Cork maritime survival challenge could help to save lives

PEOPLE working in the maritime sector have been invited to take part in challenge that could potentially help to one day save their lives.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) in conjunction with the RNLI will hold a free ‘Man Overboard’ challenge at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy early in the new year.

The one-day experience is open to anyone working on board a fishing vessel or shoreside, including those in the aquaculture sector.

This year, BIM and the RNLI are also welcoming those who would like to join as observers.

The Cork session will take place on Thursday, February 14. A second challenge will also run in the Errigal Training Centre in Donegal the previous week.

The sessions are designed to mimic a realistic incidence of falling into cold sea conditions, wearing full work clothing and without a personal floatation device or lifejacket.

This is then followed by the same experience with a correctly fitted lifejacket, to show the importance and impact of wearing the right equipment.

Although the conditions are controlled and undertaken under the watchful eye of experienced RNLI trainers, they provide a lifelike experience, simulating how work clothing — oilskins and boots — can affect a person’s buoyancy, coupled with challenging sea conditions.

The sessions also underpin the importance of having and following a ‘Man Overboard’ recovery plan.

BIM skills manager Ian Mannix, welcomed the return of the challenge saying that safety at sea “cannot be underestimated”.

“When something goes wrong in the water, things can turn lethal in a heartbeat. Being prepared, knowing the correct procedures and wearing a correctly fitted Personal Floatation Device is paramount for survival”.

“This Man Overboard challenge will ensure people have lived experience that sets them up up for survival,” he continued.

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Places can be booked by contacting Linda-Gene Byrne via email on Linda-Gene_Byrne@rnli.org.uk.