VISAR Training with RFA Wave Ruler
Sunday, 23rd October 2011
VISAR Training with RFA Wave Ruler
On Sunday 23rd October, 19 volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) were welcomed aboard the Royal Fleet Auxillary ship ‘Wave Ruler' by her Captain and Royal Navy contingent. The purpose of this visit was initially to conduct a joint training exercise to practice winching techniques between the Naval ‘Lynx' Helicopter and the 2 VISAR rescues boats 'Spirit of Tortola' based in Road Harbour and ‘Gorda Peak' from Virgin Gorda. However due to technical issues with the helicopter the planned winching had to be cancelled and instead the volunteers were given a very informative and lively tour on board the ship, were they viewed many of the ships facilities and were shown equipment that would be used to aid the Overseas Territories in the event of a natural disaster.
As well as the cutting equipment and chainsaws that would be used to clear roads and debris after a hurricane, the volunteers were also shown the ships comprehensive sick bay and given a brief by the on board Doctor as to the various pieces of equipment and supplies that they carry. He explained that in the event of an emergency, the ships paramedic could deploy with lifesaving equipment to virtually anywhere by helicopter, while he would remain on the ship to deal with casualties. Peter Clatworthy, a VISAR responder said "It was good to see at first hand the extent of disaster recovery resources available to the BVI during hurricane season and to develop a closer working relationship".
Three members of the Royal Navy crew then gave a very detailed explanation and demonstration on how they would tackle a fire in one of the ships compartments. Fire on board any large ship is one of the biggest threats to life and the hazards and techniques of dealing with the blaze were discussed at length. One piece of equipment that was of much interest was a thermal imaging camera that is used for locating missing persons in a smoke filled room. The camera is possibly something that could be used to search for missing people, either in the water or on a shoreline, and certainly something that warrants further research.
After the life saving equipment, the tour then moved to the ships bridge and it's many systems for navigation, propulsion and defence were explained - including a hands on demonstration of the close in weapons systems - the 7.62mm Phalanx ‘minigun' and the two turret mounted 30mm canons that would be used for defence of the ship and also in the fight against drug trafficking.
The final part of the tour was to the aft of the ship where the Lynx helicopter was on display and although flying hadn't been possible, the pilot and flight commander explained the capabilities of the Lynx and everybody had a good look around the aircraft and the equipment it carries.
The VISAR crew would like to express their thanks to Lt Cdr Phil Ponsford and the rest of his Royal Navy party who made everyone feel so welcome and gave a very informative and enjoyable tour. Andrew Waters, a VISAR Helm and Board Member, was particularly impressed by the amount of detail that had been included in the demonstrations and said that "the training was extremely worthwhile and gave us all a better understanding of how a Royal Navy ship and her crew could assist the people of the BVI and how they could complement and work alongside the emergency and rescue services in the event of a major disaster".
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