CREW members of Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage are required to undertake a ‘Survival at Sea’ training course in case their own rescue craft founders.

Training officer Leigh Carmichael said that the course includes the deployment of flares, getting into and out of a life raft, water and food rationing and other standard procedures.

“We could very well find ourselves as far out as 30 miles (48ks) from shore in rough weather on a rescue mission and these skills could be vital for our own survival,” he said.

We caught up with the mariners at a practice drill session in the Tilligerry Aquatic Centre’s heated pool.

They had previously undergone a course of instruction at their headquarters at the end of Whitbread Drive, Lemon Tree Passage.

Meanwhile Cr. Steve Tucker has advised us that Port Stephens Council is currently considering a proposal to build a second storey on top of the recently refurbished amenities block in Henderson Park as Marine Rescue’s new base station.

“This project has my full support as it is logical that the site dovetails well with the boat ramp, the rescue craft access and the waterfront,” he said.

Commander Richard Osborne would once again like to thank the wider community for their unflagging support.

“The recent presentation of a cheque for $1000 from the Lemon Tree Passage lady bowlers will enable us to maintain the standard of service the boating community expects of us,” he said.

 

By Geoff WALKER