To ensure the optimal effectiveness of what we do, and ensuring that our volunteers are as safe as possible in undertaking the risky work of rescue, we provide a lot of focus on the facilities, boats, vehicles and equipment that we supply.
NSRI rescue stations serve not only as storage areas for assets, boats and equipment and a control stations for operations, but they are also family spaces where we encourage the involvement of spouses and children outside of operations to ensure that volunteer time is sustained and that families are not denied time with their loved ones. We believe this is an important element of volunteer sustainability.
Buildings
We are currently undertaking a medium-term project to upgrade the boatsheds for our vessels of the future, underpinned by security of tenure.
Equipment
Our range of equipment, including personal protective equipment, communication equipment, and all the paraphernalia that goes with the continually expanding skill set of what NSRI does – from conducting ship medical extrications (high angle rope work), helicopter operations to inland swift water rescues, also requires constant awareness of the latest developments, to ensure our crews remain at the forefront of being supported by the best kit possible.
Vehicles
Our partnership with Mitsubishi is very robust, providing quality, rugged rescue vehicles which act as crew transport, remote vessel launching vehicles as well as remote site radio control stations.
Vessels
The Search and Rescue deep rescue boat replacement programme project is seeing fruition in 2018, after many years of investigation and research, and will provides a quantum leap in the safety and health of rescue crews operating in violent sea conditions on Class 1 rescue vessels. Ongoing research and development and continuous improvement is being maintained in partnership with our RIB vessel builder Gemini. A move towards more fit-for-purpose surf rescue jet skis is being made alongside our strategic intentions in partnering more effectively with surf rescue organisations.