Walmer RNLI celebrates successes in National Volunteers Week

All crew members were assessed under the RNLI’s Operational Competency Framework, which is designed to provide volunteers with a clear and structured training framework.

The morning began at 9.00am on Tuesday morning, 3 June, with helm Luke Curry undertaking his Navigator pass out on our Atlantic lifeboat Hounslow Branch. This involves both theory and practical assessments afloat and ashore covering RNLI policies and procedures. The navigation element requires demonstrating plotting routes taking into account tidal and environmental conditions, imputing and executing a search pattern and interpreting radar information

Julie Rutledge then achieved a successful shore crew pass-out, also following theoretical assessment involving roles and responsibilities such as the procedure for preparing and launching a lifeboat, and local knowledge. A practical assessment followed which involved the actual launch and recovery of the lifeboat. She will now begin a training plan to become a tractor driver under the guidance of those volunteers who already undertake this role at the station.

The assessments continued into the afternoon with Bab Melles Tier 1 Atlantic pass-out, having already been successful following a programme for our D Class lifeboat. He will now begin additional training, which will include helming, risk assessments and an introduction to navigation, to become Tier 2 crew.

Further success followed with crew member Dan Wilmshurst also completing a Tier 1 pass-out on the Atlantic lifeboat. He will now undertake a similar programme for the D Class lifeboat Duggie Rodbard II.

The final assessments involved helms Dan Sinclair and Lee Waddon who were being revalidated in their roles as Walmer lifeboat’s Trainer Assessors (LTA). This must be done every three years. Their role enables them to assess and pass out a Tier 1 or shore crew at Walmer when they are deemed ready. The assessment involves correctly briefing the candidate, supervising all aspects of the practical assessment and maintaining safety awareness among other criteria.

With the lifeboat finally washed down and made ready for service at around 8.00pm, Walmer’s Operations Manager Denis Brophy said:’ I would like to congratulate each of our successful crew after a long and tiring day which involved five launches, and thank Dave for his time in carrying these assessments out. We are fortunate in having a dedicated and motivated group of volunteers here at Walmer.’

Notes to editors

Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.

It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Hounslow Branch and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.

Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry

To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

• Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]

• Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]

• Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [email protected]

• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

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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