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Teddington RNLI Celebrates Success of Seven Volunteer Crew

Lifeboats News Release

Seven volunteer crew members at Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station have achieved significant training milestones this week, successfully passing out to take on critical operational roles as navigators and head launchers.

RNLI/Grace Palmieri

Seven Teddington RNLI volunteer crew celebrate success
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Training to be an RNLI navigator and head launcher involves a structured, competency-based programme combining regular station exercises, specialised shore or onboard duties, and formal assessments.

The ILB (Inshore Lifeboat) Navigator role is a fairly new role within the RNLI, incorporating the first elements of commanding a lifeboat whilst out on a shout or an exercise. The role requires excellent local knowledge, as well as technical, practical and theoretical competency.

These specific roles are absolutely essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the station's rescues on the River Thames:
• Navigators: a role responsible for advanced passage planning, electronic and radar positioning at sea, and safely guiding the Teddington-based D-class lifeboats through complex river conditions and tidal changes.
• Head Launchers: A vital shore crew role that leads the launch and recovery team. They coordinate the safe deployment of lifeboats into the water, guide them back to base, and manage the safety of the general public during operations.
As one of the busiest RNLI lifeboat stations on the river Thames, having seven newly qualified volunteers significantly strengthens the charity’s 24/7 emergency response capabilities.
A massive thank you must also go to the dedicated trainers, assessors, and fellow station crew members. Their countless hours spent teaching, mentoring, and preparing their fellow volunteers keep the stations operational and ready to save lives.

RNLI Media Contacts

Grace Palmieri, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Teddington, [email protected]

Gianna Saccomani Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Teddington [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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

About the author

Gianna Saccomani
Lifeboat Press Officer, Teddington Lifeboat Station

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