A Demonstration of Real-Life Maritime Rescue Techniques Held at GMU
On Saturday 13 December 2025, a demonstration of real-life rescue techniques, an event known as ‘Echa Heweliusza’ [Echoes of Heweliusz] attracted crowds of people interested in safety at sea to the GMU swimming pool in the Faculty of Navigation. Playing an active part in the demonstrations were Gdynia Maritime University students.
On Saturday 13 December 2025, an event entitled Echoes of Heweliusz, dedicated to the presentation of real-life maritime rescue techniques used in the event of disasters at sea. The event, which began at 14:00 in the Faculty of Navigation attracted students, GMU staff, and other individuals interested in the topic of maritime safety.
Wojciech Paczkowski from the Maritime Search and Rescue Service (SAR) opened the session with an introduction to maritime search and rescue. He explained what rescue work is really like and the challenges teams face during operations at sea, pointed out the most common hazards, and briefly discussed the biggest maritime disasters in history. Participants also had the opportunity to find out how they, as passengers on board a vessel, might play their part in the successful rescue efforts at sea.
Following the theory, the practical demonstrations took place at 15:00 the GMU swimming pool. The demonstrations in the water, conducted with the participation of GMU students, were led by lecturers from the GMU School of Physical Education and Sport: Dr Andrzej Lachowicz, Director of the GMU Sports and Recreation Centre, Mariusz Grabowski, and Tomasz Zięba, who lead Personal Survival Techniques (PST) courses at GMU on a daily basis.
During the demonstration, participants witnessed, among other things, a jump into the water wearing a life-jacket, a simulation of a helicopter lifting a casualty, righting a life-raft, and jumping and swimming in an immersion suit, including forming a group ‘huddle’ in the water. They were able to see what rescue procedures look like in practice and how much preparation maritime students need before their first time at sea.
Commentary from the stands was provided by Aleksander Wójcik, who works with GMU’s Officer Training Centre on PST courses.
The event was very popular and all participants had the chance to see just how important hands-on experience and practical learning are in maritime education.
