Joint Search and Rescue games - 2008

London, 10 May/GNN/ -- MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (Duty Notice 1) issued by The Government News Network on 10 May 2008 COASTGUARDS from the four corners of Ireland have converged in

Now in its third year, the event aims to increase the professionalism of
all participants and to enhance co-operation between both Services' through
friendly competition.

Twelve team members from Coastguard stations throughout Northern Ireland are
among the competitors at this year's event, with participants competing in
separate teams against their colleagues from the Dublin, Malin and Valentia
Coast Guard divisions.

Each of the eight four-person teams are either competing on behalf of their
division, or are part of an inter-divisional (North-South) team, trying to
secure one of the four awards up for grabs at this year's games.

During today's competitions the 48 competitors, which include ten women,
will be faced with a range of emergency situations which they encounter
throughout their coastguarding careers.

These competitions will test the skills they use in their emergency
service roles. These will include leadership; search planning; chart work;
communications; compass work; and rope work.

The Canadian Award will be presented to the best inter-divisional team; the
Captain Kirwan Cup will be awarded to the best overall team; a shield will
be presented to the best divisional team and the fourth award, a silver cup,
will be awarded to the competitor who has exhibited the best leadership skills.

Up to 3,000 spectators are expected to converge on Howth for this weekend's
event, the theme of which is 'Coast Guard's - Old and New.'

Focusing on the emergency services' roles down through the years, a
horse-driven Coast Guard rescue cart -- an essential piece of equipment to
coastguards in the late 1800s and early 1900s -- is on display at Howth harbour

In stark contrast, the skies above have been filled with the whirr of Irish
Coast Guard Sikorsky helicopters which now play an essential role in both
the Republic and Northern Ireland.

The sought after awards will be presented tonight during a gala awards dinner
in Howth Yacht Club.

Ms. Julie O'Neill, Secretary General of the Department of Transport, will
attend the function and present the Captain Kirwan Cup to the best search
and rescue team.

Ms. O'Neill, who will be representing Mr. Noel Dempsey TD, Minister of
Transport, is expected to praise the work of the formalization of closer
links between the Irish Coast Guard and their counterparts in Northern Ireland.

The JSAR Games has been described by Brett Cunningham, Coastal Safety Manager
for Western Scotland and Northern Ireland, as "a key example of how both
agencies work together."

Paying tribute to all those involved in the 2008 games, Mr. Cunningham
said:"This annual event is a prime example which shows that when it comes
to search and rescue matters, there is no border."
He continued: "We have teams from the North and the South here this weekend
demonstrating how the two coast guard agencies in Ireland work together for
the same objectives.

"All coastal rescue team members are volunteers with their own busy lifestyles
however, they make time to provide this essential life saving service to
the public."

Reflecting on the contribution made by coastal rescue team members,
Mr. Cunningham added: "Over the decades, many lives would have been lost
had it not been for the total commitment of these outstanding men and women."

Eamon Torpay, Voluntary Services and Training Manager for the Irish Coast
Guard, reiterated Mr. Cunningham's comments.

"The level of commitment shown by the volunteers taking part in today's event
is outstanding. JSAR 2008 is another shining example of co-operation and
team work," he said, adding that he was "delighted with how well organized
this event is.

The Canadian Award will be presented to the best North-South team; the
Captain Kirwan Cup will be awarded to the best overall team; a shield will
be presented to the best divisional team and the fourth award, a cup, will
be awarded to competitor who has exhibited the best leadership skills.

For further details please call:

Mark Clark, The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Duty Press Officer on:
(02380) 841840 / (07711) 002678 (mobile) / 07693 345278 (pager)
or during office hours (02380) 329401

Source: Maritime and Coastguard Agency

2008-05-10 10:01:41 0358128 PRNEWSWIRE