To consider a presentation concerning Marine Rescue Unit Assets.

Members were provided with a presentation by Group Manager Gary Oakford, regarding Marine Rescue Unit assets.

GM Oakford introduced himself, and informed Members that he is a Group Manager within the Operational Preparedness Directorate, with responsibility for Operational Training, the Search & Rescue Team (SRT) and the Marine Rescue Unit (MRU).

Members were advised that following the Budget Strategy Day in 2018, a meeting took place to consider asset refresh and to discuss the procurement of two new vessels for the MRU. It was re-iterated to Members that the MRU is one of the busiest water rescue stations in the country; and that it undertakes lifesaving activity, including actual rescues; and crisis calls from extremely vulnerable individuals.

Members were informed that the RNLI are able to sell their end of life boats to other agencies, therefore as an alternative to purchasing new vessels at significant cost, officers entered into discussions with the RNLI regarding the possibility of purchasing two of their vessels. They were informed that with support from internal colleagues, an agreement was reached with RNLI that was appropriate for all parties; and MFRA have now taken possession of two Atlantic 75 vessels.

The presentation explained to Members that the two vessels purchased are approximately 12 years old, however they are state of the art vessels, which have been extremely well maintained, have not been kept in the water; and therefore have very minimal damage.

Members were advised of progress to date. The boats arrived with MFRA on 19th March 2019, with familiarisation training delivered by RNLI staff during the first week. Members were informed that in order to extend the life of the vessels, a Versa Dock has been installed, which will enable the boats to be stored out of the water, to avoid deterioration. They were also informed that the boats have been installed with Airwaves; and the official launch of the vessels will take place on 2^nd June 2019, as part of the Liverpool River Festival.

In terms of training and familiarisation, Members were advised that the familiarisation training and instruction on operating the boats and all the equipment; and instruction on maintenance of the boats, has been provided by the RNLI.  They were also advised that MRU staff have been trained on RNLI’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s); and that broadly, RNLI’s Policies and Procedures for safe working on the river, have all been adopted.

In addition to the vessels, Members were informed that a range of additional equipment and spare parts, were also included in the purchase; and RNLI have expressed a willingness to allow MFRA to utilise the RNLI on line competency framework.

Further information was provided to Members around the installation of a Versa Dock on the pontoon. This will ensure that the vessels are not in the water all the time, which will mean less wear and tear and maintenance; and the life of the boats being extended.

With regards to finance, Members were advised that the budget for the purchase of the rescue boats was £475k. However the purchase costs of the RNLI Boats, was £105k, which includes the boats, trailers and other additional equipment. Members were informed that the balance of £370k has moved into the 2021/22 Capital Programme. They were also informed that the purchase of the new boats through the RNLI, allows MFRA to terminate the current maintenance contract, which when combined with the potential capital receipts for the existing boats, could mean that the new boats come at no additional cost.

In terms of the launch date, Members were informed that MFRA had been given a prime slot as part of the River Festival on the 2^nd June 2019, with the boats being launched from the pontoon outside of the Tate Gallery. Members were also informed that local schools had been engaged with regards to the naming of the vessels.

In terms of interoperability, Members were informed that it is planned to undertake joint training with the RNLI. Also, RNLI’s SOP’s have been adopted, which has negated the requirement to create bespoke SPA’s. Other benefits include fleet resilience, the certification of vessels against the Rescue Boat Code; and the fact that it buys MFRA some time to consider future procurement options.

The presentation also highlighted to Members, the emerging landscape in terms of the River Mersey; and some emerging risks, including growth in terms of additional buildings on both sides of the Mersey, a new ferry terminal; and a cruise liner terminal, which will all see a significant increase in the amount of commercial and leisure traffic around the River Mersey. It will also lead to an increase in the number of people living close to the water, which will in turn, increase risk. Members were also informed that these changes will stimulate further discussion with partners, around the funding of the MRU.

Members were then advised of the potential for MFRA to deliver some training for RNLI in the future; and it is hoped that a suitable reciprocal arrangement can be agreed.

The Chair then advised that the meeting had become inquorate; and as a result, no decisions could now be made.

The meeting therefore ended at 1:40pm.