Today was our annual Declared Facility Status (DFS) assessment and we passed with flying colours.
The DFS is a standard established through a Memorandum of Understanding between His Majesty’s Coastguard and the National Coastwatch Institution. It is a benchmark that all NCI stations must attain and uphold, and passing the assessment maintains formal recognition of NCI Exmouth as a Search and Rescue (SAR) asset, equivalent in status to RNLI Lifeboats and SAR Helicopters.
Hugh and Steve managed the majority of the Assessor’s practical questions and requests for documentation before handing over to Cheryl and Phil for the second watch. This year’s assessment featured several conning exercises with the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB), both within and outside Pole Sands. Special recognition goes to them for their focus and diligence that was evident throughout the extended exercise period in difficult weather conditions. The assessment concluded with a constructive feedback session between the RNLI and our team, observed by the Assessor, who commended the professionalism demonstrated by all parties from the initial pre-exercise briefing through to the debrief.
A big thank you to everyone involved in the preparation and successful execution of this year’s assessment.
