Plymouth Lifeboat Coxswain stands down after 32 years service.

After 32 years continuous service with the RNLI Dave Milford stepped down from his role as Coxswain of Plymouth RNLI lifeboat station . Dave, who has been Coxswain at Plymouth since 2001 has had an illustrious career with the RNLI which began back in 1989 when he became a volunteer, Dave achieved assistant mechanic, deputy coxswain, second coxswain and full time station coxswain.

Dave Milford said: 'After 32 years service 20 of those as coxswain at Plymouth my retirement has finally caught up with me at the age of 69, I think it’s time I hung up my wellies. I joined in 1989 and thoroughly enjoyed my time and if I could do it all again I would. I have also had some wonderful times and experiences that will live with me for ever. I’m handing the reigns over now to Simon who will be doing the dual role as coxswain/mechanic and I would like to wish him all the very best in his new roll. I leave him with a fantastic capable and thoroughly professional crew who are all a credit to Plymouth lifeboat station enjoy and stay safe.'

On Friday 23 April Dave stepped aboard the all-weather lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover for the last time as Plymouth lifeboat coxswain. The all weather lifeboat launched on a training exercise but shortly after slipping her birth Falmouth Coastguard re tasked the volunteer crew to locate, assess and assist a small sailing vessel with three persons on board, little did the people on the small vessel know in the wheel house of the 17m orange and blue lifeboat sat some of the most experienced lifeboat men and women within the RNLI. This would be Dave’s last tasking after three decades of saving lives at sea. As the volunteer crew returned to station some emotional words were exchanged as Dave handed the large bronze key over to Simon who stepped off the all weather lifeboat as full time Coxswain/Mechanic.

Coxswain/Mechanic Simon Jeffery said:

'Since starting as a volunteer in May 2018 as shore crew, working my way up to boat crew, then leaving my role as a Test Engineer within Princess Yachts after 14 years. I applied for the full time mechanic role in April 2019 and was successful, passed out as an ALB Mechanic in May 2019 and passed out as a Coxswain earlier this year.

I can’t thank the Coxswain Dave Milford and the crew enough for the support and training I have received. It’s been a lot of hard work and time spent learning new roles and responsibilities. I now wish to pursue my career within the RNLI here at Plymouth and carry on with the great work Dave has already done.

We have an amazing team here at Plymouth and working alongside our Ops team I’m confident we can carry on the stations great name, building more relationships with other agencies and charities. Thank you again for all your support.'

Some launches from Dave’s service that he will not forget.

23rd July 2003. The Royal Naming Ceremony of RNLB Sybil Mullen Glover at Plymouth Lifeboat Station by HM The Queen, accompanied by the Late HRH Duke of Edinburgh. a. http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/news_features/2003/lifeboat_naming.shtml

21st May 2002, Dave in Command of RNLB City of Plymouth, tasked to the yacht Headstrong which had become disabled in south-south-easterly Force 9 Strong Gale, very rough seas and heavy rain. Skilfully manoeuvred the lifeboat alongside the stricken vessel close enough for a crew member to board, establish a successful tow and saving the 4 lives of the crew. Awarded Thanks of the Institution on Vellum for exceptional courage, determination and seamanship. a. https://lifeboatmagazinearchive.rnli.org/volume/59/563/headstrong?searchterm=Yacht+Gan&page=201

9th June 2002, Dave Milford in Command of RNLB City of Plymouth, tasked in south-westerly Force 9 Severe Gale and very rough seas to the stricken yacht March Hare. Coxswain David Milford manoeuvred the lifeboat alongside so that Second Coxswain Sean Marshall could board and secure a tow – which safely recovered the vessel and saved the life of the single crew. Both awarded Thanks of the Institution on Vellum. a. https://lifeboatmagazinearchive.rnli.org/volume/59/563/march-hare?searchterm=Yacht+Gan&page=317

2nd Coxswain Sean Marshall said 'Dave has been an intrinsic part of the station for over three decades, during his 20 years as Coxswain he has been an inspirational leader throughout. All of us at the station will sorely miss his first class seamanship, dedication and sense of humour. I am proud to have had the privilege of sailing with him.

We would also like to thank Dave’s family who over the 32 years waited for his safe return on every shout, attended open days, Christmas events, charity events and re heated missed dinners. Thank you.'

Dave’s last day at Plymouth was on Friday 23 April and everyone at the station wishes him a very happy and well deserved retirement.