Training log - summer 2007

1. 19th June 1900 - 2100 Loc

The team carried out a search exercise for two missing canoeists overdue between East the Water slipway and Appledore. Two search teams were deployed on foot to search the river bank from Instow to the new bridge and from the new bridge to iron bridge. The MRU vehicle carried out a rapid sweep of the search area ahead of the search teams. The search was co-ordinated from the Coastguard station at Instow.

2. 26th June 1900 - 2100 Loc

This week the Bideford Sector Manager, Mr. Simon Wiseman, instructed the team on matters relating to the MCA beach safety program. The team discussed the common hazards found on Instow beach and other popular holiday locations in the local area. The team will be using the program during upcoming PR events on Instow beach where the public will be invited to view our rescue equipment and receive advice on beach safety for the family.

3. 3rd July 1900 - 2100 Loc

Monthly equipment maintenance checks performed.

4. 10th July 1900 - 2100 Loc

The team carried out a mud rescue exercise in the vicinity of the new bridge at Barnstaple. This will provide valuable local knowledge information on the nature of the river bed and mud conditions since the causeway was removed.

5. 17th July 1900 - 2100 Loc

The team conducted a search exercise under the supervision of the Bideford Sector Manager. The search involved a live casualty, posing as a teenage girl lost between Penhill Point and Fremington Quay. The casualty was found on the beach close to Fremington Quay and the search was expanded when it became apparent that the casualty's 6 year old sister was also missing. The second casualty was located at NDDH and the exercise was completed.

6. 24th July 1900 - 2100 Loc

The team conducted the evening's training on Instow beach. Exercises were carried out in rope work, stretcher evacuation and setting up of hold fast points. The team also deployed the Luff Tackle and used this to pull the rescue vehicle, simulating an emergency vehicle recovery.

7. 31st July 1900 - 2100 Loc

The team carried out monthly equipment checks and conducted a short exercise intended to develop radio telephony skills.

8. 7th August 1900 - 2100 Loc

A mud rescue exercise was completed on the river between Instow yacht club and the RM Zeta berth. Members of the Croyde cliff rescue team were present and were able to observe the mud rescue process.

9. 14th August 1900 - 2100 Loc

The team were trained on rope work, knots and their various applications.

10. 21st August 1900 - 2100 Loc

A search exercise was carried out in the Instow sands area of the guard. The team searched for a missing person using the recently updated search techniques introduced by the MCA. The new procedures worked well and the casualty was located within 300m of their last known position.

11. 28th August 1900 - 2100 Loc

A map reading and orientation exercise was carried. The crew were given several OS map references, instructed to plot each one and drive to the location in the MRU.

12. 4th September 1900 - 2100 Loc

The crew continued with map reading and chartwork exercises.

13. 11th September 1900 - 2100 Loc

The crew carried out a rapid water rescue exercise at Fremington Quay. The exercise involved deployment of the Perry and torpedo rescue buoys and several crew members entered the water to act as both casualties and rescuers.

14. 18th September 1900 - 2100 Loc

Monthly equipment checks were completed.

15. 25th September 1900 - 2100 Loc

The crew conducted ropework exercises on station.

16. 2nd October 1900 - 2100 Loc

A search exercise was conducted between Instow and Isley Marsh. Special emphasis was placed on the use of GPS and map reading.

17. 9th October 1900 - 2100 Loc

A mud rescue readiness exercise was completed. The crew were required to demonstrate a capability of reaching a casualty within 6 mins of arrival on scene.

18. 16th October 1900 - 2100 Loc

A search and rescue exercise was carried out along the river bank between Instow and Bideford.

19. 23rd October 1900 - 2100 Loc

A mud rescue exercise was carried out on the shore close to the Instow yacht club.

20. 30th October 1900 - 2100 Loc

The crew carried out training on winch and recovery work

21. 6th November 1900 - 2100 Loc

The crew conducted winch and stake work on Instow beach. Monthly equipment checks were completed.

22. 13th November 1900 - 2100 Loc

Vehicle maintenance carried out on station.

23. 20th November 1900 - 2100 Loc

Some team members carried out station admin tasks while other conducted a local area patrol.

24. 27th November 1900 - 2100 Loc

A search exercise was carried out for a young girl, through the sand dunes on Instow Beach.