Donate now

Two Walmer RNLI volunteers pass lifeboat crew assessments

Lifeboats News Release

Two volunteer crew have become the first to achieve Navigator status at RNLI Walmer since the RNLI’s new training framework was introduced in March last year.

Walmer RNLI's first crew to achieve Navigator status

RNLI/Christopher Winslade

Walmer RNLI's first to crew to achieve Navigator status

When the RNLI introduced the new programme to give structure to training and aid progression through operational roles, the Operational Competence Framework (OCF), it set out seven stages of training and development, from Stage 1, Safety and Induction to the Command role where volunteers train to become helms.

On Wednesday 22 January, two crew were the first at Walmer to achieve this level for the station’s D Class and Atlantic lifeboats, the final step before the Command role.

The volunteers, Ben Winslade and Lewis Monks were assessed separately, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon under the watchful eye of Divisional Assessor Trainer Dave Needham. They first undertook a 100-question written paper, covering the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea (IRPCS) rules and including, among other things, action to avoid collision, conduct of vessels in restricted visibility, safe speed and manoeuvring and warning signals. Both scored highly in the test.

There then followed a practical assessment at sea. Having first being given a destination, a course was plotted using paper charts. During their 90 minutes afloat, a simulated emergency call from HM Coastguard to a person in the water was undertaken with different types of search patterns discussed. They were explicitly tested on navigation, search and rescue navigation, radar and local knowledge. Throughout the assessment, they were observed on their overall confidence in the role, including their ability to confidently brief the helm and other crew as needed, and their maintenance of their situational awareness.

Following their success, Walmer’s Operations Manager Denis Brophy said:’ Many congratulations to Ben and Lewis for their commitment and dedication in preparing for this assessment. I look forward to seeing our other trainee navigators successfully passing out in the coming months.’

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

Categories