Shore Crew Pass Outs For Calshot RNLI
Calshot RNLI recently celebrated the successful pass out of two of its volunteer crew members, Mike Jones and Graham Reeve as shore crew
Both Mike who is nicknamed ‘Jonesy’ and Graham, nicknamed ‘DD’ have worked through the RNLI’s rigorous Operational Competency Framework (OCF) that includes usage of the correct PPE, launch and recovery procedures, rope handling and VHF radio communication.
Jonesy joined the crew in late 2024 and said of his volunteering activities: ‘I joined the RNLI to help save lives at sea and give something back to my local community. I am very proud of my progress so far and am now working towards becoming a Head Launcher.’
DD has kept it in the family, as his son Daniel is already on the crew and he also is a passed-out Launch Authority, working closely with the Coastguard to authorise the launch of our lifeboats for training and on service since joining the crew at the end of 2024. On his pass out, he added ‘I have been sailing the Solent since I was at school and have been a long term supporter of the RNLI, but never lived close enough to be part of a crew. When the opportunity to serve as LA at Calshot arose I jumped at the chance and look forward to continuing to grow my skills.’
Commenting on the achievement, Calshot RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Mike Atwell said: ‘Without our shore crew, we would not be able to prepare, launch and recover our lifeboats. The RNLI relies on a wide range of roles to allow us to fulfil our mission to save lives at sea.’
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For more information please contact:
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RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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