
Newhaven RNLI appoints new Launch Authority
Volunteer Simon Nelson passes out as a Launch Authority at Newhaven RNLI on Monday 2 December, further strengthening the Launch Authority cover at Newhaven.
After joining the RNLI in October 2024, Simon has been completing training on station at Newhaven with support of our experienced crew. Simon has also been completing training through the RNLI training team's online workshops.
The role of the Launch Authority is broad, and vital to lifeboat station operations. As the first point of contact following a 999 call to HM Coastguard, the Launch Authority ensures that the most suitable lifeboat is selected, and the crew is tasked appropriately. No boat can be launched on a shout or exercise without a launch authority’s agreement. They also perform a vital role in the management of the lifeboat station, ensuring boats and equipment are maintained in a constant state of readiness to respond.
The pass out involved an hour-long practical exam going through all aspects of risk assessment and the decision making around launching the lifeboats at the request of HM Coastguard. It also included a scenario to demonstrate decision making through a boat tasking and launch.
Simon volunteered with the Auxiliary Coastguard of Fairlight Cliff Rescue Team between 14 to 18. He had previous careers in the Royal Navy and Sussex Police where he served for 29 years in a multitude of roles. Simon was also awarded the Queens Police Medal during the 2022 Birthday Honours for ‘his exceptional police service and support to those with disabilities, following his recovery from cancer 19 years ago.
Simon Nelson, volunteer Launch Authority, said: ‘It is a great privilege to have this opportunity to volunteer at Newhaven RNLI with such a great team. All the volunteers I’ve met are all dedicated to saving lives at sea and epitomise the charity’s ‘One Crew’ ethos.’
Roger Cohen MBE, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Newhaven RNLI, said: ‘We welcome Simon to Newhaven RNLI. Simon becomes Newhaven’s fifth Launch Authority, bringing the number to the most Launch Authorities Newhaven Lifeboat Station has ever had. This gives far greater flexibility to Newhaven’s current volunteer Launch Authorities.
Notes to editors
· Newhaven RNLI was established in 1803, and covers from Beachy Head to Brighton. It’s a modern afloat station and operates an all-weather Severn class lifeboat.
· ALB – All-Weather-Lifeboat
· Severn Class – Named after the River Severn, the Severn Class is the largest lifeboat in the RNLI fleet. The Severn can take on the worst sea conditions and comes into her own on long offshore search and rescues.
· Inshore Lifeboat - The lifeboat was first introduced into the RNLI fleet in 1963, the design of the inflatable D class lifeboat continues to evolve to meet changes in demand and technology. She is highly manoeuvrable and usually operates closer to shore than our all-weather lifeboats. She comes into her own for searches and rescues in the surf, shallow water and confined locations - often close to cliffs, among rocks and even inside caves.
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.
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, Twitter 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.