Friday17th Urgent - ever been lifted by RAF Boulmer Choppers?

[Steve Walker]

I found out by accident on Tuesday that RAF Boulmer in Northumberland is threatened with closure by the MOD. Obviously this would have significant implications for North East divers who were unfortunate enough to suffer DCI.

I contacted the Newcastle Journal in regard to their ongoing campaign to stop the closure, now they want to run a story (me and my big mouth!) and the reporter will be here in a few hours, what he'd like is the name and contact number of someone who has actually been rescued by the Boulmer choppers, preferably along the lines of "I wouldn't be here without these guys..."
So if any of you on-line today fit the bill, please get in touch ASAP
Cheers
Steve

[Andy Nye]

I found out by accident on Tuesday that RAF Boulmer in Northumberland is threatened with closure by the MOD. Obviously this would have significant implications for North East divers who were unfortunate enough to suffer DCI.

I contacted the Newcastle Journal in regard to their ongoing campaign to stop the closure, now they want to run a story (me and my big mouth!)

**** No Steve, you haven't got a big mouth at all, your just standing up for what is right in your mind.

Thanks for doing that on behalf of all divers and mainly the ones that dive the North East alot.

YOUR TIME with this reporter is well spent ,,,,,,,,,, WELL DONE ,MATEEEEEEEEEEEE

****



and the reporter will be here in a few hours, what he'd like is the name and contact number of someone who has actually been rescued by the Boulmer choppers, preferably along the lines of "I wouldn't be here without these guys..."
So if any of you on-line today fit the bill, please get in touch ASAP
Cheers
Steve

[Keith Lawrence(BSAC)]

Contact HQ, they might be able to give you some stuff on air-sea rescue in general and not only how it affect divers or they might have some contacts. Could be worth giving the RYA a shout as well.

Well done Steve.

Keith L

[Andy Nye]

[Steve Walker]

Reporter did a bit of an interview over the phone, photographer came andd took a picce or two, was supposed to be in saturday's edition but it wasn't, need ot see if it made it into todays edition, guess every little bit helps but the reported told me the MOD were making their decision within the next two weeks, they seem to think it'll be just as good to relocate the SAR choppers to Newcastle International Airport... yeah right, like there's huge holes in the airspace for choppers taking off at a moments notice, I'm sure...

[Steve Walker]

Article was printed on Tuesday, almost a full page including a big pic of the SAR chopper with an inset of my ugly mug looking suitably serious. Just had a call from a guy at Radio 4 this morning, seems they're going to highlight Boulmer and other threatened closures.

[David J Smith]

Reporter did a bit of an interview over the phone, photographer came andd took a picce or two, was supposed to be in saturday's edition but it wasn't, need ot see if it made it into todays edition, guess every little bit helps but the reported told me the MOD were making their decision within the next two weeks, they seem to think it'll be just as good to relocate the SAR choppers to Newcastle International Airport... yeah right, like there's huge holes in the airspace for choppers taking off at a moments notice, I'm sure...

Hi Steve
I agree it would be a shame if Boulmer was closed, I believe the MOD are looking into use of Boulmer for other purposes(a little inside, but probably common knowledge). As to the ever more packed airspace at Newcastle and helicopter routings, helicopters don't suffer the same problem as civilian passenger aircraft or the multitude of fast jet traffic that are busy making noises in and around Newcastle. They fly a little lower and a little slower and can therefore have special clearances to come and go pretty much as they please, you'd be surprised what a 'Rescue' callsign does for restricted airspace.

Dave
(Army Helicopter Pilot)

[Steve Walker]

:=Reporter did a bit of an interview over the phone, photographer came andd took a picce or two, was supposed to be in saturday's edition but it wasn't, need ot see if it made it into todays edition, guess every little bit helps but the reported told me the MOD were making their decision within the next two weeks, they seem to think it'll be just as good to relocate the SAR choppers to Newcastle International Airport... yeah right, like there's huge holes in the airspace for choppers taking off at a moments notice, I'm sure...

Hi Steve
I agree it would be a shame if Boulmer was closed, I believe the MOD are looking into use of Boulmer for other purposes(a little inside, but probably common knowledge). As to the ever more packed airspace at Newcastle and helicopter routings, helicopters don't suffer the same problem as civilian passenger aircraft or the multitude of fast jet traffic that are busy making noises in and around Newcastle. They fly a little lower and a little slower and can therefore have special clearances to come and go pretty much as they please, you'd be surprised what a 'Rescue' callsign does for restricted airspace.

