Plett training:

Station 14 Plett took part in HSRU training with Squadron 15 in Plett on Saturday. Report by Marc Rodgers.New Plett volunteers were introduced to the air force BK Helicopter and had the chance to take part in the exercise. The day started with an Standard Operating Procedure briefing before everyone went out to a safety briefing at the chopper itself. Picture Marc Rodgers.Exercises for the day included dry lifts off the beach in front of the station and drop offs into the boat which was 500m off the shore. the rescue boat was unanchored and blown around by the chopper, simulating drop off of a rescue swimmer and retrieval of casualties from a vessel in distress which has lost power. Picture Marc Rodgers.From there we did moving lifts - the boat maintains a constant speed and heading and the helicopter aligns itself directly above the boat matching its speed. The hoist is lowered down to the crew below and they are lifted into the helicopter.This retrieval method is mainly used for lifting injured crew off large moving vessels however training over a small vessel is ideal for for honing skills of the pilot and engineer as well as the NSRI crew.A de-briefing was held after the exercise to discuss the days activities and for constructive criticism as well as ideas for the next training opportunity. The day was enjoyed by all and was a great refresher.Garin Andrew and Marc Rodgers took the pictures: Picture Marc Rodgers. Picture Garin Andrew. Picture Garin Andrew. Picture Garin Andrew. Picture Garin Andrew. Picture Garin Andrew. Picture Garin Andrew. Picture Garin Andrew.