Teamwork is an art - station commander

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Kelly Fourie-Barnard, volunteer crew member of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 15, Mossel Bay, continues her interview with JC Roos, the station commander.

What are some of the challenges you've had and how did you overcome them?

Change is always a challenge. People are creatures of habit and there are very few of us who like change. New leadership brings change, however subtle it is, and change is not liked. The people factor is certainly a big challenge.

"Dealing with a multitude of cultures, backgrounds, personalities, and age groups can be tricky, especially in a voluntary service. Keeping everyone working as one team and focused on the common purpose we are serving, and not personal agendas, is an art."

What are your responsibilities?

The running of an effective rescue base that is available 24/7, 365 days year on year. I always use the analogy of PPE - People, Processes and Equipment, I need to ensure that all of these are in good synchronisation and functioning correctly.

What is your vision for Station 15?

Easier said than done, but we need to strive to improve all the time. Drive continues improvement.

For me it will be to maintain our Class 1 (Big Boat) Station status and to get a new ORC 140 (Offshore Rescue Craft) delivered to Mossel Bay.

What do you hope to achieve during your term?

To continue to develop our crew and to qualify excellent rescue boat class coxswains.

One of my other priorities will be to upgrade our rescue station to be able to accept an ORC 140. There are quite a few upgrades that are required from a new slipway, boat house and winching and recovery system.