NORWICH RIVERSIDE LIFEBOAT
Crewed by the Maritime Volunteer Service
The Riverside Lifeboat
Norwich MVS have been a familiar sight on the River Wensum for several years. The unit operates as far upstream as New Mills which is the limit of navigation. We operate fast twin engine 6 metre RIB's (Rigid Inflatable Boats). When on patrol these craft are in radio contact with the Coastguard and are able to respond very quickly in an emergency.
As well as having a fully qualified Cox'n in charge, the vessel usually has a crew of three and often one of these is a trained medic.
The need for such a service was underlined following the tragic death of two young men, both who drowned in the River Wensum in 2001 following a night out. Since then we have been involved with over thirty incidents where people have found themselves in danger alongside or in the river within the City boundaries.
Norwich MVS has recently secured a new crew base at the City's Yacht Station on Riverside, This purpose built facility made available by the City Council will enable crews to work more efficiently especially at night in inclement weather.
Our RIBs are for security reasons kept a short distance away at Brundall. We meet there on a Wednesday evening and a Sunday morning for training purposes.
The Riverside Lifeboat is available on a 24 hour 365 day a year call out for emergencies in the City and is deployed by the Police and Coastguard who are the launch instigators.
Funding
Whilst we keep our operating costs to a minimum because our skilled volunteers carry out almost all our maintenance tasks, specialist contractors are occasionally required and we cannot avoid the cost of spares, insurance or berthing costs.
To illustrate our funding needs a new Dry suit and helmet costs in the region of £700, the life of a suit is about 5 years. Engines have a finite life and we look to changing them after 6 years, they currently cost £7000 each. To operate the boat on a night patrol in Norwich the cost in fuel and engine hours, is between £80 & £90.
Our membership and voluntary contributions fund the service. If you can help in any way through a donation however great or small it will be warmly received.
The Maritime Volunteer Service
The Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) is a unique charity in the non-profit sector, founded in 1994 with the following aims:
To maintain a body of volunteers capable of supporting maritime and local authorities ashore and afloat at maritime events and emergencies.
To provide high quality training in maritime skills to recognized standards.
To be an interesting and useful spare time activity.
The MVS now has over 500 members in 35 units around the coast and estuaries of the UK. It uses a range of craft from dories through to launches, powerful RIBs to an offshore training ship. One unit even operates a hovercraft to provide safety cover in shallow water and over mud banks. The MVS is funded entirely by its membership and local voluntary contribution.