Four Walmer RNLI volunteers pass training assessments
Since March last year when the RNLI introduced its Operational Competence Framework for training, all volunteers need to reach a required standard before being considered competent.
Yesterday, 24 September, four Walmer volunteers underwent varying levels of assessment and revalidation in their roles.
Overseen by Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Dave Needham, Walmer helms Dave Mitchell and Neil Franks were revalidated in their roles on the station’s Atlantic and D Class lifeboats respectively. They were observed in their command roles , man overboard procedures, search planning, anchoring and emergency procedures.
Anyone holding a command, mechanic or launch vehicle role is subject to revalidation at intervals of no more than five years. These are carried out to the same exacting standards and criteria as an initial pass out. Other Walmer helms will be revalidated in the coming months.
D Class helm James Foster went afloat on our Atlantic lifeboat Hounslow Branch for a pre-pass out as a B Class helm After successful completion of his tasks, a date will be set for a full pass out.
In the debrief after recovery, Dave, Neil and James thanked their crews for their time and effort over the course of the day.
Shore crew volunteer Lorn Clay was observed in launch and recovery roles including rigging a net to enable the successful recovery of the B Class lifeboat and was quizzed on how to deal with emergency situations such as launch vehicle bog down and abandonment and use of pyrotechnics.
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Denis Brophy said: ‘Our volunteers train hard all year round to maintain their competencies and developing new skills. Assessment days like this recognise their hard work. It’s great to see them get the recognition they deserve and develop their skills needed to save lives at sea. I should also like to thank Dave Needham for his time, help and encouragement here today.’
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]
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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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