Littlestone RNLI celebrate tier two pass outs

Littlestone RNLI are proud to announce two volunteer crew members successfully completed their tier two pass outs on the Atlantic 85 lifeboat
On Friday 11 September, Littlestone RNLI congratulated volunteer crew members Mihaela and Mark on successfully passing their Tier 2 Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) pass-out. The assessment took place during a scheduled exercise conducted by Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Ruth Oliver.

The Tier 2 pass-out is a comprehensive evaluation that tests every essential skill required to operate an inshore lifeboat. The assessment ensures that crew members are fully prepared for the challenges they may face. In addition to being assessed on advanced competencies, candidates must also demonstrate they have retained the skills from their Tier 1 pass out.

The assessment began with a rigorous theory session, followed by a practical exercise at sea. Under the watchful eye of Ruth Oliver, Mihaela and Mark showed not only their technical proficiency but also the resilience and teamwork that are fundamental traits of all RNLI volunteers.

Littlestone RNLI volunteer station manager, John Kenny, said: ‘Mihaela and Mark have worked really hard with many hours spent out on the water and in the classroom .The whole volunteer RNLI team at Littlestone is delighted that they have passed the Tier 2 assessment and helped build resilience in critical roles within our crew.'
'After a difficult week for the RNLI, I am especially pleased that our volunteer crew have continued to train and progress. This is what helps save lives at sea now and into the future. When the pager goes off we answer the call- irrelevant of who or where that may be.'
'Our Chief Executive, Peter Sparkes, said earlier this week: 'Recent events have generated deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding about the RNLI – our purpose, our tasking, and particularly our lifesaving work in the Channel. Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse. The RNLI’s people represent the very best in our society, they selflessly give up their time to keep others safe. Yet they and their families are being threatened by those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard. Their action, in contrast, is wholly unacceptable in a civilised society. We will take whatever steps we can, to care for and protect our people and their families.'

In 2026 the RNLI has been saving lives at sea for 200 years on the New Romney coastline and with your support our charity will be doing it in another 200 years.

https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate

RNLI Media Contacts

John Kenny, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]

Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.