Like father like son – Tomos completes training as Pwllheli RNLI's new Coxswain
The volunteer crew at RNLI Pwllheli are celebrating the passing out of their full-time Coxswain, Tomos Moore, who after months of training and some intensive assessments, has officially passed out.
Tomos, 29, joined the RNLI at Pwllheli in 2011 at the age of 17 as a volunteer crew member on both the Mersey all-weather lifeboat and D class inshore lifeboat. Over the period of 11 years on station as a volunteer, he trained to become a crew member and all-weather lifeboat mechanic whilst working full time as a Theatre Technician at Pontio in Bangor.
In 2021 after a full recruitment process, Tomos was appointed as a full time Coxswain / Mechanic at RNLI Pwllheli when he became a trainee Coxswain and, with the help of the volunteer crews, fleet staff coxswains and regional staff, he was able to progress intensively on station. During this period, Tomos has attended multiple training courses at Poole, such as boat handling, as well as gaining sea hours on the station's Shannon whilst out on exercises.
To pass out, Tomos had a series of assessments over a two-day period including search and rescue, navigation command and emergency procedures which were assessed by a Regional Trainer Assessor.
Tomos commented: ‘My father Clive was lifeboat crew for 38 years and was also a volunteer coxswain so I was raised with the RNLI being a big part of daily life.’
Tomos continued: ‘I’m looking forward to getting out on the lifeboat as Coxswain, enjoying what the role has to offer whilst continue to develop my skills and knowledge by gaining experience over time. Life with the RNLI is very fulfilling. I love the role and no two days are the same. I would say to anyone who might be interested in joining the RNLI team - be that as crew or supporting our work through fundraising - not to hesitate. There are plenty of volunteering opportunities at the station and a strong team who can assist in your RNLI career, whether it’s as volunteer shore crew or if you aspire to be a Coxswain.’
Lee Firman, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager for North Wales, said: ‘Congratulations to Tomos. This is a fantastic achievement and is thanks to the hard work and effort of both Tomos and the volunteer team who have all played a part in his passing out. Tomos has demonstrated he is worthy of the appointment which is an important position at RNLI Pwllheli’
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact RNLI Pwllheli lifeboat station on 01758 613848
Notes to editor
Attached are photos of:
- Tomos Moore onboard RNLI Pwllheli all-weather Shannon lifeboat. Credit: RNLI Pwllheli/Elizabeth Perry
- Clive and Tomos Moore standing in front of RNLI Pwllheli all-weather Shannon lifeboat. Credit: RNLI Pwllheli/Elizabeth Perry
RNLI media contact
For more information contact Elizabeth Perry, RNLI Pwllheli Lifeboat Press Officer on 07806 800627 or email [email protected]. Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].
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