Search and rescue crews begin training on Moray Firth

CREWS training for the new privatised search and rescue service have begun carrying out rescues from the sea and from moving vessels in the Inner Moray Firth.

Bristow Helicopters’ Search and Rescue (SAR) crews have started six weeks of special maritime training on the firth near Inverness.

The exercises are part of three months of training being undertaken by Bristow’s SAR teams in preparation for the start of the UK Gap SAR contract for Northern Scotland this summer.

In the coming weeks, the maritime training, which is being supported by Inverness Port Authority, will focus on carrying out rescues from the sea and from moving vessels. The crews will be conducting operations for approximately one hour, six days a week.

Chief Pilot in Bristow Helicopters’ Gap SAR team, Ben Clarke, said: "This maritime training is an essential part of our preparation for assuming operation of the Gap Search and Rescue service in Northern Scotland this summer. From our bases in Stornoway and Sumburgh we will be covering a great deal of open water and coastline and we are committed to ensuring our crews are prepared for all eventualities. We also extend our thanks to Inverness Port Authority for their support in these training operations."

Sinclair Browne, chief executive of the Inverness Port Authority, which is providing pilot vessels and crews for the training operations, added: "We are delighted to be able to support Bristow Helicopters in their training operations for this vital search and rescue service which plays such an important role in keeping our seas safe."

Bristow will assume search and rescue operations, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, from Sumburgh on June 1, 2013, and from Stornoway on July 1, 2013.

American company Bristow Helicopters already delivers SAR operations in other countries around the world including the Netherlands, Norway, Trinidad, Russia, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Cyprus and the Dutch Antilles.

The firm is taking over SAR operations from the RAF, Royal Navy and Maritime and Coastguard Agency in the UK as a whole in 2015.

Up to 40 new jobs will be created at Inverness Airport, which is to become a base for the new service. Two new AugustaWestland AW189 helicopters will be based on a 1.5acre site, replacing the yellow Sea Kings at RAF Lossiemouth.