NSSLGlobal sponsors critical safety communications to Ocean Youth Trust North charity in Tall Ships Races

NSSLGlobal is sponsoring and providing critical distress and safety satellite communications system and airtime on Ocean Youth Trust North’s offshore yacht, stv James Cook. The system will support the James Cook as it takes part in the Tall Ships Races across the North Sea.

Ocean Youth Trust North is an independent charity which, since 1999, has been inspiring young people, from disadvantaged or challenging backgrounds, to develop self-confidence, resilience and well-being, a sense of responsibility and life skills. This is achieved through Sail Training and teamwork on the charity’s ketch-rigged 21m yacht.  NSSLGlobal embraces the OYT’s mission and has a long-term relationship with the Ocean Youth Trust, which is based near NSSLGlobal’s Newcastle engineering hub.

Organised by Sail Training International, the Tall Ships Races are held annually in European waters.  Their purpose is inclusive, celebrating the tall ships while bringing young people together, regardless of mental or physical disability, to develop maritime and general life skills during a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

James Cook will sail from Aberdeen across the North Sea to Kristiansand in Norway and then race on to Esbjerg in Denmark in early August before crossing the North Sea once more, returning to her home port of North Shields.

The provision of the Iridium LT-3100S GMDSS system and airtime for James Cook follows similar support provided by NSSLGlobal to the charity for the Tall Ships Races in 2023. All vessels taking part in the races must comply with the international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations to ensure the safety of crews. The Iridium GMDSS service includes distress alerts and maritime safety information.

Steve Lennon, Managing Director, Ocean Youth Trust North, said: “We’re grateful to NSSLGlobal for providing satellite communications with the GMDSS equipment that is critical to keep our young crews safe during what are likely to be the most exciting event in their lives to-date. Our charity gives young people a chance to explore what they are capable of in a challenging but safe environment, so safety is non-negotiable. NSSLGlobal gives us the reassurance that our crews have the best emergency communications out there.”

Paul Rutherford, Group Service Engineer Director, NSSLGlobal, said: “At NSSLGlobal we are proud to continue our support and sponsorship for Ocean Youth Trust North, I’ve known and worked with the Ocean Youth Trust and the James Cook for many years, it is a wonderful charity giving young people a chance to experience the excitement of sailing and great team work leading to build self-esteem and confidence, in what can be a demanding environment. Safety is vital onboard any vessel and good reliable communication at sea is critical, by providing James Cook with onboard satellite communications and GMDSS distress ability alongside our 24/7 technical support gives the crew the peace of mind they need to focus on the challenge and adventure of the races.”