In June we piloted a new concept. We took our sea-going crew training syllabus, which is normally presented in weekly sessions over a period of six months, and we condensed it into two weeks. We did this for two reasons: on the one hand we have a shortage in crew in some small coastal towns and on the other hand we had potential crew with time on their hands who would have to wait for a week to roll by before they could move on to the next section. The course was held in Still Bay and we had an overwhelming response. Nine of the 10 participants are still volunteering for Sea Rescue, three months down the line.This week we started the next course of its kind, but this time it is being held over four weeks, after hours, in Lamberts Bay as part of their recruitment drive in preparation for the season. Classes start on Thursday and Friday evenings to accommodate work schedules and then run over the weekends. The course ends 18 November. The modules are broken up into theory sessions and practicals, including sea time and night hours at sea. The course schedule is demanding but the experience is rewarding.On the course: Jurie Botha, Jasper Coetzee, Maresa du Preez, Tony Jacobs, Elzetske Filand, Jamie Filand, Avril Mockey, Valerie Schroder, Erica Titus and Instructor: Rico Menezies. We thank the participants for their personal commitment and wish them all the best.
