Crab,
Really? the last 20+ years of Civilians doing a THIRD of UK SAR has survived quite well thanks to the professional attitude, experience and training applied. It has not always been incident free but as you know, SAR is not without risk and every 'Service' provider can attest to that.
Hence the reason you are waving goodbye to the other Two Thirds, still you can be my co-pilot any day......WTF have the kids put in my fathers day cuppa tea! I'll roster you with another ex-crab as your Captain, better still ex Navy.
Al-Bert
True..bimbling and wave-ex's are essential and long may that be the case, after scraping someone plastered all the deck and doing your best for them and their family it is important to de-stress and wind down....I'm all for ice creams etc.