Longhope’s pride as RNLI volunteer, Steve Rhodes, passes out as Coxswain during

Becoming a Coxswain in the RNLI is a significant milestone that reflects years of dedication, skill, and leadership. The journey begins by joining as a volunteer crew member, and taking part in regular training and real-life rescues to build experience at sea. Over time, volunteers may take on more specialised roles, such as navigator or mechanic, helping them develop the advanced knowledge needed for command.

With continued commitment, volunteer crew members can begin leadership training towards becoming fully responsible for the lifeboat and crew. The final stage is a rigorous assessment, where the volunteer is tested on boat handling, navigation, communication, and decision-making.

To pass out as a Coxswain, a volunteer must show they can safely command the lifeboat in all conditions, lead with confidence, and remain calm under pressure. They need to communicate clearly with the crew and Coastguard, carry out effective search and rescue operations, and always put safety first.

Raised in the Midlands, Steve Rhodes served for twenty four years in the Royal Engineers before moving to Hoy in 2013. He joined Longhope RNLI as a volunteer crew member in 2014 and quickly became a key part of the team, specialising as a navigator before working towards his qualification as a Coxswain. Balancing this commitment alongside his full-time role at Scottish Water, Steve’s dedication to the RNLI reflects his strong sense of duty. The armed forces values of discipline, teamwork, integrity, and resilience have all been highly transferable, equipping him with the skills and mindset essential for the demanding responsibilities of a Coxswain.

At 1300 on 11 June 2025, Steve had just completed the written part of his Coxswain assessment and was preparing for the practical element when the pagers sounded. The Coastguard requested the lifeboat repond to assist a fishing vessel that had lost propulsion. Following a risk assessment, it was decided that Steve would take command of the lifeboat, turning the call-out into a live assessment.

The lifeboat launched promptly and made best speed towards the casualty. Upon arrival, it was clear the fishing vessel had fouled its propeller on a creel rope, east of the island of Flotta, damaging the gearbox and leaving the vessel unable to move. Fortunately, the anchor had been deployed, preventing the boat from drifting ashore.

Steve quickly organised for a volunteer crew member to transfer aboard the fishing vessel to aid in cutting the creel rope. Once freed, the lifeboat established a tow and safely brought the vessel back to St Margaret’s Hope. There, the stern tow was replaced with an alongside tow, and the vessel was secured alongside the pier. RNLI assessor Davie Orr praised Steve’s boat handling and command skills throughout the operation, describing them as ‘very impressive’.

With the fishing vessel safely returned to harbour, Steve continued his assessment, completing command exercises, a fire drill, a man overboard drill, and an expanding square search to locate a casualty, all of which he carried out confidently and effectively.

Steve reflected on the experience and said, ‘It’s been a long passage from growing up in an industrial city in the Midlands, when I only saw the sea once a year on holidays, to being a Coxswain for Longhope. But, strangely for a boy from Derby, I've always had a love of sailing and the sea. It's taken eleven years of learning and working with outstanding people in Longhope, and at the RNLI College in Poole, to achieve this. I feel very honoured to be part of the team; crew, Guild, Launch Authority’s and supporters, at such a special lifeboat station which is part of the heart of our community here in Hoy and Walls. Having the shout come during my assessment, I have a total and very clear understanding of what it's like to be a rabbit in the headlights, especially with the RNLI training assessor, Area Manager and Area Technical Manager watching the
rabbit! The shout went very well in calm conditions, and the volunteer crew were very skilled at resolving what potentially could have been a tricky situation had not a crew member boarded the the casualty vessel to free it from it's obstruction. Having towed the vessel to the 'Hup', and safely put her alongside, the crew had a five minute break, a chocolate bar, a bottle of water then got on with the rest of the assessment My heartfelt thanks goes out to the Coxswains, volunteer crew members and RNLI Team who have made this passage possible.’

Longhope’s full time Coxswain, Scott Johnston, shared his thoughts and offered his congratulations: ‘When the pagers first went off, we all thought Davie Orr had triggered them as part of the exercise. It soon became clear this wasn’t the case; Steve had been given an opportunity to demonstrate his skills in a real-life emergency. Steve managed the situation calmly and effectively, leading to a positive outcome for the fisherman involved and a successful assessment for himself. I’m very pleased to say that Steve passed out as Coxswain with flying colours. We are all extremely proud of his achievement, as should he be. Well done Steve’.

This real emergency during Steve’s Coxswain assessment shows just how important the RNLI is in saving lives at sea. It also highlights how crucial it is for volunteers to be well-trained and ready to act quickly, even when things don’t go as planned. Steve’s calm and confident leadership during the rescue proves the high standards the RNLI expects from its volunteer crews. Everyone at Longhope RNLI is incredibly proud of Steve and the whole team for their hard work, dedication, and teamwork. This event is a great reminder of how much the RNLI relies on volunteers who balance their everyday jobs with lifesaving work to keep our coastal communities safe.

Notes to editors

· Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Longhope Lifeboat Station (rnli.org)

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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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