THE Jersey Lifeboat Association has bought a “military-grade” thermal imaging camera thanks to a donation from a local business.
The JLA said the new camera, which will be used on its inshore lifeboat Albert Pinel, would help enhance its search-and-rescue capabilities.
Construction firm Building Renovations gave the charity a “generous” donation which helped pay for the £17,500 camera.
It has already been used in a recent night-time coastal search, less than 48 hours after it was installed.
Using large thermal sensors, the camera can automatically track multiple targets, meaning any individuals in the water or on the coast can be spotted quickly.
The specialised equipment required a “military equipment export licence” from its European supplier, FLIR, to be imported into Jersey.
The JLA said it would mean a “significant increase” to the vessel’s rescue capabilities and it would improve “situational awareness”.
It has replaced an existing thermal imaging camera on Albert Pinel which has been repurposed and placed aboard the all-weather vessel Sir Max Aitken III.
JLA crew member and project lead Max Boleat said: “The JLA are humbled by this generous donation made by Building Renovations. While our vessel has had a thermal imaging capability since its arrival to the Island, this new camera marks a significant improvement over the previous installation, including a gyro stabilisation system and larger sensors allowing for clearer and more stable images during searches.
“The new camera was used less than 48hrs after commissioning as [Albert Pinel] was diverted from a routine training exercise and tasked by Jersey Coastguard to conduct a search on the north coast, returning to station just after 2am.”
He added: “This donation further supports the JLA’s pledge to providing the best possible equipment for our vessels, our crew and our fellow Islanders through consistent training and modernisation.”
Paul Richardson, managing director at Building Renovations and a former lifeboat helmsman, added his support and called for more community backing for the charity: “The year-round operation of the [JLA] relies on the generous support of the public.
“As a local company, Building Renovations is proud to support local people through its ongoing commitment to various charities and community initiatives in Jersey. Supporting the JLA is part of the company’s dedication to giving back to the community it serves.”
