Independant Lifeboats

[Pablo]

Hello,
sorry for my ignorance but in France I don't think (I might be wrong) that we have such a thing as independant lifesaving associations or companies. Can somebody please explain to me what they are and why they are not just part of the RNLI ?

Thank you

[whiteminiman]

There is indeed such a thing.

Have a look at this (very long) conversation.

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?...ndent+lifeboat

and this website will help too:

http://www.independent-lifeboats.org.uk/

As for why they are not part of the RNLI - many different reasons. Usually because the RNLI decide that they do not need to cover that area any more, due to the range of neighbouring boats.

WMM

[whiteminiman]

And there are several associations that exist independently of the SNSM.

This is a group that I am involved in:

http://securitenautique.free.fr/sommaire.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPhi41_l7GY

The website isn't too good, it needs updating.

I know that there are other similar groups, but I am unsure of their names and locations. If you contact Patrick Grellier at the SNA - he will be able to help you.

Pablo - just noticed you are based in Nantes - where the SNA are based, they are a really good group, and I strongly recommend that you contact them if you have an interest in water rescue.

When you contact them, mention that "le Rosbif" told you how to find them.

WMM

WMM

[Pablo]

Originally Posted by whiteminiman

When you contact them, mention that "le Rosbif" told you how to find them.

Sorry but everyone with an English accent is called "le Rosbif" here.

Thanks for the info. I'll look into it.

This weekend I had to call the CROSS (organisation that centralises emergency operations at sea) because we found a small boat drifting with the engine running, cover off, and nobaody on board. It turns out the owner walked of to find a spanner (for a couple of hours) and his boat broke its tie up to the walkway. Anyway, the SNSM team I saw saturday did not impress me. When they turned they were dead excited and running around like a headless chicken.

[whiteminiman]

Nobody ever used that word when I was living in Nantes. In fact, some people were quite uncomfortable using it as my nickname and preferred "le British"

I don't have an English accent And there is only one Rosbif in that team.
They'll know exactly who you mean

Sunday 27th, there was a large multi-agency exercise co-ordinated by CROSSA in the Golfe de Morbihan. There were many different teams involved in that. Maybe you were unlucky.

I've not been overly impressed with the SNSM myself. But as with every organisation, some individuals within it will be very good, some are not so good.

Regards,
WMM