20th October 2016. Nine watchkeepers from NCI Bass Point, together with some of their partners, visited the Newquay Search and Rescue (SAR) Base run by Bristow for HM Coastguard.  The Party was looked after by the helicopter crew on duty that day led by Captain Darren Manser.

This brand-new base has been operational since 1st January 2016, having taken over the SAR roles of 771 Naval Air Squadron at Culdrose and 22 Squadron RAF at Chivenor, equipped with Sea King helicopters.

After a briefing, the Bass Point Party was shown around one of the two Sikorsky S-92 SAR Helicopters at the Base.  These are modern aircraft, purpose-built for SAR, and have an impressive suite of avionics, surveillance technologies and communications.  With 250 miles range to include 30 minutes over a casualty vessel, they are a third faster than the old Sea Kings they replaced.  They have a rear ramp to off-load stretcher-borne injured and their pay load to lift personnel is limited only by the ability to pack people in to the fuselage.

It was heartening to learn that all the five air crews that provide 365 days a year coverage, 24 hours a day for 99% availability, are ex-Service personnel, with many years SAR experience from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Bristow.