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Port Talbot RNLI, one day, two new helms, one new launch authority

Lifeboats News Release

Yesterday (11 June) on a bright sunny afternoon, Port Talbot RNLI volunteer crew took part in two helm pass outs, the culmination of many thousands of hours of training and pre-assessment sessions.

Present of a the RNLI Helm cap

RNLI/Clive Morris

Port Talbot RNLI Helm pass out Thomas Hopkins

Coastal Lifeboat Trainer, Hugh 'Spud' Davies, put the trainee helms through every possible emergency scenario they are likely to face in their saving lives at sea volunteer careers during a 3 hour assessment process.

The scenarios include failures in mechanics, electrics and navigational aids, conducting search patterns, rescues, man overboard, casualty care, anchoring, veering, navigation, fire fighting, boat handling, command of crew and command of launch and recovery. With all scenarios having to be assessed and passed by the Coastal Lifeboat Trainer.

Over two assessments the trainee helms, Carl Matthews and Thomas Hopkins, were tested to their very limits to ensure that when the time comes to helm the lifeboat, they are prepared for all eventualities to the very high standard of RNLI volunteers.

Neither Carl or Thomas knew whether they had reached these exacting high standards until back ashore and debriefed. Once back ashore, with a knowing smile and a firm handshake, Hugh confirmed they were now newly qualified RNLI helms - a huge achievement.

Carl and Thomas were then presented with their own RNLI cap as a symbol and thanks for their massive commitment to saving lives.

Clive Morris, Port Talbot RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:

'This evening at Port Talbot Lifeboat Station, Carl and Thomas have successfully qualified as RNLI Lifeboat Helms. This achievement allows them to command a lifeboat during rescue missions. Their hard work, dedication and sacrifice is commendable, and they have greatly contributed to enhancing the safety of our waters around Port Talbot and Aberavon Beach. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to both of them.

'Additionally, Christopher Thomas has passed out as a Launching Authority at the lifeboat station. In this critical role, he is responsible for making and overseeing decisions on authorising search and rescue missions. All three have worked extremely hard, and we are all proud of what they have achieved'.

Newly qualified Helm, Thomas Hopkins said:

'It has been a long journey from shore crew, to crew to helm - and despite being a Merchant Seaman Officer, the standards expected by the RNLI tested me to my limits, requiring thousands of training hours. I am delight to finally pass out and will wear my cap with the honour it truly deserves'.

Carl added:

'I am delighted that after so much commitment and unbelievable support of everyone at the station, who spent every bit as much time training, without the entire station working as one crew none of this would have been possible. I am particularly honoured to pass out in this landmark 200th year of the RNLI'.

Chris Thomas, the station's newest Launch Authority said:

'I am deeply honoured to be part of a dedicated team of talented individuals. Joining the management team and contributing to others' growth is a challenge I am eager and prepared to embrace'.

A very special day in the history of Port Talbot RNLI when so much was achieved, remembering it takes thousands of volunteer hours to make such a historic day made it all the more special by it happening in 200th anniversary year of the RNLI.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ceri Jeffreys on [email protected], or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.

Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

Port Talbot RNLI newest helms in mutual celebration

RNLI/Clive Morris

Port Talbot RNLI newest helms in mutual celebration
Port Talbot RNLI Newest Helm accepts his Helm Cap

RNLI/Clive Morris

Port Talbot RNLI Newest Helm Carl Mathews accepts his Helm Cap
Port Talbot RNLI Newest Helm congratulations all round from Hugh Spud Davies

RNLI/Clive Morris

Port Talbot RNLI Newest Helm congratulations all round from Hugh Spud Davies
Port Talbot RNLI newest Launch Authority Chris Tommo Thomas congratulated by Paul Skinner

RNLI/Ceri Jeffreys

Port Talbot RNLI newest Launch Authority Chris Tommo Thomas congratulated by Paul Skinner

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.