Paddlers: Gordon, Steve, Iain, Mark, Simon, Finn, Paddy, Martin
Tom organised and joint RNLI/HCC exercise on the Clyde. From an HCC perspective, the main objective was to practice VHF comms, from an RNLI perspective the objective was to prioritise different issues as the scenario unfolded.
The scenario involved a party of 8 kayakers getting split into two groups by high winds. One group ended up on Ardmore Point, with one of the paddlers suffering a dislocated shoulder. The remaining kayakers radioed for help. Whilst the lifeboat was proceeding to deal with the Ardmore group, this group suffered a capsize and were unable to get the kayaker back in their boat and radioed for further help.
The lifeboat response to the scenarios was as hoped. HCC were impressed by the lifeboats response and the feedback from the RNLI was that HCC’s radio calls were effective. and they were impressed by the level of safety kit we carried. However, the following learning points were noted:
- There was no point in having a handheld VHF on low power – after first real transmission I switched to full power, otherwise I wasn’t heard
- I noticed that not all handsets received equally well – I heard some bits of messages via others VHFs, not my own
- I’m going to move my VHF to the right hand side of my BA – Im right handed and it was awkward to use with it on the left
- I was surprised at how often I forgot radio protocol, missing out ‘overs’, not getting call signs correct etc – it’s really good to practice
- Even in daylight, the LED flare was extremely effective for locating the group on Ardmore |Point.
- A suggestion for lifeboat crew: if pulling a kayak up onto the Rib, lift by bow so that it drains.
A big thanks to Tom for organising and a special mention for Paddy for going in the water and Finn for dislocating his shoulder. A full set of photos can be found here but some highlights are below:
