ALISON Cameron-Brown is returning to Port Macquarie with a raft of new marine rescue skills after completing an elite international training course in Sydney.
The Deputy Unit Commander of Operations was one of 15 women from eight countries selected to participate in the International Maritime Rescue Federation’s Women in Search and Rescue (SAR) training program, which ran over five days from 22 August.
Ms Cameron-Brown took part in exercises off Sydney Heads and around Cottage Point with women from Germany, Spain, Ireland, Estonia, Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand and SOS Mediterranee..
“Some of the ladies have been telling stories that range from very exciting through to blood curdling,” she said.
She will now share her new skills with members of Marine Rescue Port Macquarie.
“I hope to be able to take some of these experiences back to my unit and encourage women from not only my unit, but [also] the units around me, to take on probably more roles than they [normally] would.”
The Women in SAR training is a landmark opportunity to advance leadership and communication skills as women progress through the ranks
For female coxswains, or those working towards that role, it offers hands-on experience in mission handling, vessel operations, and unit leadership.
It was the first time the course, followed by a regional summit attended by 150 international representatives, had been held in the Southern Hemisphere.
By Sue STEPHENSON
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