
Walmer RNLI welcomes newest D Class helm
Yesterday, 5 November, Walmer volunteer Luke Curry became the latest helm for the station’s D Class lifeboat.
As well as on-going water-based training with crew at the station he has also attended an intensive four-day search and rescue command course at the RNLI College in Poole where he undertook a series of classroom based and afloat training to enable him to gain the skills needed when in command of a lifeboat.
Before going afloat, Luke completed a written International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) paper, which involves, among other things, steering and sailing rules, identifying lights, shapes and sounds from vessels and buoys and the conduct of vessels in restricted visibility. He also underwent a theoretical assessment on RNLI policies, procedures and guidance regarding such things as radio communications, co-ordination of search and rescue and navigation safety.
After conducting an initial in-depth briefing for boat and shore crew and managing the launch, whilst afloat he was asked to plan, plot and execute a sector search, explain emergency procedures, anchoring and veering and man overboard and engine fire scenarios. He was also assessed on his helming and command skills.
Once back ashore after two-and-a-half hours at sea, Luke said: ‘I’d like to thank my afloat crew and shore crew this morning, and everyone at Walmer who have supported me and helped me achieve this success.’
He was also praised by the station’s Operations Manager Denis Brophy who said:’ I’d like to commend Luke for his effort and commitment towards this deserved achievement. His hard work has paid off.’’
Notes to editors
Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.
It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.
Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry
To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]
- Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [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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