Longhope’s newest volunteer Launch Authority passes out of training
On Thursday, 03 October 2024, Longhope local Andy Dobrzynski successfully completed his training and was appointed as Longhope’s newest volunteer Launch Authority (LA).
The role of the LA is broad, and vital to lifeboat station operations. As the first point of contact following a 999 call to HM Coastguard, the LA must often work with incomplete or vague information about an emergency. Despite these challenges, they are responsible for making timely decisions on whether to authorise the lifeboat's launch, all while ensuring that operations comply with RNLI policies. Additionally, the LA assists and supports the Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) in the safe and efficient management of the lifeboat station.
Given the LA’s crucial role in ensuring a swift and effective response to emergency situations, extensive training is provided to ensure that they are both confident and competent in performing their duties. This training begins with two online workshops covering the responsibilities of the LA and the overall operation of the station. Following this, trainees participate in a series of online and one-on-one sessions that cover various topics, including VHF radio use, an introduction to navigation, local knowledge, and personal protective equipment. The amount of information to absorb is significant, requiring dedication and commitment, qualities that Andy has demonstrated throughout his training.
Andy, whose wife Kim is also involved in fundraising with the Lifeboat Guild, said ‘I was inspired to join the RNLI as a Launch Authority (LA) because, everyday we all see the tireless work everyone does. Whether that be the crew, the Guild and the fundraising carried out by our community. Hopefully, I can do my small part in this amazing organisation.’
Longhope Lifeboat Operations Manager, Colin Bates expressed his pride in Andy’s success stating, ‘A great achievement by Andy. There is an awful lot of information to take in when you take up a Launch Authority role. Particularly when you are new to the RNLI family, as Andy is. We are thrilled to welcome Andy as part of that family.’
When someone makes a 999 emergency call to HM Coastguard, they do so with the assurance that a lifeboat and its volunteer crew will be launched within minutes. However, it is important to remember that it is not just the crew who make lifesaving possible; every volunteer forms a crucial link in the chain that enables us to save lives at sea. The LA is one of those vital links, and without dedicated volunteers like Andy, the team could not function. Well done Andy!!
Always remember, if you or someone else finds themselves in trouble at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, fight your instinct to swim and follow our Float to Live safety advice which you can find at RNLI.org/Float.
Notes to editors
· Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874 and celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Longhope Lifeboat Station (rnli.org)
RNLI media contacts
Vicky Mackinnon, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07703 688066, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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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