The funds will be used to acquire essential survival equipment and recycled ammunition boxes, which will be repurposed and filled with supplies needed to stay warm and sheltered if stranded.

Additional funds will be used to purchase a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and to train the crew in its safe operation and ongoing maintenance.

The Royal Westarctican Navy

Charitable Status

The Royal Westarctican Navy is the Naval and Search & Rescue arm of the charity Westarctica

Charity Registration No. 472716784

Motto

Chalybs in Spiritu, Glacies in Vena

(Steel in spirit, ice in the veins)

Mission Statement

The Royal Westarctican Navy is dedicated to the protection, stewardship, and responsible use of Westarctica’s waters and natural environment. Our mission is twofold:

To safeguard Westarctican maritime and wilderness domains, and

To actively support the Westarctica Conservation Mission through advocacy, education, and fundraising initiatives.

In pursuit of operational excellence, the Navy is provisionally training toward full certification as a Search and Rescue (SAR) and Relief Unit, integrating capabilities in:

Open-water rescue

Mountain and upland rescue

Flood relief and humanitarian response

We have now reached the procurement phase, securing equipment through both donation and direct purchase. This enables the commencement of SAR operations covering the Pentland Hills in Edinburgh, Scotland, alongside flood relief operations in England, as capabilities continue to develop.

Beyond our operational responsibilities, the Royal Westarctican Navy is firmly committed to environmental preservation. Through initiatives such as beach clean-ups, community engagement, and conservation advocacy, we strive to protect Westarctica’s unique ecosystems and ensure their sustainability for future generations.

Project Shorebox is a mission undertaken by the Scotland (HQ) Detachment of the Royal Westarctican Navy.

Within the Firth of Forth are several islands, including Inchgarvie, Inchcolm Island, Inchmickery Island, and Cramond Island. Cramond Island is the primary focus of this project, as it is accessible on foot during low tide. However, the tide returns quickly, and members of the public are frequently stranded after being cut off from the mainland.

Project Shorebox is designed to assist members of the public who become stranded on the island. The Shorebox is a newly developed survival box that enables individuals to remain safe, warm, and visible until rescue arrives or until low tide returns and access to the mainland is restored.

Each Shorebox will contain essential survival equipment, including a temporary survival shelter, emergency blankets, smoke signalling equipment, food supplies, a fire-starting kit, a first aid kit, and additional survival items. Given the often harsh and unpredictable Scottish weather, these resources are vital to ensure survival while awaiting assistance.

Monthly patrols will be conducted to ensure that all Shoreboxes are fully stocked, within date, clearly visible, and in good working condition