Training

Training is carried out mostly in-house by our own RYA instructors; however the crew do undertake formal training courses at various locations throughout the United Kingdom. Formal training sessions are held each month, with short "topic" refresher training sessions held during the "tea break" on a Sunday morning maintenance and cleaning session.

The baseline requirement for crew is the RYA level 2 powerboat (coastal). This level covers topics such as boat design, maintenance, boating skills, rope work, tides, charts, weather, navigation and IRPCS. They then move through the qualifications to Safety Boat, and Advanced Certificates. Further specific training is included to cover the routines applicable to the particular systems operated by Loughor Inshore Rescue. These include search and rescue techniques, search planning, pyrotechnics, advanced first aid, and VHF communication. Apart from all crew having the RYA level 2 qualification, the ongoing program is used to add expertise to the crew. Nearly half the crew are qualified beyond the RYA standard on Personal Watercraft (jet ski), and are practiced in the use of these machines in a rescue roll. We have a diver, kayaker and crew members with sailing and sail boarding experience to add to the knowledge in these areas of water sport.

Finally, all crew hold certificates to operate VHF/DSC equipment, and have first aid qualifications.