Two new helms for Fowey RNLI lifeboat crew
In May 2025, Ross Jezard and Graham Middlewood passed out as qualified helms, after completing their training to take command of Fowey RNLI’s D class inshore lifeboat, Olive Three.
RNLI volunteer, Ross, joined Fowey station as a shore crew member in 2019 and has been out to 36 shouts, and clocked up 411 hours at sea on incidents and exercises. Graham joined the crew in 2017 and has been out on 91 shouts, and spent 526 hours at sea on exercises and incidents. Both are local to Fowey, and are ready to respond 24/7 when the pager goes off.
Commenting on his achievement Ross said: ‘Passing out as a helm means a lot to me, it’s something that I’ve been wanting to do since joining the crew, and now to be one is super exciting. The training was hard, but the support of the crew and station was so helpful and got me through it’.
Graham said: ‘I’m really pleased to have passed out as a D class helm. I love being part of the Fowey lifeboat crew and am grateful for the support and training that means I can now helm the inshore lifeboat in addition to my roles as an all-weather lifeboat mechanic and navigator on both boats.
Weekly RNLI training exercises focus on teamwork, technical competence and safe operating procedures covering everything from boat-handling, search and rescue, and navigation, to radar training, radio communications and casualty care. Much of the training is scenario-based with one of the station’s training instructors. This type of training allows crew to work through the processes as a team to ensure the best outcome. Training can also involve exercises with the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter and training courses at the RNLI lifeboat college in Poole.
With a top speed of 25 knots, Fowey’s D class lifeboat can endure 3 hours at sea at this speed on search and rescue missions – a crucial factor when lives are at risk. The inshore lifeboat can access areas such as close to cliffs, rocks and inside caves and it will be up to Graham and Ross when helming the lifeboat to ensure everyone who goes out to sea returns safely.
Fowey Lifeboat Coxswain, Jonathan Pritchard said: ‘Both Ross and Graham have worked very hard to complete their training and I, along with everyone at the station would like to congratulate them on their achievements as fully passed out D class helms.’
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.