With several years now, Blackwater Search and Recovery unit have had the resource of Side Scan technology for use in the time of searches.
In that time, members of the club have continued to train and practice with the technology available. Scanning team members Olan O Farrell, Eugene Whelan, Judith O'Brien and Kenneth Barry continue to up-skill with regular training as part of the Unit.
While side scan technology is relativity new in recent years for search and recovery units around the country, it has proven to be a great success and asset to any unit using the equipment in reducing diving times and eliminating areas with accuracy.
Recently, Blackwater SAR was invited by An Garda Siochana Belmullet, through the National SAR co-ordinator to attend a briefing in Belmullet Garda District for a lecture on Interpreting Side Scan Sonar. The lecture was given by Gene Ralston of Idaho, USA; Gene is a specialist in Underwater Search and Recovery, working all over the States when requested to. A volunteer to state agencies when required. Gene’s vast experience in side scan technology has recorded over 110 recoveries using similar equipment to Blackwater SAR.
Scanning team member Kenneth Barry travelled representing the club, finding it very informative for understanding and reading images. Using images from searches, Gene gave a better understanding of all aspects for reading the images and eventually identifying missing victims from the technology.
While getting advance experience in scanning methods and practical advices for obtaining the best quality, the trip was worth being able to get comparison for the local unit’s equipment.
Gene was very informative on reviewing the side scan equipment used by Blackwater SAR, giving some useful guidance. Also in attendance were local Coast Guard Units Belmullet and Donegal, Gráinne Úaile SAR Ballina, Garda Underwater Unit, CFT.
