MRI Adventure & Exploration Course

[martini]

There was an advert that appeared in RIB INT a few times for an "adventure and exploration rib operator course" with MRI at Stonehaven that I'm sure many of you have seen.

Does anyone have any 1st hand experience of this course or know anybody that has? Or any comments or further info?

I've emailed and snail mailed RIB INT a couple of times expressing an interest recently but its fallen on deaf ears which p*sses me off. Might just give MRI a ring in the week but thought I'd try and get some feedback from others before I commit to anything. £1500 is a lot of money but for a 5 day course in a 9m RIB seems like reasonable value?

[Tim M]

I don't know of that specific course, but it sounds like its just a fast track commercial ticket. You'd probably be better of doing it at any training center and then having a bit of practice doing charters for real, combined with some local wikipedia knowledge.

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by Tim M

I don't know of that specific course, but it sounds like its just a fast track commercial ticket. You'd probably be better of doing it at any training center and then having a bit of practice doing charters for real, combined with some local wikipedia knowledge.

don't think it is... I saw the advert and the editorial don't recall any mention of commercial tickets.

[SeaSkills]

I didn't see that ad, but I hold MRI in high regard - Hamish is a good guy

[nikster]

if your planning on doing thrill rides in the alderney race or fast moving water or hazardous area then im sure its well worth it, if your planning on doing charter work in the solent then maybe not....! is there an application in mind that has made you ask?

[martini]

Originally Posted by nikster

if your planning on doing thrill rides in the alderney race or fast moving water or hazardous area then im sure its well worth it, if your planning on doing charter work in the solent then maybe not....! is there an application in mind that has made you ask?

I'm not planning on doing any charter work and have no immediate plans to get a commercial ticket. I just want to further my skills after doing PB3 a few years ago.

Long distance offshore cruising is my area of interest, I just want to feel confident that I can cope with any situation that might occur a long way from home and also be confident of handling a big rib in big seas.

[Tim M]

Do you mean safety boat course by level 3?

You'd probably best off doing advanced powerboat if you want to further your cruising skills.

[Rogue Wave]

Originally Posted by SeaSkills

I didn't see that ad, but I hold MRI in high regard - Hamish is a good guy

That's for sure Hamish or Dog Phillips are the only guys I'd want to teach me rough water work.

[martini]

Originally Posted by Tim M

You'd probably best off doing advanced powerboat if you want to further your cruising skills.

I did advanced PB a few years ago and although you'll always learn something new and it was a good wkend, I didn't find it particularly challenging. (Don't tell my mum but I was sneaking out and doing solo night passages at 14 years old!)

The MRI course sounds like it's just what I'm looking for plus they have big twin ribs similar to mine. They have a excellent reputation as well as being based up north where suitable weather conditions seem to be the norm!

[martini]

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

That's for sure Hamish or Dog Phillips are the only guys I'd want to teach me rough water work.

That coming from a commercial instructor - I'm sold!