RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat out on exercise in a cold and dark Bay

RNLI Torbay Second Coxswain Richard Fowler oversaw groups of volunteer crew members aboard relief boat Volunteer Spirit which set off just before 7pm last night (7 November) to make a planned rendezvous with one of the Brixham pilot boats, offering recent crew members an opportunity to train in tying up alongside another vessel, mooring and berthing methods and all-important towing procedures (although no vessels were actually towed). Crew members also practised moving safely between the lifeboat and the ‘casualty’ vessel.

This kind of training is essential for all volunteer crew, and several RNLI Torbay recruits were able to engage with the session, taking it in turns to practise the various manoeuvres during the 90-minute exercise.

Brixham-based photographer Chris Slack photographed the exercise underway during the hours of darkness, which clearly demonstrates the importance of such training to ensure the effectiveness of our volunteer lifeboat crews during a real night time emergency. RNLI Torbay wish to thank MTS Group Ltd for their assistance with the pilot vessel.

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

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, 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.