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My name is Bob Richardson I am trained as an Adult Education teacher, having taught mainly at local prisons (There are few here) a wide range of subjects including Key Skills,
Preparation for Work and of course computer skills up to Advanced ECDL and Web Page Design.
I am also a national 'Online' tutor with Learndirect.
Currently (2008) I am bosun at the Castle Cove Sailing in Weymouth, jointly responsible for the maintenance of eight motor boats, used for ferrying, and
rescue work. Most of the work is carried out by club volunteer members.
Some is done local professionals.
I also run the rescue boat crews training program, which is held the third week
of every month April to September. I also maitain the club web pages for
the training and the volunteer work parties, during the winter form September to
March. I will probably continue to run the training, but after three years
of being on the boats committee, I am standing down as the bosun.
Every thing apart from a couple of stand in duties this year driving the club ferry, is done at hobby level. Subject to my ability to leave the house, my wife who is house bound without me. Fortunately much of what I do can be organised via the email, website, and telephone, so I don't have to leave her for more than a few hours at the very most. This serves two purposes: one to allow Sylvia a bit of private time, and for me get a break from the house. the rest of week is taken up with shopping trips, and visiting the family.
RYA qualifications :
I have been involved in boats and boating for the best part of 30 years. As a fireman at Heathrow airport in the 70's one of my duties was to drive the fast Zodiac rescue boat on the huge reservoirs dotted around the airport. As firemen our job in the event of an aircraft plunging into the 20M deep water was to deploy large inflatable life rafts as close to the aircraft as possible. I am happy to say it never happened, but I did a lot of power boat driving as a result.
In the 80's I was a Sea Cadet instructor appointed by the Royal Navy to teach boys and girls boat handling and sailing. To do this I had to hold rescue boat qualifications. That's when I completed my first safety boat course with the RYA.
I love all types of boating and sailing. Currently as a member of a Castle Cove sailing club here in Weymouth, I regularly sail in racing yachts including J24s a J120 Sigma 33's and an X332. I also take my turns in the rescue boats during racing. As a club race officer and maintain an interest in race management.