MRCC Solent visit 8 June 2013

[gtb]

Ever wondered who is on the other end of the radio when you call Mayday? Want to know what happens if you've decided you need to press that red DSC distress button and get help?

Here's a chance to find out, with a group tour of the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Lee-on-Solent, Portsmouth.

I've arranged for a group of 12 of us to visit the Coast Guard staff at their operations room on Saturday 8th June 2013 from 09:00 - 11:30.

Our hosts will start with a presentation on the role of the coast guard, the types of incidents they encounter locally, and the resources they can call upon. There will be an opportunity to ask those questions you've always wondered about too.

Following the presentation we'll go into the emergency planning room for a demonstration of the technology behind search and rescue, including their sophisticated communications systems, logging systems, the search and rescue information system, AIS, etc. Finally we'll head into the operations room to meet the staff, and put faces to those people we hear on the radio each day.

The hope is that by better understanding what the Coast Guard and MRCC can do for us and with us, it will make for safer and more pleasurable boating all round.

Due to the nature of this visit to an active station, and to ensure we do not disrupt their work, the number of people is strictly limited to 12, and clearly, if there is a significant incident underway on the day the visit will have to be postponed - potentially at late notice.

If you are interested in coming please sign up by completing this short form. Places are on a first-come-first-served basis, and I will manage a waiting list, so please let me know if you can no longer fulfil you place so it can go to the next person on the list.

Sign up form: http://bit.ly/ribmrcc

Date & Time:
Saturday 8th June 2013 from 09:00 - 11:30

Location:
MRCC Solent
HM Coastguard
44A Marine Parade West
Lee on Solent
PO13 9NR

[PeterM]

Done - I've driven past it enough times when I lived in Lee !

Good stuff !

[martini]

I did a similar visit here in Jersey, very informative and interesting, I urge members to sign up to this, a great opportunity.

[Paul Cannell]

[gtb]

Still plently of places available. Only five signed up so far, so would like a few more names to make the visit viable.

[John Kennett]

I signed up but haven't had a reply. Did the sign up form work OK?

[PeterM]

Originally Posted by gtb

Still plently of places available. Only five signed up so far, so would like a few more names to make the visit viable.

Can I add one to my name ?..a commercial skipper and diver and keen to attend....

[gtb]

Yep, not sent out any confirmations yet - but have had sign-ups from PeterM, John Kennett, Paul Cannell, and Ian M.

[gtb]

Originally Posted by PeterM

Can I add one to my name ?..a commercial skipper and diver and keen to attend....

Sure, just submit on their behalf and put n/a or whatever on the form as required.

[Nos4r2]

Should have one for me and one for Sixy as well now-cheers!

[gtb]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Should have one for me and one for Sixy as well now-cheers!

Looks like there is enough interest, thanks! I appreciate that June is still a long a way off, but just wanted to check there are enough people in general who want to do the visit to make it viable.

I'll send out more info and a reminder to folks closer to the time.

[whisper]

Have you got room for me?

[gtb]

Originally Posted by whisper

Have you got room for me?

Yep, I see you on the list Alex.

Two more spaces available, then folks go on the waiting list.

[boristhebold]

Have completed the form

[gtb]

Thanks boristhebold, we are full and running a standby list now.

Confirmed:
gtb, PeterM, John Kennett , Paul Cannell, Ian M, PeterM, Nos4r2, Sixy the Red, tim m (x2), Whisper, Boristhebold.

Standby:
Landlord

[Tim M]

Originally Posted by gtb

Thanks boristhebold, we are full and running a standby list now.

Confirmed:
gtb, PeterM, John Kennett , Paul Cannell, Ian M, PeterM, Nos4r2, Sixy the Red, tim m (x2), Whisper, Boristhebold.

Standby:
Landlord

[PeterM]

Any update on this ? Is it a go / no go ...Just trying make plans etc

I'm still fully up for it.

( Oh and it look to be good weather Sat ! )

Pete

[gtb]

Originally Posted by PeterM

Any update on this ? Is it a go / no go ...Just trying make plans etc

I'm still fully up for it.

( Oh and it look to be good weather Sat ! )

Pete

Sorry for going quiet Pete - yes, it is all still on.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it, I'm heading off abroad for work on Saturday . Landlord will take my place.

I'll send details by e-mail to all who are on the sign-up sheet.

[Paul Cannell]

See you all on Saturday, may even get brekky in the Bluebird first

[Nos4r2]

Yep, see you all Saturday