Training 02 August 2007
Joint training with the Inverness team and the Invergordon Lifeboat today, and for the first time in a long while, Rescue 137 (OK, as it was training, Sea King 137) came to train with us.
Looking for a casualty on both sides of the Firth, and for the lucky few a lift in the helicopter to the other side. Very noisy to travel in, but an exciting ride.
The dummy casualty was found on the South side of the Firth, and so the North team were collected. We were expecting a landing, but got the opportunity for a long 100ft winch up to the helicopter. Entertaining for those whose first time it was.
On the way back, the winchman approached us, “Captain want to practice a couple of lifeboat approaches. Would you like to be lowered onto the lifeboat?”
Not needing a second offer, the three members of the team agreed.
An interesting experience hanging beneath an enormous helicopter, dangling over the deep waters of the Firth, as the winchman signals the helicopter in. Safely aboard the lifeboat ( the Douglas Aikman Smith ) we returned to Cromarty Harbour.
The Sector Manager was immediately advised that we wanted more training, for the members who hadn’t worked with the helicopter.
