Ramsgate RNLI congratulates its newest helm

Mark grew up around Ramsgate Royal Harbour playing with Ian and Paul Cannon on the beach behind the old lifeboat station at the Clocktower, so he was no stranger to the sea. His own father, Alan Bray, was the Ramsgate Harbour Superintendent and a contemporary of Ron Cannon with over thirty seven years of volunteer service with the RNLI. In fact when the Atlantic 85 arrived at the station Alan was the senior helmsman. His mother Bet - Betty, was heavily involved as well with thirty five years volunteering with the Fund Raising Committee, which she Chaired for many years. To this day they are still both involved with the RNLI.

However, it wasn’t until ten years after his father had retired, that Mark felt able to commit to the RNLI. At that time he had settled down with a young child and was working as a Project Manager in the Gas Industry when Ramsgate RNLI carried out a recruitment drive. Mark answered the call and has been a part of the RNLI volunteer crew for the past thirteen years.

Looking back on his time, he said that the moment he realised that the sea could be life threatening came a few years after he joined, when he went out on the all weather Esme Anderson in a force nine. A tug had got into difficulties whilst towing a barge in the heavy seas. The tow rope had become wrapped around a buoy and when they arrived on scene, the crew of the tug were in their immersion suits expecting the worst.

The lifeboat attempted to come in close to release the tow rope but in the end the tug had to part the tow rope and another tug had to be called to the scene to take over the tow. Mark said that although he couldn't do much it was the first time he fully appreciated the power of the sea.

In preparation for training to become a helm Mark attended the local sailing club, Royal Temple Yacht Club who were holding Navigation Courses. This is where he obtained his Royal Yachting Association Yacht Master certificate.

The RNLI training was lengthy and on the day of his final assessment in November, he had to sit a ninety minute written examination on Collision regulations, buoyage, and navigation.

This was followed by a three hour practical examination where he had to carry out man overboard search and rescue, anchor drill, fire drill, towing and emergency steerage. Whilst this was happening he also had to answer further questions about collision regulations.

After that he had to debrief his crew and then debrief the Assessor at which point he received the welcome news that he had passed as Helm.

Ramsgate Coxswain Ian Cannon said, ‘We are very lucky in Ramsgate to have several volunteer helms for our inshore lifeboat. This is of particular importance in the Summer months when our crew are stretched due to work commitments. We are delighted that Mark has passed out as Helm and would like to congratulate him on his achievements .’

Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Karen Cox Tel. 07779848431 Email [email protected]

Hatti Mellor National Media Manager Tel. 07724801305. Email. [email protected]

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.

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