Douglas Ross says he is proud to support the National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA), a new charity which has been launched to assist the UK’s independent lifeboats and to ensure the preservation of life on the water.
One of the founding members of NILA is Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation in Douglas’ Moray constituency.
While many of the UK’s lifeboats are operated and funded by the Royal National Lifeboat Association (RNLI) there are 46 independent lifeboat organisations, including Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation that operate along the coastline and inland waterways across the United Kingdom.
Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation is manned entirely by unpaid volunteers who give up their time to save lives and raise funds.
The NILA was founded by Anthony Mangnall MP following a visit to an independent lifeboat in his constituency of Totnes and South Devon.
This highlighted the essential work of the UK’s independent lifeboats as well as the many challenges they face including funding, public awareness and long-term support.
Anthony has worked with Parliamentary colleagues including Douglas as well as industry experts to form the charity, which will now be able to offer Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation the support and recognition they desperately need.
The official launch took place at the Emergency Service Show in Birmingham last month where the first AGM was also held.
Members of NILA including the Inshore Rescue Organisation will retain their independence while enjoying benefits including Parliamentary representation, national promotion campaigns and access to working groups where data and best practice are shared.
The Department for Transport and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are supportive of the NILA.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “I am delighted to support the launch of the National Independent Lifeboat Association.
“This is a really positive step forward for organisations such as Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation and will hopefully help them to get the recognition they deserve.
“Moray Inshore Rescue continue to do great work it very difficult situations and we should all be grateful for the work they do to save lives at sea.
“I really welcome this development from my colleague Anthony Mangnall for ensuring that these independent lifeboat associations have been brought under one banner and I know that this will be a real boost for our own organisation right here in Moray.”
MIRO Chairman, John Low, said: "We are a small organisation working locally with larger organisations, such as UK Coastguard, RNLI, Police and Fire services, to provide a vital lifesaving service. It makes sense to join the new National Independent Lifeboat Association to collaborate and share practice with colleagues in similar small organisations around the country.
“We hope also that in the future there will be financial benefits such as accessing funding and services such as insurance and training."
Founder and Honorary President of NILA, Anthony Mangnall MP (Totnes and South Devon), said:
“After two years working together with the independent lifeboats of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, I am pleased to see our initiative come to fruition. This new association – NILA – will provide the access and information for our independent lifeboats to thrive over the years to come as well as ensuring our coastline has maximum lifesaving coverage.
"The recognition of this association by the Department for Transport and UK Search and Rescue will ensure that independent lifeboats can speak with one unified voice while maintaining their independence.
"I look forward to ensuring that not only are our waterways safe for citizens across the country but that this association helps to support those incredible volunteers who do so much to help others."
Chair of NILA, Neil Dalton, said:
“It is an honour to take on the role of Chairman of the National Independent Lifeboat Association. This organisation is, in my opinion, long overdue and has the potential to offer great support to many independent lifeboats around the UK.
“Many members of the public assume that this water safety role is entirely the province of the RNLI, who provide an outstanding service. However, many areas of the UK are served by independent lifeboats so the National Independent Lifeboat Association intends to raise awareness of these organisations.”