Coastguard teams from around Ireland are travelling to Mulroy this weekend for the annual Joint Search and Rescue (JSAR) competition.

The Coastguard teams will be assessed on their ability to complete a number of search and rescue based scenarios. These will include leadership; search planning; chart work; communications; compass work, first aid, helicopter landing procedures and rope work.

According to their website;

Twelve team members from each division (Malin, Valentia, Dublin and Northern Ireland) compete in the events. Each of the four-person teams are either competing on behalf of their division, or are part of an inter-divisional (North-South) team, trying to secure one of the four awards up for grabs at this year's games. There will be two teams per Division (e.g. Valentia A and Valentia B, made up of four people from that Division) and 4 mixed team with one person from each Division making up the teams. 

During the competitions the 48 competitors, will be faced with a range of emergency situations which they may encounter throughout their service and some with a more light hearted twist on team work and communications.

The Captain Kirwan Cup will be awarded to the best overall team; the JSAR Shield will be presented to the best divisional team; the Canadian Award will be presented to the best inter-divisional team and the fourth award, a silver cup, will be awarded to the competitor who has exhibited the best leadership skills.

The competition takes place in Mulroy Bay, Co Donegal on the 7th -9th May 2010.

It is open to the public and promises to be a fun weekend. Previous JSAR games have been held in Greencastle, Coleraine, Howth, and Ballybunnion.

For more information visit their website www.jsar.ie