MRCC Portland

[jockman]

At long last I've found an informative and interesting diver site. As a new member I should like to introduce myself and my raison d'etre. I am a Coastguard Watch Manager based here at MRCC Portland on the south coast. For my sins I am also the Portland Search & Rescue District Dive Liaison Officer. Our district covers a shoreline area from Exmouth in East Devon to the Dorset/Hampshire border and to seaward to the median line running east-west through the English Channel, a total area of 2500 sqnm.

Some of you will probably be familiar with the area, having dived the region on numerous occasions. What you will not be familiar with is the fact that year on year we consistently top the ratings with regard to dive related incidents. This year, for example, we are currently running at 70, which is more than double that of our nearest "challenger". It could of course be argued that the Weymouth and Portland area is probably (Carling's word), not mine, the premier dive region in the UK, and we therefore receive more divers than anywhere else in the UK. Consequently is it a case of relativity, i.e. more divers, more incidents, lower training standards, lack of adequate safety briefs when on site, etc; - I would be interested in hearing your views.

I am forever trying to dream up ways of spreading the dive safety gospel. How can we help you to improve safety? Again, your views. Finally, on this particular thread, you are more than welcome to visit our operations room in Weymouth when you are in the area, either individually or as a group - let me know; it just gives me the opportunity to jump on my soap box.

[chas49]

welcome to the wonderful world of YD - I'm sure we'll all be glad to have you on the forum.

As you say, Portland/Weymouth is a very busy area for divers which probably explains the number of incidents....

Keep up the good work!

[Juz]

Originally Posted by jockman

Finally, on this particular thread, you are more than welcome to visit our operations room in Weymouth when you are in the area, either individually or as a group - let me know; it just gives me the opportunity to jump on my soap box.

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME

That's a fantastic offer that I'm sure many will take you up upon. I recently went to the Dover Coastguard open day and found it very rewarding.

Juz

[vid]

hello to you & your soapbox

anything that improves safety, i'm all for

having just seen the BSAC incidnet report released, we (ie divers in the UK) certainly make use of your services on a regular basis

what's your biggest bugbears? if we know we can push the message too


vid

[MATTBIN]

Welcome to YD.

My diving has been South coast based, the Farnes and Scapa. I have always found the dive briefings of the South Coast boats to be excellent and the skippers focus on safety to be paramount. I'm not saying it was lacking at the other dive sites I have visited either. Without knowing how many divers use the South Coast or indeed the severity of the type of dives it would be difficult to evaluate any statistics that may present themselves.

As was already said any comments as to what you see as being common 'mistakes' would be most welcome.

Rgds
Matt

[tugboat sue]

Welcome to YD,

Hearing and sharing your thoughts can only be a good thing to all divers using this site, and hopefully improve diver safety thoughout the UK.

[Andy the Coastie]

Originally Posted by tugboat sue

Welcome to YD,

Hearing and sharing your thoughts can only be a good thing to all divers using this site, and hopefully improve diver safety thoughout the UK.

What she said .......... One of my victims

[Andy the Coastie]

Welcome Jockman.......

We also have Paul Chapman here from Humber aswell......... would be a great idea for YD and yourselves so have a WO from each district.

I'll have another word at Dover , next time i see someone


Hoping ya have a quieter season next year.

[dublinbay]

Welcome Jockman, recent pic of wet training we did with our local chopper. Great day and great insight into your world.
Jack

[resting rifleman]

welcome aboard jockman, glad you found us!
"jockman" has been the calm, collected, and authoratative voice on the other end of the vhf down here for quite a while now, and many divers have benifitted from his, and his teams , dedicated and proffesional efforts, he has also organized heli training and presentations for local skippers! which have been very much appreciated by all of us who have taken the the opportunity.
so if you get the chance to take up the offer to visit the station, do so! it'll be well worth it.
mike.