Solent Rescue independent lifeboat service
by Stuart Gair 29 Oct 2003 16:21 GMT
Most people are unaware that there is a fleet of independent lifeboats operating throughout the UK coastline. Although these lifeboats are not part of the well-known national organisation, they do provide an equally valuable and professional service to the users of our waters. All lifeboats in the UK, including independent units work under the co-ordination of HM Coastguard. This ensures appropriate allocation of lifesaving resources to those in distress. However the majority of independent lifeboats are classed as inshore craft thus their main benefactors are the inshore water users such as yachtsman, windsurfers, powerboaters and other small craft.
So what is the difference between the Independent lifeboat and its nationally recognised equivalent - the RNLI? The answer is very simply, the way in which they are funded. As a large well-known organisation, the RNLI is able to employ a professional team of fundraisers. In contrast, the small independents continue to struggle in their limited ability to achieve their financial needs without the benefit of advertising and national recognition.
An example of one such organisation is Solent Rescue inshore lifeboat. It was established in 1971 as a beach rescue unit operated by auxiliary coastguards, Solent Rescue has since developed into a fully operational lifeboat station. This unit operates under the direct control of HM Coastguard and is responsible for approximately 33 square miles of the central and western Solent. From its clifftop lookout, Solent Rescue commands panoramic views of these busy waters where commercial tankers, passenger liners and a multitude of leisure craft converge. As one of the busiest independent lifeboat stations in the UK, the unit attends to numerous callouts through-out the year. In order to achieve this level of service, the unit draws on a total available manpower strength of 20 committed volunteers.
Solent Rescue 1, the unit’s lifeboat is a 20 year old Pacific 22 rigid inflatable and is powered by a 250hp diesel turbo water jet. The lifeboat is then transported from a secure boathouse to the beach for launch and recovery using a tractor unit. However, due to a combination of age and incoming safety regulations, it is nearing the end of its operational life and is now overdue for replacement.
The intended replacement craft will take the form of a 10 meter purpose built RIB, with inboard diesels and water jet drive. This high specification craft is estimated to cost in the region of £97,000.
Therefore, Solent Rescue is now seeking financial assistance to cover the cost of a replacement lifeboat. As such, this unit would be extremely grateful to any organisation or individual that would be willing to help fund this worthwhile cause. This lifeboat station hopes its unique operating location and the fact that it is seen at a variety of events such as Cowes week, powerboat races, Southampton boat show, to name a few, will prove to be an attractive opportunity for prospective sponsors.
Solent Rescue would be grateful to here from any interested parties and can be contacted through Stuart Gair (Coxswain) at the following address:
Stuart Gair, 6 Meadow Way, Fawley, SOUTHAMPTON, SO45 1FP
Tel: 023 8089 8862, E-mail: stuartgair2000@yahoo.co.uk