On Wednesday 25 May, a group of nearly 30 IIMS members met at the impressive Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) headquarters and training facility at Poole in Dorset, UK. Their mission? Firstly to have a close look first hand at the RNLI All-weather Lifeboat Centre and the various workshops to see and understand the activities going on. Then after lunch, the group combined with the RNLI surveyors at their conference for an invaluable afternoon of training and knowledge sharing.
RNLI Director, Angus Watson, welcomed the group and said how much he hoped the group could work together more closely going forward.
During the tour around the All-Weather Lifeboat Centre, IIMS members saw:
• Two boat halls with flexible bays for manufacturing and maintaining lifeboats
• Component manufacturing area
• Launch, recovery and boat storage area
• Paint preparation area and paint spray booths with built in extraction system and heat curing facility
• Workshop for supporting the RNLI inshore training fleet
IIMS CEO, Mike Schwarz, kicked off the afternoon session when he spoke about the latest news from the Institute and the importance of surveyor standards. Iain Walbridge from RNLI followed him and covered the topic of how the RNLI analyses and monitors ALB stability. Next to speak was John Excell, who gave a refresher on report writing including key components, tips, advice and layouts. After a short break for coffee, Dave Steel and Gary Venning from RNLI talked about a general understanding into the background and lessons learnt practicing Condition Based Maintenance. And finally, IIMS stalwart, Capt John Noble rounded the day off with advice on accident investigations.
The IIMS wishes to pass on its gratitude to all those at RNLI who helped to make the day such a special and memorable one, in particular Richard Morris for his considerable efforts to arrange the day.
As a mark of respect for the fantastic work RNLI does and to thank them for their hospitality, John Excell, IIMS Chairman of Yacht & Small Craft Surveying presented a donation cheque for £500 on behalf of the Institute.
