NSRI’s Kim is passionate about helping people
Kim Germishuys has received much appreciation for her service to the NSRI
BEING out at sea and able to help people in distress are Kim Germishuys’ passion and the reason she became an NSRI volunteer 11 years ago.
Originally from Cape Town, Kim joined NSRI Melkbosstrand Station 18 where she spent the majority of her service as a crew member before moving to Richards Bay earlier this year.
She is now part of the furniture at Richards Bay’s NSRI Station 19 and a great asset to the team.
‘I am a water baby, I love being out at sea and I love helping people. It is the best of both worlds and my way of giving back to the community,’ said Kim.
In 2010 she earned a Certificate of Commendation for exceptional bravery at sea after she and two fellow NSRI crew members from Melkbosstrand assisted with the rescue of crew members aboard the MV Seli 1.
The Turkish bulk carrier, while carrying 30 000 tonnes of coal and 660 tonnes of heavy fuel oil, suffered engine failure and was driven aground by strong westerly winds at Bloubergstrand.
In 2013 Kim also received a Director’s commendation for her role in the rescue of 12 fishermen off a 19m wooden fishing vessel, the Claremont, which ran aground in rough seas off Robben Island.
‘Three stations were activated for the call-out – Bakoven, Table Bay and Melkbosstrand – and crew from all three stations ended up working together on the island,’ said Kim.
‘Because we could not reach the vessel from the sea side, we took rescue equipment off the rescue boats and got Robben Island security to drive us around to the shore side, where the vessel had run aground.
‘It took all crew members from the three stations working over rocks and through the surf to get the 12 men to safety, and for me, that truly cemented the notion that sea rescue crew members are family working towards one common goal.’
Earlier this year at the NSRI’s 50th anniversary celebrations at the Richards Bay base, Kim received a letter of appreciation from NSRI Chief Executive, Dr Cleeve Robertson, for her contribution to the creation and implementation of rescue swimmer training course material to benefit the Air Sea Rescue Unit, Lifesaving SA (LSA) and the NSRI.
ALSO READ: NSRI Station Commander speaks of most memorable sea rescues
Joining the NSRI
Anybody from the age of 16 can sign up.
No experience is necessary as the organisation provides all training which enables crew members to execute their required duties.
Being a NSRI member is not only about getting on the boat and going out to rescues, there is also much to do at the base, such as chart plotting and co-ordinating rescues.
Every Wednesday evening members meet at the base and carry out specific tasks.
The first Wednesday in the month is when all equipment is checked.
On the second and fourth Wednesdays, they go out to sea at night for lights and navigation brushing up, while the third Wednesday is reserved for in-house training.
The NSRI does not charge for call-outs, but donations are always welcome.
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