WHY DID I JOIN the AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEER COAST GUARD?
Kimberley Richens
NF-01 PORT JACKSON FLOTILLA
Why did I join the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard?
Hi, my name is Kimberley Richens. I have been working for the last 5 years
as an Executive Assistant to the Director of Town Planning. Essentially,
this is an administrative role where I liaise with Councillors, the Mayor
and general public on a regular basis with their enquiries. I have a keen
interest in scuba diving, which has taken me as far as Papua New Guinea,
Fiji and Truk Lagoon.
Scuba diving with friends from their boats, I thought it necessary to obtain
a boat licence as a precautionary measure, just in case something happened
to my dive buddy, I would then know how to handle a boat back to safety.
After obtaining my boat licence, I felt my understanding of boating could
be enhanced which bought me to the opportunities that the Australian Volunteer
Coast Guard offered. Since being with Coast Guard I have obtained my Marine
Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP) licence, first aid training,
emergency procedures and Competent Crew training. All of these have given
me greater knowledge with boating. Each course has been fun and educational,
I now have a strong ambition to obtain my Coxswain licence in the future.
The people I have met through being associated with the volunteers have
given me new friends for life.
The valuable skills learnt from so many people willing to teach and pass
on their knowledge are skills I hope to impart to my two young children
who also share a love for the water.
Kimberley Richens