running, with the training course in place, we will be able to train someone from a standing start to Able Seafarer rating without them having to leave Orkney. This has never been possible before. It has also enabled our approval to deliver the new Modern Apprenticeship for Deck Ratings and we are now looking for employers who might wish to work with us on that.

“One final, and important, advantage of having this training available in Orkney is that the Lifeboat Course (Known as PSCRB) now has to be refreshed every 5 years, along with Personal Survival Techniques (aka Sea Survival) and Fire Fighting Courses. This comes into force on 1st January 2017 and any Merchant Seafarer who’s tickets are older than 5 years will not be able to work.

“At the moment we are working with a number of larger operators to get their crews up to date, with a two year lead in, but I am worried that we have had virtually no individuals approaching us. Local seafarers need to start thinking about this now to avoid disappointment next year.”