Dave
(Army Helicopter Pilot)

Ah well, at least it might not be aas bad as feared if the closure goes ahead; still I imagine that the economic effect of the closure might still be an issue for the surrounding area. Cheers for the info Dave (sounds like a cool way to make a living)

[David J Smith]

:=:=Reporter did a bit of an interview over the phone, photographer came andd took a picce or two, was supposed to be in saturday's edition but it wasn't, need ot see if it made it into todays edition, guess every little bit helps but the reported told me the MOD were making their decision within the next two weeks, they seem to think it'll be just as good to relocate the SAR choppers to Newcastle International Airport... yeah right, like there's huge holes in the airspace for choppers taking off at a moments notice, I'm sure...
:=
:=Hi Steve
:=I agree it would be a shame if Boulmer was closed, I believe the MOD are looking into use of Boulmer for other purposes(a little inside, but probably common knowledge). As to the ever more packed airspace at Newcastle and helicopter routings, helicopters don't suffer the same problem as civilian passenger aircraft or the multitude of fast jet traffic that are busy making noises in and around Newcastle. They fly a little lower and a little slower and can therefore have special clearances to come and go pretty much as they please, you'd be surprised what a 'Rescue' callsign does for restricted airspace.
:=
:=Dave
:=(Army Helicopter Pilot)

Ah well, at least it might not be aas bad as feared if the closure goes ahead; still I imagine that the economic effect of the closure might still be an issue for the surrounding area. Cheers for the info Dave (sounds like a cool way to make a living)


It pays the bills! But as with any other job it has it has its good days and bad, more of the latter lately thanks to uncle Tony and his cronies !

Dave

[richie771]

PEOPLE Do Not let this man fool you. He poses as an Army Helicopter Pilot to attract women.

Dave - As your therapist for the last two years - I thought we had got past this stage. I realise that your job in the Adjudants Generals Corps licking Envolpes closed is a bit mundane - but you must cease with this Pilot routine.

Now your next appointment is on Tuesday - and this time can you turn up in a car - As the Sherman Tank you hired has ruined the front lawn.

See Ya!!!!!

Jacket Pongo.....

P.S> Congrats on passing SADS mate - But ur SADS number is like a phone number compared to mine!!!!!!!!!! - Well done

Steve - If ur on - Congrats as well - I am told that Dave dragged you through (I find it hard to believe)!!!

[David J Smith]

PEOPLE Do Not let this man fool you. He poses as an Army Helicopter Pilot to attract women.

Dave - As your therapist for the last two years - I thought we had got past this stage. I realise that your job in the Adjudants Generals Corps licking Envolpes closed is a bit mundane - but you must cease with this Pilot routine.

Now your next appointment is on Tuesday - and this time can you turn up in a car - As the Sherman Tank you hired has ruined the front lawn.


As much as I don't want the ramblings of a trench technician to detract from the seriousness of the subject I feel like I cannot let the matter go without reply.

My envelope work has gotten a lot better of late and I have been told by nursey that as long as I keep taking the medicine I can stop hitting the danish tour guides with shovels and get on with some real work.........

The SADS course was a breeze (or B!!) but Flares was nothing without you, noone to take the heat off me and steve (that is another steve, not the originator of the thread, who probably is thread(ers)!



Later looser


Dave
See Ya!!!!!

Jacket Pongo.....

P.S> Congrats on passing SADS mate - But ur SADS number is like a phone number compared to mine!!!!!!!!!! - Well done

Steve - If ur on - Congrats as well - I am told that Dave dragged you through (I find it hard to believe)!!!

[Edward Haynes]

Why have a go at the RAF, The Department of Transport (DoT) has been getting money from the Government since the Act requiring civilian SAR to be provided throughout the UK was passed in 1947.

Instead of providing their own equipment the DoT has been quite happy to pay the RAF for each rescue, the RAF's equipment isn't funded for civilian SAR.

If you think the cover is inadequate then get onto the DoT, not the RAF.

Edward

[Mike Halligan]

If you think the cover is inadequate then get onto the DoT, not the RAF.

And when has that ever done any good? Try the House of Commons, that's where the real power lies, or is that in Fleet Street?

Mike

[Andy Nye]

Edward

Instead of providing their own equipment the DoT has been quite happy to pay the RAF for each rescue, the RAF's equipment isn't funded for civilian SAR.

**** So, my taxes do not play any role in the DEFENCE BUDGET then ? ****

If you think the cover is inadequate then get onto the DoT, not the RAF.

**** Why can't the BSAC INCIDENT OFFICER put a paper together with the past knowledge and figures off all rescues involving helicopters and send that to the DEFENSE MINISTER at HoP with a letter stating that we want ( ALL DIVERS ) that helicopter SAR base to remain open. I can't see any diver not wanting to back it up .

Andy

[Edward Haynes]

Andy

Civilian SAR is nothing to do with the RAF, the Coast Guard Service ask if there are any aircraft available (and pay for the privilege). When the military need changes, civilian SAR is not a valid reason to maintain the current level. Parliament gives the RAF money for Defence not Civilian SAR. But the DoT is given money by Parliament to provide it. I don't want to pay twice for the same service thanks.

Edward

[tony dwyer]

Andy

Civilian SAR is nothing to do with the RAF, the Coast Guard Service ask if there are any aircraft available (and pay for the privilege). When the military need changes, civilian SAR is not a valid reason to maintain the current level. Parliament gives the RAF money for Defence not Civilian SAR. But the DoT is given money by Parliament to provide it. I don't want to pay twice for the same service thanks.

