Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS)
Recently watchkeepers from Gosport NCI were invited to visit Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service, known locally as GAFIRS. It is one of a surprising number of independent lifeboat rescue services around the coast (over 60) that plays a vital role in maritime and inshore safety.They work in close collaboration with the UK Coastguard and other lifeboat services, such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Their area of coverage includes the waters off Lee-on-the-Solent, Hill Head, and Stokes Bay, extending out into the Solent itself and makes GAFIRS one of the busiest lifeboat stations in the UK! The watchkeepers from the NCI were all impressed by the rigorous training the volunteers received and to learn about the comprehensive and well equipped boats. The Joan Dora Fuller; the 9 m, 40 plus knots main lifeboat and the Ian Fuller; their 4.8 m, 30 knot inshore lifeboat. Based at the Premier Gosport Marina, the inshore lifeboat is a regular sight for NCI watchkeepers