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Llandudno RNLI volunteer Ralph Hughes completes initial lifeboat crew training

Lifeboats News Release

Last Sunday (13 October), Llandudno RNLI crew member Ralph Hughes successfully completed his Tier 1 passout on the inshore lifeboat (ILB), marking a significant milestone in his journey as a seagoing crew member.

RNLI/Luke Heritage

Ralph, who has been a dedicated member of the Llandudno RNLI crew since 2014, initially served as a shore crew member, launch vehicle driver, and head launcher. Last year, he expanded his role by joining the ILB crew, committing to rigorous training to become a fully operational seagoing crew member.

The Tier 1 passout is an important assessment that tests all of the skills and knowledge Ralph has gained since starting his ILB training. The assessment, conducted by one of the station’s local assessor trainers, ensures that Ralph is fully equipped to handle the demands of being on the ILB. This assessment is comprehensive, evaluating everything learned in training up to this point.

With his Tier 1 passout completed, Ralph will now move on to Tier 2 units, which represent the next phase of his development. Upon completing these units, Ralph will undergo a Tier 2 passout, which will be assessed by a regional assessor trainer, marking another key stage in his progression as a lifeboat crew member.

RNLI Assessor Trainer Robert Williams praised Ralph Hughes for his dedication, stating:

'Ralph has shown tremendous commitment and determination throughout his training, and his Tier 1 passout is a reflection of all the hard work he’s put in. He’s proven himself as a valuable member of the team, and I have no doubt he’ll continue to excel as he moves on to the next stage.’

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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