An Cosantóir

36 | what i do STEVEN COFFEY SERGEANT 2 FIELD ENGINEERS Amongst all the other engineering tasks we do; such as Specialist Search Teams, mine clearance, bridging, maintenance and construction of barracks and camps, we also have another specialist task: watermanship. There are several aspects to this job. In a combat situation the enemy will try their "The engineers have also been called out in the Aid to Civil Power and Aid to Civil Authority role" An Cosantóir November 2011 best to disrupt your lines of communication. To do this they will blow up bridges. It is up to the engineers to make sure our lines of communication are kept open across waterways and free movement of troops. In Ireland you have rivers, lakes, bogs, dykes, canals, and estuaries. RIB's (Ridged Inflatable Boat) are used for reconnaissance of bridging areas and crossing points. We then use a larger Flat-bottomed boat for transporting troops. The boats are also used for transporting demolition teams or stores to the opposite bank to repair or for construction of a bailey bridge for example. The engineers also have a multi-purpose modular floating pontoon system. These are interlocking cubes that can float 80kgs each. By interlocking these cubs you can either build a bridge, a raft, or a driveway. You need boats to help in the construction of this. At home we use the boats not just on an exercise in the combat engineering role but also by providing safety during water crossing of troops, confidence training, bridge building, and also during Defence Forces sporting events involving water. All our crews are trained under the Irish Sailing Association syllabus which has been adopted by the Director of Training and Director of Engineers. They are the governing body in Ireland of the use of small boats. Our engineers are trained to a minimum Level 2 Coxswain or boat operator. There are also advanced courses that allow you to oper- ate out at sea. The sea of course is the domain of the Naval Service but we may have to operate in large estuary such as the Shannon for example. The course teaches our crews how to handle the boats in different conditions and speeds. The RIB for example can give you up to 35knots while the Flat-bottomed boat 12-15knots. The engineers have also been called out in the Aid to Civil Power and Aid to Civil Au- thority role. Over the last number of years we have been called out around the country to help stranded people during the bad flooding. And on more than one occasion we have rescued people in distress and in need of immediate hospital attention. Our Flat- bottomed boats are ideal for this as they can operate in shallower waters than the RIBs and they can take up to 12 people or a ton and half of stores. Sgt Coffey who has 40 years service is well known and highly respected throughout the Defence Forces. WHAT I DO

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