The RNLI has joined forces with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) to run a ‘Man Overboard’ challenge in Donegal in the new year.
The free one-day experience is open to anyone working onboard a fishing vessel, or shoreside, including those in the aquaculture sector. The sessions are designed to mimic a realistic incidence of falling into cold sea conditions, wearing full work clothing and without a Personal Floatation Device (PFD), or lifejacket as they are commonly known. This is then followed by the same experience with a correctly fitted PFD, to show the importance and impact of wearing the right equipment.
Although the conditions are controlled and undertaken under the watchful eye of experienced RNLI trainers, they provide a lifelike experience, simulating how work clothing, oilskins, and boots affect a person’s buoyancy, coupled with challenging sea conditions. The sessions also underpin the importance of having and following your Man Overboard recovery plan.
This year, the RNLI and BIM are also welcoming those who would like to join as observers to the sessions.
The challenge will run in the Errigal Training Centre, Falcarragh, on 9 February while a second will take place at the National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork on Wednesday 14 February.
Places can be booked by email: Linda-Gene_Byrne@rnli.org.uk or mobile: 087 852762
For more information visit www.bim.ie/news/manoverboard-bim-rnli/ or www.rnli.org/manoverboard
Tags:
