PUT ON YOUR SEA LEGS AND VOLUNTEER!

A new facility which will give Milford Haven people with a passion for the sea the chance to learn a wide range of seafaring skills has been officially opened.

The new permanent base for the Maritime Volunteer Service in Milford Haven has been established in the Burnyeats Building at Milford Docks with the help of Milford Haven Port Authority.

It will enable youngsters in particular to learn from experienced mariners about seamanship, navigation, radio telephony, computing, fire safety, first aid, harbour management and other maritime skills.

John Rowlands, volunteer officer for the Milford Haven Unit said, “It is fantastic that the Port Authority is investing in the training of future seafarers.

“Our members come from all walks of life and we want to teach them skills to a nationally recognised standard, providing qualifications that can lead to a career in the commercial maritime field and related industries.”

The Milford Haven MVS Unit will encourage would-be seafarers to hone their skills on the water at weekends and during the summer months. Active members will also be able to put their training into practice by providing support, ashore and afloat, to maritime and local authorities around the UK.

Mark Andrews, harbourmaster of Milford Haven Port Authority, said, “We are delighted to have been able to assist in securing a base which can be used by the MVS to develop the skills of local people which are so important and complementary to the maritime industry here in Milford Haven.”

The MVS has three training vessels of different sizes: MVS Appleby, a 65 ft ex-Naval Fleet Tender used for offshore training, MVS Seadragon, a high-speed RIB, and MVS Seadory, an inshore patrol craft. Members also get the opportunity to undergo basic fire safety training at the Total refinery in Milford Haven.

There are three levels of membership for anyone interested in getting involved. Most members join the ‘A’ or Active list, which requires them to be physically fit, aged between 18 and 55 and willing to attend the unit for training and regular seagoing activities.

The ‘B’ or Back-up list is for members unable to commit to the same degree, but have some Maritime experience and are willing to pass on their expertise at training nights. Alternatively, the ‘S’ or Supporters list is for people willing to help out at social and fundraising events. In Wales there are further units based in Cardiff, Swansea, Menai Bridge and Holyhead.

For further details contact volunteer officer John Rowlands on 01646 601178 or visit www.mvs.org.uk.

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