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Littlestone RNLI Volunteer Passes Out As Lifeboat Helm

Lifeboats News Release

Littlestone RNLI volunteer Josh Spiers recently passed out as the station’s latest helm of the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat.

A picture of new Helm Josh Spiers and his friend and colleague Dean Miller sitting on a very colourful oversized deck chair while taking a well earned break at Folkestone Harbour after a shout

RNLI/Dean Miller

New Helm Josh Spiers (seated on the right) and his friend and colleague Dean Miller taking a well earned break at Folkestone Harbour after a shout
Now that Josh has qualified as a helm of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat – Littlestone RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, John Kenny, caught up with Josh to find out what it takes to qualify as the person in command of the lifeboat during a rescue shout.


What is your background and why did you become a volunteer?

'I don't come from a seafaring family but I did spend three years working in a marina boatyard . Amongst other things, I moved boats around and drove our seven metre workboat. I did the RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling qualification and about 10 years ago my firm sent me to the RNLI College in Poole to do the sea survival course.
Having seen the brilliant work the RNLI does up close, I decided to volunteer in 2018. Back then you could go straight onto the boat but now you have to learn what's involved in being a member of the shore crew before going afloat, which I think is a better way of training our crews.'

How long does it take to become a helm? What are the stages?

'It has taken me nearly six years but covid interrupted things a bit - and everyone goes at their own speed. There are 13 helm training modules plus the ‘pass out’ assessment- and that is in addition to the training modules to be crew that have to be completed prior to helm training.'

What is the difference between being a helm and being lifeboat crew?

'You basically go from ‘doing’ to ‘managing’ . A helm has to be able to step back and maintain awareness of the whole situation, plus there’s also a lot of responsibility for the crew’s safety.'

What are the best bits about volunteering/being a helm?

'The RNLI is a very professional organisation and gives volunteers like me a great sense of purpose. At Littlestone we all have a similar mindset. I like the way we have a great, diverse crew and it definitely feels like a second family. I really enjoy training other crew members and my aim is always to try and have everyone on the boat included in each exercise. Learning and maintaining their current competencies is what makes sure we are ready when the pager next goes off.'

What is your most memorable shout?

'It was a shout about five years ago that really sticks in my memory. The pager went off and we responded to a tasking to locate and rescue a mother and child on a paddleboard that had drifted some miles out in the Channel. They were so grateful that we found them. Saving lives at sea is what motivates me.'

Matt Crittenden, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Littlestone, said 'We are all really proud of Josh's achievement. He has worked hard at progressing to being a helm and is a popular member of the crew. Well done Josh!'

Media Contacts:

For more details contact Littlestone Lifeboat Press Officer John Kenny [email protected] or press office [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 142,700 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.

A group of RNLI volunteers in yellow drysuits and helmets stood infront of their orange lifeboat

RNLI/John Kenny

Littlestone RNLI volunteers stood infront of the lifeboat. Josh Spiers pictured 4th from right.

RNLI/John Kenny

Littlestone charity lifeboat the Jean McIvor training off station

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.