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Walmer RNLI volunteer becomes latest qualified helm

Lifeguards News Release

For the second time this month, Walmer lifeboat has celebrated success in helm progression.

Ed Benson with Trainer Paul Taylor

RNLI/Christopher Winslade

Ed Benson with Trainer Paul Taylor

Already a helm on our D Class inshore lifeboat, crew member Ed Benson has now become the station’s seventh on the B Class Atlantic lifeboat Donald McLauchlan, having been successfully assessed and passed out by Assessor Trainer Paul Taylor.

As in previous passouts and before going afloat, Ed 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 half hour command question grilling.

After conducting an initial briefing for boat and shore crew and managing the launch, he spent a tough three hours at sea with an emphasis on search planning and radar.

Once back ashore, Ed thanked all the crew, Paul and everyone at the station who had guided and supported him. He was also commended by the station’s Operations Manager Denis Brophy who praised him for his effort and commitment while working towards his achievement.

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]
  • 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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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.

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