Walmer RNLI celebrate newly qualified crew
Walmer volunteers have completed their training as fully competent boat crew.
Becoming fully competent lifeboat crew is no overnight task. Competency-based training (CoBT) begins ashore and lasts at least a year. The Walmer station operates two inshore lifeboats - an Atlantic 85 and the smaller D Class. Once afloat, crew undertake units covering launch and recovery, operational communication using search and rescue radio equipment, chart work, radar, local knowledge and, importantly, behaviour and commitment. All are practiced and assessed regularly. Other units include knowing the layout of both boats, anchoring, towing, mooring and berthing. A total of forty-two units in all.
Three Walmer crew, James Foster, Neil Franks and Max Bowyer have recently undertaken final rigorous assessment by RNLI Divisional Assessor Trainer Dave Needham, the culmination of over three years commitment.
Speaking after the final assessment, Walmer’s Operations Manager Denis Brophy said, ‘These successes are testament to the resolve, hard work and dedication shown by James, Neil and Max over the past three years.’
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station 01304 374475, 07906 623037 [email protected]
· Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 0207 620 7426, 07785 296252, [email protected]
· For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
RNLI online: For more information on the RNLI please visit
http://www.rnli.org/. News releases and other media resources, including
RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the
RNLI News Centre
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.