In
common with other Lifeboat Stations the Crew (apart from
the Mechanic), Launchers, Station official's, Local Branch
members,and fundraisers are all volunteers, prepared to
contribute time and effort in various ways to man the boat,
organise training, fund raising, publicity events and administration.
The
crew list indicates the roles of the individuals, but it is
essential to have multi skilled crew able to man the Lifeboat
with different combination of crew members.
Joining the RNLI
Each crew member after a probationary and training period
is invited to join the RNLI a contract is signed and the member
is made aware of their responsibilities and Health & Safety
implications. An individual 'pager' is issued and this is
tested once a week at a prearranged time to check the system
operation
The
pager is used at any time of the day or night to alert
ALL crew members, therefore ensuring that adequate crew
numbers can be mustered to take the boat, the essential
members are the Coxswain, Mechanic, Radio Officer and Tractor
driver (without whom the Lifeboat will not be launched)
The lifeboat is designed for a crew of 6, but it is at the
Coxswain's discretion regarding the crew and numbers taken,
more may be required if for example a wide area visual search
is required.
Some stations have dedicated crew teams who are on standby
for set periods. At Anstruther it is only within the three
coxswain that an unofficial rota takes place, to maintain
constant cover.
Pager
alert
A
typical scenario of events would be, a boat in distress
calls on Channel 16 (the channel monitored 24hrs a day 7
days a week 365 days a year by the Coast Guard at Fife Ness
- MRSC Forth)
The call is picked up by MRSC Forth, contact made, location
established and nature of the distress if possible. The
Launching Authority is immediately contacted in Anstruther,
the pagers are alerted to 'Immediate Readiness' or 'Launch
ALB'.
' Immediate Readiness' requests all the crew available to
assemble at the Boathouse for detailed instructions, 'Launch
ALB' requires the lifeboat to be launched as quickly and
safely as possible. The decision to launch is taken by the
Coxswain and Hon Sec Launch Authority.
As the crew muster, the coxswain has
to be certain he has the appropriate crew for the task in
hand, the launch crew will be checking the safety of the
carriage, starting the tractor and preparing to move the
Lifeboat to launch position, low tide levels present further
problems. (See the section on Launch & Recovery)
The
Coxswain takes control of the Lifeboat from the Head Launcher
at the point of launch from the carriage
.
The Radio Officer and Helm will be quickly trying to establish
the best course to the location if given by the Coast Guard,
all under the control of the Coxswain.
All this can be achieved within 5
minutes!
After the Launch - Recovery - Ready for
the next 'Shout'
Launch crew will now make good the carriage and await the
return of the Lifeboat.
Because
of the tidal fluctuations within Anstruther harbour it is
not always possible for the lifeboat to enter the harbour
or remain at a pier with sufficient water to leave the berth
if called out again. While waiting for the correct tide level
for safe recovery onto the carriage, the coxswain may in some
circumstances decide to secure the lifeboat at Pittenweem
harbour (where even at low tide, water depth is always available)
and return to Anstruther when the tide allows. The crew would
therefore be collected from Pittenweem (or other any other
safe harbour) and returned to the station.
The pagers would again be activated to recall the Lifeboat
crew and launch crew, at a given time for recovery at Anstruther
slipway (Service archive details these events)
Once back in the Boathouse the Lifeboat is immediately refuelled
and made ready for the next service call. The Coast Guard
are also informed that the Lifeboat is again available for
service. A Debriefing is held with the crew and Service returns
made to the RNLI HQ.
