Bristow are recruiting NOW. Have you already missed the boat?
what don't you understand about the managed transition? Mil apply now, get interviewed and accepted or declined then a mutually acceptable timeframe is agreed so that type conversion, IR and time on type can be completed ready for the handover of flights.
We are all aware that we need to jump through hoops to get to where we want to be and no-one is expecting an easy ride. The fact is that those coming from the mil SAR Force will bring current expertise from SAROPs the length and breadth of the country - many here don't seem to realise that and still think that operational sharpness is something that doesn't need practice to maintain.
I think, as the dust settles, it will become obvious that there is a gulf between civvy and the mil approach to doing SAR when it comes to qualifications and standards
why should there be a gulf? Surely the aim is to distill the best practices of both sides to provide the best SAR service possible with the latest technology. Or are you another 'Oh yes I did a SAR tour in the 80's and it was easy then, nothing has changed'?
Since the financiers and insurers will want risks minimised and mitigated as far as possible - just cuffing it with some mates who know how to spell SAR really isn't an option.