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Navigator first in tough conditions at Newhaven RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Volunteer crew Katherine Nash successfully passed out as Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) Navigator in force 5 conditions. Newhaven RNLI’s D class ILB began its two-year trial of service in August 2024. Katherine is the first Newhaven RNLI ILB Navigator in the station’s long history.

ILB navigation was previously a task of the Helm. The role of ILB Navigator was introduced at the beginning of 2024, part of the RNLI's new Operational Competency Framework that went live around the same time.

Katherine Nash, ILB Navigator, says: ‘I feel proud that I will be able to support the ILB Helms and strengthen Newhaven’s team. Getting us quicker and safer to the casualty that needs our help.’

Katherine has been volunteering on the crew for two years. She began training for the role of ILB Navigator in September 2024.

‘Achieving Navigator has been possible thanks to my fellow volunteers. The patient training of Nick Gentry and the station’s five ILB Helms, giving even more of their time towards saving lives at sea.’

The two-part afloat and theory navigation assessment, by RNLI Assessor Dave Needham, took place on Thursday 23 January. The weather conditions were overcast, good visibility, gusting force 6 from the south-west.

Chris Glasspool, ILB Helm, says: ‘We launched into a slight sea state, pushing the top end of slight. It very quickly progressed to moderate. Within an hour we were at the top end of moderate facing waves around 2.5m tall.’

‘Tough weather conditions increase the pressure. Katherine’s practical and theoretical skills were put to the test, and she demonstrated her determination and ability to succeed. Congratulations to her.’

‘Katherine’s Navigation success is a real asset to the Newhaven RNLI team, helping us in our mission to save more lives at sea.’

Ends

Notes for the Editor
Newhaven Lifeboat was first established in 1803. Newhaven Lifeboat Station has been RNLI operated since 1854. The Newhaven volunteer crew have operated their current all-weather lifeboat, the Severn class ‘David and Elizabeth Acland’ for 25 years. Newhaven RNLI also operates a D class inshore lifeboat that began its two-year trial of service in August 2024.
D class Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) was first introduced into the RNLI fleet in 1963, the design of the inflatable D class lifeboat continues to evolve to meet changes in demand and technology. The D class is highly manoeuvrable and usually operates closer to shore than the all-weather lifeboat. For example, in searches and rescues in the surf, shallow water and confined locations, often close to cliffs or among rocks.

RNLI media contacts
For more information, please telephone Roz Ashton, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07900 887423 or [email protected] or Hatti Mellor, National Media Manager on 01273 818012 [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI Newhaven social media
Instagram: @newhavenrnli
Facebook: @NewhavenRNLI
Twitter: @NewhavenRNLI

RNLI/Newhaven

Katherine Nash (right) ILB Navigator on service to walkers cut off by the tide

RNLI/Newhaven

Katherine Nash volunteer crew on ILB Navigator training exercise in Newhaven

RNLI/Newquay

Katherine Nash, Newhaven RNLI ILB Navigator on training in Newquay

RNLI/Newhaven

Katherine Nash (right) in training for ILB Navigation, Seaford Bay

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.

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