First question is whether the Seakings actually need refurbishing or is it just the fact that funding for Seaking finishes in 2015? I am sure the Seaking airframe could go on for many years yet. Also, rather than train up new crews on a false hope of a career why not use reservists on short term contracts?
Finally, despite the current shenanigans re MoD employees being employed by industry, is there any reason (apart from money) why the MCA can't extend the current CHC contract to cover the mil SAR bases as an interim position?