Overview+-+Why+Regional+Coastguard+Instructors?

The new training framework updates SAR training for Coastguard volunteers and make training more accessible and more relevant for those receiving it. In summary, the main goals of the team tasked with putting the new framework together were:
 * Shift the focus from mainly theoretical training to more practical training based on a strong theoretical foundation.
 * Address published safety concerns by raising the standard of practical helm and navigation training, particularly at night.
 * Improve consistency of competency at Operational and Senior Crew level.
 * Make training more accessible to volunteers by allowing more training to be delivered “in-house” at units.
 * Provide instructors and Unit Training Officers with better resources and guidelines to assist them in the preparation and delivery of training.
 * Provide alternative Coastguard “career pathways” other than the traditional Trainee-to-Skipper path such as Helmsperson, Navigator and Instructor pathways.
 * Alter the method of assessment to competency based to encourage long-term learning retention rather than short-term memory tests.

To achieve these goals the matrix underwent a significant transformation with new material, new courses, new delivery methods and new assessment standards. In addition was the introduction of Regional Coastguard Instructors (RCIs) and Coastguard Instructors (CIs). This ensures future consistency of training across Coastguard as increasing the number of trainers on the ground at unit level. The new Instructors will receive better induction, 'train the trainer' training and greater support than ever before with all new training resources and clear practical training assessment criteria to help make their job easier.

Some of the key feedback that we have received from Unit Training Officers (UTOs) and existing SAR Tutors in the past is that the level of training provided to people in these key roles was sorely lacking. As a result, in 2013, the members of the Operations Team looked at the option of providing all instructors with training in adult education to the National Certificate in Adult Education Level 4 standard. We received positive feedback from existing trainers regarding this proposal.

The instructor induction training developed by Coastguard Boating Education is a fit-for-purpose induction course that provides instructors with an overview of the resources they will have to deliver the new training framework.

Our priority is one Unit Instructor per unit, plus six Regional Instructors.