Volunteer Launch Authority role available at Littlehampton RNLI
There are many RNLI volunteer roles that are critical in enabling our lifeboats to save lives at sea; one of the key positions of responsibility is that of the Launch Authority who is directly involved in the lifesaving operations.
Launching a lifeboat on a shout requires many factors to be in place including trained and available shore crew, lifeboat crew and a Launch Authority. This shore based role acts as a liaison between HM Coastguard and the crews - approving the launch, monitoring the operations and responding to any developments during or following the shout. Interaction is often also required with national emergency service organisations. With this role it is important to remember that if the pager sounds, and you are on duty, you have to respond any time of the day or night. Duty requirements are typically two 24 hour periods per week.
If you have the interest in a hands on voluntary role as part of a long standing operations team at Littlehampton lifeboat station and have some knowledge of local maritime conditions we can offer full training for the role. This will include shadowing current Launch Authority volunteers on active shouts.
Further details on the position and details of the application process can be found at:
https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities
searching for Littlehampton based volunteer roles. Applications close 30 March 2025 (job reference V19019).
Nick White, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Littlehampton lifeboat station, said: ‘The Launch Authority role, or LA as we refer to it, is a key volunteer position within our 24/7 lifeboat operations team. Sharing the responsibility with a team of LAs operating on a rota basis this position is the first point of contact for taskings by HM Coastguard and makes the decision to launch our lifeboats. The role requires good communication, leadership and team skills together with local maritime knowledge – and the willingness to be on call day and night. It is a big commitment, but it is also very worthwhile being part of an organisation dedicated to savings lives at sea.’
ENDS
RNLI media contacts Anthony Fogg, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlehampton RNLI 07823 509032 [email protected]
Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager – SE & London, RNLI 07724 801305 [email protected]
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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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