MRI Director secures top position in the International Maritime Rescue Federation

 

PRESS RELEASE

Stonehaven Man Secures Top Position

Hamish McDonald of Stonehaven's Maritime Rescue Institute has secured one of seven privileged posts on the new International Maritime Rescue Federation. The IMRF represents global maritime search and rescue - from lifeboats, to helicopters, to surface vessels and co-ordinators. It aims to represent, assist and promote the world's maritime rescue organisations, increasing their capability in developing countries as well as in developed nations, advise search and rescue teams across the globe and increase maritime education and safety awareness.

Hamish says 'This is the highest level you can work at. It's global recognition of the work that goes on in Stonehaven and our capability'.

Two weeks ago Hamish and the MRI team travelled to Gothenburg for the IMRF conference. Hamish was nominated and accepted as one of seven trustees of the new board of the IMRF. He is moving in high circles - the trustees are the Secretary General of the Swedish Sea Rescue Society, the Head of the Chinese Maritime Marine Salvage and Rescue Agency, the Director of the
German Lifeboat Institute, a Director of the Dutch Lifeboat Institute, the Chair of the New Zealand Coastguard and the Director of Operations of RNLI - and Hamish McDonald of Stonehaven's Maritime Rescue Institute. He will play a key role shaping the future of maritime search and rescue around the globe.

'This is fantastic news for Kincardineshire. MRI can bring international maritime groups here for training, benefiting the surrounding area and its economy. When working overseas we promote Stonehaven, we are proud of Stonehaven and the local area so we can really put the town on the map'.
BACKGROUND

The International Lifeboat Federation was set up in 1924 which encompassed all lifeboat organisations across the world. Four years ago when the Federation met in Cape Town it was decided that the ILF had to change to represent global changes in Search and Rescue. A council was elected of 14 individuals to oversee a new constitution and a new future - Hamish MacDonald was one of these 14 representatives chosen from leading maritime institutions. The new International Maritime Rescue Federation represents all maritime search and rescue - helicopters, co-ordinators, surface vessels - rather than just lifeboats. The IMRF was established as an independent charity. It gained Advisory Consultative Status to the United Nations International Maritime Organisation.

For further information and photo/recording opportunities/filming please contact Ann Laing or Hamish McDonald on 01569 765768.


END OF PRESS RELEASE

 

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Updated: 26 June, 2007

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