Participation of an HRT member in a crew exchange program of the International Maritime Rescue Federation

A member of the Central Administration of the HRT, which operates in the Department of Sea & Water Rescue, participated in this year's crew exchange program of the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) that was held from September 26th to October 3rd, 2015 in Bagaskar island Lohja in Finland and hosted by the voluntary organization of Finish Lifeboat Institution (http://www.meripelastus.fi).

The crew exchange program involved six other volunteers and members of voluntary organizations which are members of the International Maritime Rescue Federation in order to exchange experiences and practices, to improve the training and operational level, but also to lead to useful results and conclusions. Additionally, they had the opportunity to practice further the English terminology used by the crews and members of European organizations, involved in marine rescue.

The crew exchange program was structured by simulation exercises in search and rescue, as well as modules concerning first aid, navigation, fire fighting, vessel management and English nautical terminology. Another important part of the training was to visit the stations and the training center of the organization, where the participants were informed about the ways their officers work  and their volunteers are being trained.

The program coordinator, Ms Linde Jelsma by the Dutch rescue organization KNRM said that the desire for knowledge and the enthusiasm of the volunteers were the two main factors behind the success of the training program and it is very important for the International Maritime Rescue Federation to know that the participants return to their homeland having gained fresh ideas and knowledge.

Noted that the HRT is the only Greek rescue organization that is a member of the International Maritime Rescue Federation and this year was the first time that HRT participated in the crew exchange program during the four years thats its been organized.

The Hellenic Rescue Team would like to kindly sent their warmest regards to LALIZAS, the safety equipment manufacturer and shipping company, for their sponsorship of the equipment used in the program, as well as the AEGEAN airlines, the major sponsor  which helps the HRT at all educational and operational activities.