Edward

Civilian SAR provides valauble air practice time for helicopter aircrews. It provides real experience in real situations rather than simulations. Aircrew need air time to remain current. Surely it's good value to use that air time to good effect. We pay for it anyway in our taxes. Where pray tell is the DoT going to find aircraft and crews to manage them. If RAF & Navy aircraft are not used then others will have to be found and the full time cost covered by the DoT, which does NOT pay for the full time cost of military aircraft and crew.

[Edward Haynes]

You're right carrying out civilian SAR does provide real time experience and I have no argument with the service the RAF (and Navy) have given the DoT over the years. But there is a limit where no more training is required.

Do you know how much money the DoT have been getting (or currently get) to provide the service, I don't, but I do know the RAF have to bill the DoT? But why shouldn't there be a "Coast Guard" SAR for the whole of the UK, or has that been de-centralised to the respective Parliaments?

The point I'm attempting to make isn't that I agree the service should be reduced, but we should put pressure on the correct Government Department, which is responsible for providing the cover.

Edward

[Andy Nye]

But why shouldn't there be a "Coast Guard" SAR for the whole of the UK, or has that been de-centralised to the respective Parliaments?


***** The 6 Helicopters that are red and white that have the wording COASTGUARD on them are helicopters on a contract from bristow helicopters ,,,,,,, They are not owned by the MCA etc.

They are manned by civvie crews,

I'll find out how much this contract is paid for by the UK tax payer from the Goverment and keep you posted ******

At the end of the day, the SAR flights are a great asset to this country and every effort should be made to keep them operational, no matter what the cost.........


Andy

[Andy Nye]

Below is the post i wrote for another dive forum, when SAR was a question of doubt.




A MoD SAR ( Search And Rescue ) aircraft are tasked on deployment from 1 of 2 Rescue Cordination Centres based in the UK. One is based at Mountbatten in Plymouth covering the southern region and the other is at Patrive castle in Scotland covering the north.

MoD SAR helicopters are called direct from the nearest Coastguard station that is dealing with the incident using a directline phone to the duty officer in the crewroom, meanwhile a TELEX is sent to the relevent RCC from the coastguard giving relevent details on the job in hand.

High cover aircraft from Coastal command that have NIMROD aircraft, ( Rescue callsigns RESCUE 001 in the South and Rescue 002 in the north ) are call upon to act in a SAR mission from the duty officer ONLY from a RCC at a request from a WATCH manager in the coastguard.

Royal Navy helicopter are the only ones to carry a quailified DIVER, as Diver is a branch of the Navy all winchman must be quailifed to Ships Diver.

Helicopters contracted to the MCA from Bristows are all manned by civilian aircrew that have had operational flying duties within thier career, with the winchman having been paramedic standard for at least 5 years before flying duties on these aircraft. These helicopters are also contacted directly from a coastguard station .

AIR AMBULANCES do not have any connection within the SAR role, but however can be called upon to ASSIST, the helicopter can only be called upon by any of the 5 emergency services via the AMBULANCE control room covering the county of the incident.

POLICE helicopters can be used for SAR roles and are often called upon mainly for SEARCHES by using it high powered NITESUN spot light and FLIR camera.

Rescue aircraft from other countries can also be called upon via RCC or Coastguard, here at Dover, we often see French,German and Belguim sea kings exercising in the Dover Straits. Belguim helicopters crews are like our navy and carry a winchman/diver. ( Belguim have a reco chamber, which to us is quicker and nearer to us here ).

When the assistant of a RNLI lifeboat is required, contact is firstly made to the stations LAUNCHING AUTH ( LA ), and are asked " REQUEST LAUNCH ", it's up to the stations LA to wether the boat is launch or not.

Hope this helps and clears up a few things.

Andy

Ex Aux CG, ex Walmer Launching crew, Father was 28 years in coastguard


***** Going back to SAR and goverment funding *****

In my last interview for becoming a regular coastguard i was asked this question

What is your opinion of the MCA contracting 4 offshore tugs to be stationed on the 4 corners of the UK, and what does it cost ?


I'm not gonna say what my reply was but for a 5 year contract for them tugs ( ETV's ) is ? 75 million over 5 years.

Now i do think that money culd be spent on SAR helicopter flights , ? 75 million over 20 years is a far better choice.



Andy

[Edward Haynes]

Andy

What you don't get to see is the charges raised against the DoT for all this assistance. Why, because there is International Agreement that sea rescue is free to those being rescued, but the activity still has to be funded. And it?s the DoT who get that funding.

As an aside, for mountain rescue the Home Office get billed.

Edward



POLICE helicopters can be used for SAR roles and are often called upon mainly for SEARCHES by using it high powered NITESUN spot light and FLIR camera.

Rescue aircraft from other countries can also be called upon via RCC or Coastguard, here at Dover, we often see French,German and Belguim sea kings exercising in the Dover Straits. Belguim helicopters crews are like our navy and carry a winchman/diver. ( Belguim have a reco chamber, which to us is quicker and nearer to us here ).

[Edward Haynes]

Although it would be interesting to know, be careful not to fall foul of commercial confidentiality.

Edward

I'll find out how much this contract is paid for by the UK tax payer from the Goverment and keep you posted ******