40
APPENDICES TO THE MINUTES OF EVIDENCE TAKEN BEFORE THE
4. The content of the ERP was decided in consulation with a number of agencies having experience in rescue work, particularly the RAF and the Hong Kong Fire Service. The major items of equipment now carried in the ERP are:
(a) Pneumatic chisel operated from two air bottles.
(b) Tirfor winch T35 with accessories.
(c) Generator, Honda 2 KVA/240v with flood lighting equipment.
(d) Fireman's axe, crowbar and hand tools.
(e) Climbing equipment carried in two Bergen rucksacks.
(f) First aid kits also carried in the rucksacks.
Operational Task and Training
5. The ERP is deployed only at the direct request of the civil authorities, under whose control it comes at the scene of an accident, to augment rather than replace the conventional civilian rescue services. Its primary purpose is to save life by rendering immediate rescue and medical assistance.
6. The ERP is on stand-by for operational use at all times, a commitment which necessitates all duty personnel being trained in the use of the equipment. This is achieved by training all members of the Workshop in the following skills:
(a) Helicopter marshalling signals.
(b) Helicopter emplaning and deplaning drills.
(c) Basic rock climbing techniques.
(d) Use of the specialist equipment carried on the ERP.
7. Continuation training is given a regular intervals or when any procedure is subject to change.
Conclusion
8. Since its inception the ERP has not, thankfully, had to be used in an emergency. However, through a continual process of improvement and refinement of the equip- ment, allied to realistic operational training and inter-service co-operation, we believe we are now in a position to make a vital contribution to disaster relief in Hong Kong.
APPENDIX 12
PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED WITH GEMINI INFLATABLE BOATS (D.30)
Memorandum by the Ministry of Defence (SCOE 67/4)
1. All Gemini Craft in Royal Navy use are manufactured from the same material and to the same specifications. Problems resulting in continuing repairs which adversely affect the appearance and performance are due directly to the slow rate of production of new craft.
2. Only two firms accept tenders for the production of Gemini Craft, and the production rate is extremely slow, about three or four a week. This is insufficient to enable a reasonable turn round of in-service stock with the result that some craft are extensively repaired which would probably otherwise have been scrapped. The problem concerning Gemini Craft in Royal Navy use is worldwide; the diffi- culties experienced in Hong Kong are not unique. Geminis in Hong Kong can only be replaced when they become unserviceable or beyond local repair.
3. As a consequence of the slow production rate and the increasing service requirement for Gemini Craft, no immediate improvement in the situation is fore- seen. The Royal Navy has recently approached the manufacturers informally to see what can be done to increase the production rate, and efforts will continue in this direction.