Search results for: regional ranges manager

COVID-19

Use of Mod ranges by NRA affiliated Clubs during Covid-19 restrictions

The MoD licences Home Office Approved Clubs that are affiliated to the NRA basis criteria described by the Defence Safety Authority (DSA) in the Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives (OME) document suite available here

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/872597/DSA_03__JSP_403_Volume__1_Part_2__OCT_19.pdf

Club Secretaries should familiarise themselves with Part 3 of the document (Code of Practice) Guidance Note for Ranges, Chapter 2, page 48. “Use of MoD Ranges by Civilian Clubs” which explains the applicable regulations.  Club Secretaries should also familiarise themselves with the terms of the MoD licence DIO Form 5665 for range specific regulations and comply with Range Standing Orders.

MoD requires civilian Clubs using DIO/RFCA ranges to provide two qualified First Aiders (A First Aid at Work qualification is acceptable) if one of the First Aiders is taking part in the shooting activity.

Finally, the NRA has received confirmation from MoD that civilian clubs should not use/refer to Pam 21.

Nic Couldrey

Regional Ranges Manager

September 2020

COVID-19

NRA Affiliated Club Access to outdoor MoD Ranges in England during Covid-19 Restrictions

I am pleased to report that Clubs are beginning to get confirmed bookings on MoD ranges in England following our agreement with DIO and NWRFCA.   Access to ranges will be subject to local Covid-19 procedures designed to safeguard users and Landmarc staff.  As part of the shoot planning process and range recce Clubs should check local restrictions particularly on numbers of shooters, site access and the process to sign on/off the range.

RCO’s are reminded that signing the range log confirms that the RCO has read and understands range orders and will comply with the ME/MV limits for the range.  Keep in mind that range orders may have changed during the lockdown period. There is no requirement for Clubs to provide a list of firearms to be used on a MoD range.

Defence priorities have delayed the opening of ranges in the West Midlands, notably Kingsbury. We hope that bookings can resume in September.

Finally, please make sure that all the Club documentation is up to date including Home Office Approval,  MoD range licence, RCO qualifications, First Aid kit and qualified person and that only shooters holding an NRA Shooter Competency Card attend bookings.

Enjoy!

Nic Couldrey

Regional Ranges Manager

COVID-19

Access to MoD ranges in Wales

The Welsh Government has published updated Covid-19 guidance in line with the easing of restrictions scheduled for 26^th April 2021.

https://gov.wales/coronavirus

Organised outdoor activities will permitted for up to 30 people.

We are pleased to announce that NRA affiliated Clubs that hold a current MoD licence may resume bookings on outdoor MoD ranges in Wales from 26^th April 2021.  This applies to ranges operated by Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

All NRA Club bookings must comply with Covid-19 guidelines and local restrictions including range restrictions set by the local MoD staff.  Clubs are reminded that to comply with MoD Policy, no more than 30 people may attend a Club range booking.

Club officials are encouraged to check that all documentation is up to date including NRA affiliation, insurance, RCO qualifications and individual shooter competency cards before resuming bookings in Wales.

All bookings must have a RASP and a Covid-19 Risk Assessment for the shooting activity. RCO’s are reminded of the requirement to conduct a range recce prior to the booking.

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted military training overseas and placed significant demand on ranges in Wales. This may have an impact on range availability and bookings for NRA Clubs.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Please contact Nic Couldrey, Regional Ranges Manager, directly if you require further clarification.

COVID-19

Access to outdoor MoD ranges in Scotland

The Scottish Government has published updated Covid-19 guidance signposting the easing of protection levels scheduled for 26^th April 2021.

Details are available here

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/

The protection levels allow for the resumption of organised outdoor sporting activity from 26^th April 2021.

We are pleased to announce that NRA affiliated Clubs that hold a current MoD licence may resume bookings on outdoor MoD ranges in Scotland from 26^th April 2021.  This applies to ranges operated by Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

All NRA Club bookings must comply with Covid-19 guidelines and local restrictions including range restrictions set by the local MoD staff.  Clubs are reminded that to comply with MoD Policy, no more than 30 people may attend a Club range booking.

