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The boat crew were the only one in the country this year to be awarded a distinction in an Operational Readiness Inspection, according to Mattie Shannon, officer in charge of Doolin Coastguard. The inspection examines the team’s ability to present and maintain the boat and equipment, their skill and understanding of search and rescue and their use of the boat and knowledge of the sea and navigation.
“We selected eight team members to represent the unit here. They were assessed during a weekend-long Operational Readiness Inspection, or ORI, last March but were only presented with the results last weekend at the Officers in Charge Conference in Kilkenny. The boat crew here was awarded a distinction and were the only one in the country to achieve this. It is great for morale because there is a lot of time put into training,” said Mr Shannon.
The Doolin Coastguard unit consists of around 20 members and is currently doing a recruitment drive in North Clare in search of new volunteers.
“We are looking for the best available candidates. They have to live in a specific area, a maximum of six to eight miles from Doolin. We are looking for people between 20 and 35 years of age ideally. If they had boating, marine or climbing skills, it would be favourable but the main thing would be availability and enthusiasm for the whole thing,” Mr Shannon outlined.
Recruits then take part in a three-year training programme.
“The coastguard here is a 24 hour per day 365 days a year voluntary service. There is a lot of disruption to your life, that is the worst part but overall it is very rewarding. There is a lot of good will and you learn a lot of life skills and the camaraderie of it is great too,” he concluded.
Anyone who lives in the area and believes what they have what it takes to become one of the Doolin Coastguard team should visit www.DoolinCoastGuard.com for further details.
