Steph and Connor have both been working tirelessly towards their pass-outs and had to undertake rigorous tests to successfully complete their plans. These tests included plotting and following courses, answering questions on the safe navigation policies, casualty scenarios and selecting the correct search pattern for different incidents and executing the correct search into practice, as well as demonstrating their knowledge around the different methods of fixing the position of the lifeboat.
Prior to this practical assessment both volunteers had to complete an exam paper which tested their knowledge around, International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), including day shapes on different crafts and what they mean, navigation lights and what they mean, sound signals and the different types of buoyage and what they are used for.
Both Connor and Steph successfully passed all elements of the pass-out making them the first two crew members from RNLI New Brighton to step into the new role of Navigator under the RNLI’s new OCF competency structure.
Helm, Mark Harding, said:
'These pass outs are testimony to the hard work and dedication of our crew, Connor and Steph have worked incredibly hard to ensure they passed with flying colours. The role of a Navigator is essential in the safe operation of our lifeboat in coastal waters.’
Notes to Editors:
New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.
The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.
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.
