RIN Scotland Summer Trip
Scottish members visit Aberdeen
The RIN Scotland summer outing saw a small band of members travel to Aberdeen in mid August for two days of interesting visits.
The excursion started with a visit to Aberdeen Harbour Authority's new Navigational Control Centre.
This iconic landmark building, which looks like a cross between a lighthouse and a ship's bridge, is situated at the inward end of the North Pier and allows the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) staff visibility over all three arms of the harbour, as well as the entrance. Built at a cost of £4.5 million, it entered service in 2006, succeeding the 19th Century Roundhouse, which is itself about to be refurbished at a cost of £190k.
The RIN Group were shown around by Assistant Harbour Master Danny Stroud, and the visit included a hands-on opportunity to crash ships on the bridge simulator, a fascinating experience for all. Aberdeen harbour handles 8,000 vessel movements, which for a physically small port is a demanding piece of VTS.
Next on the itinerary was the Aberdeen operations centre of the Scottish Air Ambulance where AA pilot Andrew Sayers MRIN had arranged a look over their Beech King-Air 200c, and a briefing on a typical flight plan. However, as the RIN party arrived he announced that he had a Cat A emergency to deal with and would be airborne in 10 minutes. Better luck next time!
The party had no option but to retreat to one of Aberdeen's many restaurants where they navigated an excellent menu instead. During the meal Andy phoned to say that he had successfully medi-vaced the baby and paediatric team from Inverness to Glasgow.
Next morning's attraction was Girdleness lighthouse, just south of the harbour entrance. It was opened for the occasion by RIN Scotland member Peter Douglas, who was able to demonstrate and describe the many functions of this important navaid. As well as the powerful light, this location has Racon (both bands), and a Differential GPS transmitter. The equipment for these, together with the power and battery backup systems, makes for an interesting matrix of electrical and mechanical engineering.
The trip was deemed so successful that the committee are already working on next summer's expedition, and if any members have ideas on the subject, they would be welcome.
Contact Barbara Wright (Secretary) at: wrightbj@btinternet.com
Photo by: Tony & Anna King