Crew training success at Craster RNLI

Long serving volunteer and Helm Andy Taylor recently passed his five yearly re-validation of D Class Helm, trainee Helm Andy Cowan passed out as a D Class Helm and David Kearns passed out as a D Class Navigator.

The D Class Helm pass out consists of a 56-question online exam on IRPCS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) rules including, among other things, action to avoid collision, conduct a vessel in restricted visibility, safe speed and manoeuvring, navigation lights, buoyage and warning signals. There was also a 14-question test on RNLI policies.

After the completion of the written exam under the watchful eye of Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Anna Heslop-Latif, there was a gruelling 90-minute practical exam at sea. The exam highlights the role as Helm and overall command of the D class lifeboat and safety of crew aboard.

The pass out consists of scenarios of crew welfare, safety, and potential situations the Helm will face, such as missing people, man overboard, a fire aboard the lifeboat, person in water and search pattens for wreckage and veering down.

The Navigator assessment also has an online assessment, then a 90-minute assessment at sea. The Navigator is responsible for situational awareness and safe routing during a rescue.

In practice the roles of the Navigator include: navigation and positioning, guiding the helm to the casualty using safe navigation, compass visual references, charts and local knowledge.

It also includes monitoring hazards like rocks, sandbanks, tides, and surf conditions, radio communication with the Coastguard including relaying updates on location, conditions, and situational awareness

Search coordination and supporting the helm in planning and executing search patterns keeping a lookout, searching for the casualty and keeping a track of search areas and drift (wind/tide effects).

All three volunteers demonstrated the hard work, dedication and commitment needed for volunteering for the charity.

Kev Brown, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Craster lifeboat station, said, 'The success and achievements of the lads shows the hard work and effort they have put in. This allows the future of growth and support for saving lives at sea at Craster. The knowledge and expertise will be passed on to those just starting out as volunteers with the RNLI, we are also recruiting for inshore lifeboat crew.'

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Andy Cowan, RNLI volunteer lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]