Top award for local rescue unit
NSRI Richards Bay claims prize for Best Class 1 Station.
THE Richards Bay National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) team proudly brought home two prestigious awards won at the national organisation’s annual general meeting held in Cape Town.
Station 19, situated opposite Pelican Island, won the major trophy for being the Best Class 1 Station, while Dorian Robertson received accolade for 30 years of service to the NSRI.
NSRI Richards Bay Deputy Station Commander Brynn Gericke said it is always gratifying to receive a pat on the back when a team has worked hard.
‘It is no easy feat for volunteers to run and maintain a station while having a job and family to look after, so it’s great to receive acknowledgement for it.
‘We last received this award when we managed the refit of The Spirit of Richards Bay in 2000.’
The crew vied with nine other big stations, including Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth.
Brynn said the Bay NSRI is also honoured to have Robertson on the team.
He joined as a junior crew member in 1984 and later became a Coxswain on station for all our rescue craft, including The Spirit of Richards Bay.
‘He served in the navy which was then stationed in Richards Bay and has vast sailing experience in and along our coastline,’ said Brynn.
‘During his time he also served as the elected Station Commander from 2010 to 2012.
‘Robertson brings a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable when running a station and training new crew.
‘We congratulate him on receiving his long service award.’
