Llandudno RNLI congratulate Ron Tustin and Martyn Knight on pass-outs
Volunteer crew members at Llandudno Lifeboat Station are celebrating the successful qualification of two of their crew, as Ron Tustin and Martyn Knight completed their operational assessments on Monday 23 March.
Ron Tustin achieved dual qualifications as a Bobcat launch vehicle driver and Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) Head Launcher. Martyn Knight qualified as a Shannon Launch and Recovery System (SLRS) driver. Each role demands a high level of technical skill, situational awareness, and teamwork, with candidates required to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence in realistic training scenarios.
The ILB Head Launcher plays a critical role in operations, taking charge of beach activity during launches and recoveries. This includes assessing environmental conditions, coordinating crew members, and ensuring all activity is conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with RNLI procedures.
As a Bobcat driver, Ron is responsible for the safe and precise operation of the launch vehicle used to transport the inshore lifeboat to and from the water. This role requires accuracy, confidence, and the ability to operate effectively in challenging coastal conditions.
Martyn’s qualification as a SLRS driver enables him to operate the sophisticated system used to launch and recover the station’s all-weather lifeboat. This is a vital role in ensuring the rapid and safe deployment of the lifeboat during emergency callouts.
Speaking on the achievement, Senior Station Technician Luke Heritage said: ‘These pass-outs represent a great deal of hard work and commitment. Both Ron and Martyn have demonstrated the dedication and professionalism required to carry out these roles to the highest standard. Their achievements strengthen the station’s operational capability and help ensure we can continue to provide a vital lifesaving service.’
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Luke Heritage, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]
Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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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