RNLI Longhope Lifeboat volunteer crewmember successfully completes training.

Steve who spent 5 days at the college said: ' This was the best course I have ever attended in my life. The structure, pace and content was first class and the quality of information from the instructors was outstanding.'

Part of the course takes place in the Sea Survival Centre, a facility within the college, where real-life conditions and rescue operations are simulated to give the lifeboat volunteers essential practical experience in sea safety and survival techniques. Steve continued: 'I must admit that the thought of this part of the course took me out of my comfort zone but after completing the exceptionally good theory module beforehand my level of confidence improved considerably. Then when it came to being in the water and actually doing and practising those vital survival skills I found was an excellent experience. It is so very important to have an idea of what we could face should the occasion ever arrive. For example, if your RIB capsizes and the engine fills with water what is the procedure to get it running again.'

At RNLI Longhope we have a Tamar class all-weather lifeboat but Steve also had to experience training on the inflatable D class inshore lifeboat. This craft is highly manoeuvrable and usually operates closer to shore than all-weather lifeboats and is specifically suited to surf, shallow water and confined locations. Steve explained: ' It was real eye-opener to experience these inflatables as it was for the crew from these, to experience an all-weather lifeboat. We now appreciate what other lifeboats can do and the conditions and challenges they face. I think we built up a deep respect for each other.'

All the other trainee crewmembers on my course were a great bunch of people and the support and teamwork experienced with them was fantastic. It was also interesting to engage with the Lifeguards that we met who were also undergoing training and to appreciate and understand the challenges they face. In the end we all have the same aim, to save lives at sea. The instructors at Poole and the qualified crewmembers back home all help make this possible for new recruits like myself. I can't thank them enough.'

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

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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.