The Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) and HM Customs (HMC) have been working together over recent months on joint training and equipment familiarisation exercises to enhance operational readiness in the event of an aircraft incident at sea. 

As part of these exercises, AFRS deployed and launched its liferaft, which is mounted on a small, non-propelled craft, from the western end of the runway. Once afloat, a line attached to the craft was delivered to the responding vessel using a projectile fired from a pneumatic line thrower. This delivery system is capable of deploying a messenger line up to 240 metres offshore from the runway. 

During the exercises, the projectile and messenger line were recovered by the responding HMC Marine Section vessel, HMC Searcher. Once the line was secured, the vessel towed the liferaft to a simulated incident scene, where it would be inflated upon arrival. The liferaft can then provide a rapid initial capability to accommodate up to 37 rescued passengers, offering a temporary place of safety until they can be transferred to responding vessels and brought safely ashore. 

The training proved highly beneficial for both organisations, strengthening mutual understanding of each other's capabilities, equipment and procedures through a collaborative approach. Further joint exercises are planned as part of this ongoing programme to ensure that all crews continue being familiar with the procedures. 

The Collector of Customs Mr John Payas, and AFRS Senior Fire Officer Nicky Vinales, agreed on the benefits of regular joint training being vital to strengthening multi-agency effectiveness and interoperability. Only by continually exercising together can their respective services ensure they remain prepared to deliver an effective and coordinated response to any aircraft incident at sea.  

The Minister with responsibility for the AFRS, the Hon Leslie Bruzon, said: “Preparedness is at the heart of effective contingency planning. This collaborative training between the Airport Fire and Rescue Service and HM Customs highlights the importance of joint working and ensures that our emergency responders are equipped to deal with complex incidents safely and in a coordinated and efficient manner. I thank everyone involved for their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of readiness in the interest of public safety."