Dover RNLI appoints stations first female Coxswain in stations 188 year history
Dover RNLI community is proud to announce the appointment of its first-ever female Coxswain, marking a historic moment in the station’s distinguished history since the establishment of Dover's first lifeboat service in 1837.
Hannah Emory, who has shown exceptional commitment and leadership throughout her RNLI service, has officially joined the command team at Dover following the successful completion of an intensive four-hour Coxswain pass-out examination.
Hannah began her journey with Dover RNLI as shore crew in January 2022, before joining the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) crew in August of the same year. She was confirmed as substantive crew in March 2023 and later completed her Navigator training that same year.
During her time at the station, Hannah has embodied the RNLI’s core mission of saving lives at sea, contributing to over 200 service calls in just a few years.
This weekend, Hannah proudly undertook her first duties as a Volunteer ALB Coxswain aboard the Severn Class City of London II lifeboat.
Reflecting on her achievement, Hannah said: 'I would like to thank everyone at the station, as well as my family and friends, for their incredible support and encouragement. I could not have done it without you. I look forward to taking to sea to continue our lifesaving mission not only as Dover’s first female Coxswain, but as a proud member of this dedicated crew.'
The entire Dover RNLI team extends its heartfelt congratulations to Hannah on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to continuing its lifesaving work under her leadership.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.