The successful IMRF European Lifeboat Crew Exchange project continues to grow with the introduction of the French lifeboat service, SNSM, bringing the number of participating organisations to 11.

“We are getting more and more interest from around the world regarding the exchange concept, with requests from our South American coordinator, Jorge Diena, for Chile and Uruguay; interest from IMRF Members Marine Rescue New South Wales; and discussions underway for a similar programme in China,” says CEO Bruce Reid.

The Crew Exchange was an initiative of the Dutch lifeboat service, KNRM, who have provided excellent project management with Linde Jelsma pushing through the barriers to run the first exchange in 2012. 182 volunteers have participated to date, with some excellent feedback:

"What an amazing and fulfilling experience! An unforgettable week!" an RNLI volunteer, who went to KNRM in 2012.

Linde will be providing Congress with a presentation on the programme to date and will issue a challenge: Where to from here...?

Go on: take the plunge! You know you want to...!