Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation volunteers complete RYA Yachtmaster and Coastal Navigation theory training at iPowerboat training centre, Kinlochleven

A team of lifesavers based in Findhorn has completed an intense course of seamanship training.

Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (MIRO) operations manager Peter Mackenzie and crewmates Alastair MacDonald, Jamie Paterson and Colin Jamieson spent a week at the iPowerboat training centre, Kinlochleven for RYA Yachtmaster and Coastal Navigation theory training.

Peter confirmed this involved 40 hours of classroom learning, homework and five hours of exams over seven days.

He said “Learning focussed on advance navigation and meteorology skills, covering position fixing, tidal knowledge, collision regulations, course shaping and plotting. We all passed and can now progress to sit the advanced powerboat practical examination.”

MIRO is a dedicated rescue service covering Findhorn bay and its approaches as well as the inshore waters of the Moray Firth between Burghead and Nairn. It is manned by unpaid volunteers who give up their time to train, raise funds and save lives.

MIRO chairman, John Low, stressed the importance of training to the highest standard possible for search and rescue.

He said: “This theory training will be consolidated with Yachtmaster and Coastal Navigation practical training. Attending is a significant time commitment for our volunteers and I thank them for their dedication and congratulate them on passing the end of course exams. “

MIRO was called out 15 times in 2022. Rescues included assisting sailors, swimmers, kayakers, paddle boarders and animals in difficulty. The service is registered with the Charities Aid Foundation making it easy to donate via www.morayinshorerescue.org .

Mr Low added: “A big thank you to MIRO’s supporters. It is thanks to their continued support, fundraising and charitable donations that we are able to deliver our service.”