RNLI Donations

[ollyit]

Joined the RNLI offshore at the last rib show I went to - a well worthy cause, I may even up my current contribution does everyone on here donate?

[Nick Hearne]

Hi funny that joined today!
Very easy on line.
Nick

[Phil Chitty]

I joined about 5 years ago before I got my first Rib.

Current donation is £6 a month plus a bit because of the tax benefits to the RNLI.

A worthy cause.

Phil

[Phil Davies]

I joined online this week as an Offshore member (£54)

[tim griffin]

I had to join as brotherinlaw is training coxswain at Training college Poole,but it is the best in the world in terms of course delivery, training, and equipment and such a unique organisation in that it is completley free from Goverment funding everyone who goes to sea should join as a matter of course.
regards tim
www.griffmarineservices.co.uk

[Gentiana]

I joined originally after having to make a call on C16!! I was so embarrased, but the LB crew made it a most interesting and enjoyable experience.

The reason for my contribution to this thread is to recommend, for both new and experienced RIBers, 'The RNLI Handbook' - This is the best money you will spend, a vital RIB accessory and an interesting read.

Peter

[Allen]

I'm an Offshore member and have been what we now call the Lifeboat Operations Manager for the Peel Lifeboat for umpteen years.

You're all dead right, the RNLI is well worth supporting.

Don't ever be worried about being in trouble and the Lifeboat being called to assist you. You'll get no grief from either Lifeboat crews or Coastguards.

The most important thing in my experience is to contact the Coastguard as early as possible. Even if you just have a little feeling things are going wrong and you may need assistance, just let them know. They don't have to take any action there and then but at least we are aware of a potential situation and can monitor it and respond accordingly. All too often crews will spend too much time trying to rectify a problem and only call the Coastguard as a last resort when they are the verge of total disaster.

Frequently we are called out at night to locate a boat only to find later that it had in fact been broken down for hours and the crew only called for assistance when it got dark!

Please, please just keep the Coastguard informed.

I suppose I should say that this is a personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of the RNLI etc etc

Allen

[Rogue Wave]

We have been asked and agreed to run rib rides on the Calshott lifeboat open day this year. We supply the boat driver and fuel and the lifeboats get all the money for the rides, which seems a good way to show our appreciation.

So why don't you all turn up and buy a ride we will offer a discount to all you 4 strokers out there so you can see what a good 2 stroke can do.

Also spare a thought for the local rescue services they are independent and struggle for funding sometimes.

Very sensible comments in the previous posts. By the way have you all done a free sea safety check. Ive seen the Handbook is it like a Filofax and how do you get one

[ollyit]

I'll be most definitely taking the free sea safety check when I know my boats up to scratch - to see whether I missed anything

[Rogue Wave]

do it before and then you'll have alist of what to do

[aligator]

I joined last year at the L B show , my advanced power boat course was taken in february and after returning from the night navigation exerscise
frozen wet from spray (like being hit with ice cubes) you relize these guys are bloody heros and your subscription is money well spent in fact , joining should be compulsory not an option!

Alistair

[Daniel TD5]

i joined last year before i got my boat i even got window stickers for the company car fleet at work me and the transport manager were friends each new car had a new sticker when it went out. my support started from the day i needed them and they saved my life

i was using a jet ski off herne bay about five hundred meters from the beach
when bang it stopped as it was a hx model you could not sit on it when stopped. so in the water i go in coming tide so with the tide i head for the medway my mate reports me missing to the rescue boat provided at hampton slip way.
they go looking but don,t report me missing for over one hour to the coast guard. i am now a mile from land i spend in total six hours in the water i had the inshore rib and the off shore arun class out looking for me for over four
hours in the end the coast guard was in charge from a landrover near herne bay called for any air support to help find me my luck was in as a raf nimrod
was local and found me and with in 2mins the RNLI boys came in the inshore rib best rib i have ever seen to this day.

i had all the gear full wet suit boots gloves the water was so cold after a hour or so and it was july and a very hot day

so i say give all you can one day it could be you or your family that need the
help of the RNLI

[Louise]

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

Ive seen the Handbook is it like a Filofax and how do you get one

Hi Stu,

Sorry I didn't get to see you over the weekend - I heard you were at The Fountain Saturday night but busy providing a water taxi service.

I bought Richard a copy of the handbook. You can order it online: http://www.rnlishop.org.uk/shop/ Go to the last section 'Insignia' and then 'Insignia Accessories' and it's one of the last items. HTH.

[Tim M]

What does the sea-check look for/what do you need?

[Paul Glatzel]

A Sea Check assessor will spend time with you looking at your boat, the kit you carry how the boat is set up etc. They will look to provide advice and guidance in a friendly and non judgemental way. Typically they are boaters with many years of experience and are very keen to share that knowledge with you.

They will tend to spend an hour with you, complete a form and issue you with some literature & a Sea Check sticker for the craft. There is no charge. Commercial craft cannot be 'seachecked'

Its a good scheme and well worth doing. If you're in the Poole area then by all means contact me and I will sort a Sea Check for you or book one via the RYA website at www.rnli.org.uk

Paul