Sea Survival Course ......

PeterM · 13 July 2010, 20:12

If anyone has been pondering doing this I am booked up (with Mrs M) on Sat to do this with Stormforce in Southampton.

I have only ever heard good things about this so I'm urging anyone I know to give them (Doug) a ring and see if you can get down there at the weekend.

I know several Ribneters who have done it & have sworn by it.

Pete

Steve_B · 13 July 2010, 20:16

A great course, you will both enjoy and learn lots.

You will never take being in the water with an inflated lifejacket on, for granted ever again.

Very much recommend and money very well spent

Puffin · 13 July 2010, 22:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by 250kts

A great course, you will both enjoy and learn lots.

You will never take being in the water with an inflated lifejacket on, for granted ever again.

Very much recommend and money very well spent

Agreed, did the course with Ian from Seaskills in Oban last weekend , learnt loads, including don't necessarily expect your lifjacket to inflate automatically (mine didn't) or the life raft to inflate properly either for that matter! A lesson better learnt in a swimming pool than in the dark in a rough sea!

SPR · 14 July 2010, 10:20

Yes -Seaskills courses are good, I organised one with 16 people on a few years back, but i think they (instructors) enjoy the last exercise too much!!

.

I believe Ian @ SeaSkills can arrange them anywhere in UK...Jon Clift one of Sea Skills Instructors are based in Salcombe.

S.

BogMonster · 14 July 2010, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puffin

learnt loads, including don't necessarily expect your lifjacket to inflate automatically (mine didn't)

interesting - what's the cure - pull the red handle or take it off and swim? what's the fault - the auto part or something else?

My better half can't swim - so was kind of relying on the Hammar jacket to work on the relatively rare occasions she comes out with me...

Puffin · 14 July 2010, 17:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

interesting - what's the cure - pull the red handle or take it off and swim? what's the fault - the auto part or something else?

Simple, pull the red toggle (it was the automatic bit that failed)............. but that is something you might not remember in the blind panic of being tipped into a very cold and rough sea! Better to learn the lesson in a warm swimming pool, hopefuly you are then more likely to remember if it ever comes to the real thing.

Brambles · 14 July 2010, 19:39

I did the course with Stormforce back in April & would highly recommend the school.

I came away with a new respect for the sea & the conclusion that if I ever have to step up into a life raft I want to have a bottle of scotch & a revolver with me

RRIBS · 14 July 2010, 20:36

Booked into SWAC for 25th. Looking forward to it. Any good?

Avocet · 15 July 2010, 01:07

Tee hee

Been there: got the T-shirt!

Good advice: never leave the boat!

Best advice: expect all equipment to fail - oh, and hold your nose on that first jump off the board!

Good luck

David

BogMonster · 15 July 2010, 01:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puffin

Simple, pull the red toggle (it was the automatic bit that failed)............. but that is something you might not remember in the blind panic of being tipped into a very cold and rough sea!

Ah well that is a bit of a relief ... though point taken about remembering to pull it.

Were they conventional 'auto' lifejackets that failed, or Hammar type? Which sort is generally more reliable?

SeaSkills · 15 July 2010, 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

Ah well that is a bit of a relief ... though point taken about remembering to pull it.

Were they conventional 'auto' lifejackets that failed, or Hammar type? Which sort is generally more reliable?

It was a United Moulders unit that failed on that occasion, Stephen. It had passed it's expiry date, and Puffin wanted to test it in the water.

It is one of the few of that type that have failed on courses. In my experience it has been the pressure-activated units that have failed more frequently than the soluble types. However, out of the pool environment, it is the soluble units that are more likely to accidently deploy if the tablet has been allowed to get damp.

Ian
PS Thanks for the kind comments about our courses - much appreciated!

Puffin · 15 July 2010, 10:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaSkills

It was a United Moulders unit that failed on that occasion, Stephen. It had passed it's expiry date, and Puffin wanted to test it in the water.

As a follow up to that, went home and tested the other 2 that were out of date, they both fired correctly, all lifejackets now fully checked and up to date!

One of many lessons learnt in a useful and enjoyable day!

BogMonster · 15 July 2010, 11:50

By coincidence I was looking at my Hammars the other day and the inflator bits expire next year so I must order some new units for them. The "light" is still green but I don't know how much use that is...

SDGANDER · 15 July 2010, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

By coincidence I was looking at my Hammars the other day and the inflator bits expire next year so I must order some new units for them. The "light" is still green but I don't know how much use that is...

Not sure about the Hammars but the green 'light'/tag usually shows it hasn't been triggered not the state of charge of the bottle.

Don't forget if all else fails that you can blow it up by mouth.

SDG

PS Haven't done the course a few times now I would say its a must for anyone. It CAN happen to you...

PeterM · 15 July 2010, 17:28

As a warm up for Sat I tested/checked all my lifejackets today. They get a good look over every few weeks as my kids wear them,( they all kept dry in the house too rather than left anywhere damp) but they got spray hoods fitted today and the lights checked (all ok except mine !) .

I even triggered one just to see and it worked fine too !

Brambles · 15 July 2010, 19:07

Just remembered another very important thing I learned on this course: Don't forget to empty the pockets of your waterproofs - it's surprising what embarrassing things end up at the bottom of the swiming pool

boristhebold · 16 July 2010, 10:31

I did this course many moons ago in St Thomas in the virgin islands, had great fun, the highlight was jumping off a reasonably high diving board with the life jacket on. (Suppossed to simulate what it would be like jumping off a ship). Yes would recomend it.

PeterM · 17 July 2010, 17:56

So just back . A great day and its amazing how much water you can trap in your sleeves/pockets etc!

If you haven't done it then you should. Not only worthwhile but good fun too.

Doug Stormforce · 21 July 2010, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

So just back . A great day and its amazing how much water you can trap in your sleeves/pockets etc!

If you haven't done it then you should. Not only worthwhile but good fun too.

Pete

Glad you and Mrs M enjoyed the course.