Club officials are encouraged to check that all documentation is up to date including NRA affiliation, insurance, RCO qualifications and individual shooter competency cards before resuming bookings in Scotland.

All bookings must have a RASP and a Covid-19 Risk Assessment for the shooting activity. RCO’s are reminded of the requirement to conduct a range recce prior to the booking.

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted military training overseas and placed significant demand on ranges across the training estate. This may have an impact on range availability and bookings for NRA Clubs.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Please contact Nic Couldrey, Regional Ranges Manager directly if you require further clarification.

General News

Access to MoD ranges in Wales and West Midlands

The MoD continues to experience unprecedented demand from military users for ranges and training facilities in Wales and the West Midlands. This is driven by a number of factors and compounded by capacity constraints caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.  The NRA, working with our colleagues in the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has agreed a phased resumption of bookings for NRA affiliated Clubs.

Club officials are responsible for the conduct of individual members and must ensure compliance with Covid-19 guidelines, particularly the restrictions set by Welsh Government that prohibit travel into Wales from a Tier 3 location in England.   Details are available here   https://wtsf.org.uk/coronavirus-update-3rd-december/   and here for England

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know

Club officials must ensure that range bookings comply with MoD policy including the limit of 30 people per booking and local Covid-19 restrictions.  RCO’s should conduct a recce, check range orders as these may have changed, update the Covid-19 risk assessment for the shoot and RASP/RSD.

DIO has confirmed the following availability for NRA affiliated Clubs, Club officials should contact the local Landmarc event co-ordinator to arrange bookings.

Ranges not shown above (example Sennybridge J range) are either closed or not available for non MoD users.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. The NRA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates accordingly.

Please contact Nic Couldrey, Regional Ranges Manager, if you have specific questions.

COVID-19

Access to MoD ranges in the United Kingdom

The NRA continues to receive questions about Covid-19 Policy and procedures on MoD ranges in the UK.

We can confirm that there has been no change to Defence Policy and the supporting Covid-19 procedures for affiliated Clubs using MoD ranges. Club officials are reminded that range bookings should not exceed 30 people, members must comply with 2m social distancing rules and any local Covid-19 restrictions set by MoD/DIO range safety staff.

The Ministry of Defence Policy seeks to safeguard the workforce and civilians employed by the MoD including Landmarc staff from occupational exposure to Covid-19.

Club officials and RCO’s are reminded of the requirement to conduct a range recce prior to the booking and familiarise themselves with any recent changes to range orders and local restrictions.

Many target shooters rely on access to ranges on the Defence Training Estate . All members and licenced Clubs are encouraged to comply with Covid-19 procedures when on the Estate.

Please contact Nic Couldrey, Regional Ranges Manager, directly if you require further clarification.

COVID-19

Use of MoD ranges in England during Covid-19 restrictions

The NRA welcomes further guidance published by the Government on 14^th September that confirms that organised sporting or licenced physical activity can take place in groups that exceed 6 people.

Shooting is included in the list of permitted activities.

Refer to section 3.16 below

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

The NRA is in consultation with the MoD to see if the new Government Guidance will allow NRA affiliated Club bookings on MoD outdoor ranges in England to resume.

We will publish further updates to members and affiliated Clubs once we have concluded our discussions with MoD.

In the interim, we thank members and affiliated Clubs for their patience and understanding.

Shooting on the NRA Bisley ranges is unaffected.

Nic Couldrey

Regional Ranges Manager

Ranges

Ammunition restriction on Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) ranges in the UK

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has notified the NRA that affiliated target shooting clubs may not use 100 % lead free ammunition on Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) ranges.

The Defence Ordnance Safety Group (DOSG) will perform an assessment of the safety of using non-lead ammunition on No Danger Area (NDA) or Limited Danger Area (LDA) ranges.

This restriction applies throughout the United Kingdom and comes into immediate effect.

Should you require further clarification please contact Nic Couldrey, Regional Ranges Manager, National Rifle Association