WHO WE ARE
Started by an enthusiastic group of divers from Stafford Sub Aqua Club, after they received an invitation to attend a 24 hour powerboat race meeting at Chasewater in the United Kingdom in 1967.
Osprey Powerboat Rescue now has over 56 years of experience and has established itself as one of the leading rescue teams in the world of powerboating.
Our services are offered at UK Powerboat events and at international F1H2O Formula 1 Powerboat races.
Before the formation of the Osprey Powerboat Rescue Team, and their introduction of new ways of working, it was usual for an injured driver or crewman to be pulled out of the water over the side of the rescue craft - a painful process that invited worsening the injury from the accident - especially to broken ribs, limbs or back trauma.
Over the years the team has accumulated a vast knowledge and expertise of rescue and has continually developed equipment and new skills.
The team was involved in the testing of the first safety cell which was developed by Chris Hodges to reduce the injuries during races, and we also pioneered a self-contained lifting device to ensure the driver and cockpit are clear of the water in the event of an accident to reduce the risk of drowning.
Many rescue teams around the world use the Osprey boat design and methods. No rescue is ever quite the same as another and the team has to react quickly - thinking on their feet - at every incident. He or she must be a qualified diver and be able to mix in with existing members; commitment to give up annual leave is required to attend meetings in the UK and abroad several times a year.
To become a member all applicants must apply for a probationary status which may last for up to three years and then be accepted as a full member.
All Ospreys members undergo yearly re-certification in medical training when haemorrhage control, CPR, advanced airway and paramedical skills are practiced; its experienced divers are re-certified every year and all members attend the drivers' Immersion Testing (Dunk Test) and Microdive Basic Diving training annually.
At present the team has 25 highly motivated and trained active members - drawn from all walks of life and each contributing in their own unique way to the.
"OSPREY POWERBOAT RESCUE TEAM"
