TEMA Marine #1 was launched into the waters at the Scarborough Port for the first time on the 21st February, 2012 as this exercise was intended to fully test the functionality of the boat. The exercise was carried-out by a certified marine technician accompanied by TEMA logistic officers.
Marine #1, is an Achilles, eighteen (18) foot, rubber inflatable boat outfitted with a Mercury, fifty (50) horse-power, four-stroke, outboard engine with a fully-automatic key start. The rescue boat has a 10-man capacity inside and can accommodate up to fifteen (15) persons on the ropes on its outskirts. It also has a consol, steering wheel, control and regulator among other gadgets.
Marine #1, is one of three (3) boats acquired by the agency and according to Logistics Supervisor Mr. Kevin Joseph, they were bought to support the Trinidad and Tobago Airport Authority with its water rescue operation. "Due to the close proximity of the ANR International Airport to the sea, it is an International requirement that the airport have its water rescue capability."
Spear-heading the exercise with Marine #1, was technician Mr. Anduele James who works aboard the Inter-island Fast Ferry the T&T Spirit.
Mr. Joseph further explained the purpose of the testing exercise: to functionally test the engine, breaking-it-in because it was never used before, this is like 'breaking-in' a new shoe."
After the testing, Mr. Joseph commented, deeming exercise a success, as it was incident free with all objectives achieved. "The boat is holding up with the engine and is not tilting over during travel, it's not unbalanced when loaded as these were major concerns for a boat with the above specifications.
After some mechanical adjustments, Marine #1 was tested on a route from Scarborough Sea Port to Studley Park and back, then to Lambeau and back to Scarborough Jetty. It is the shared opinion of the Logistics Supervisor, the technician and logistics officers that the boat is in excellent working condition and is ready to carry out any rescue operation, should it become necessary.
Alezmoy Mc Kenzie
Public Information and Education Officer,
TEMA
