Proud moment for Longhope RNLI as volunteer crew member passes Tier 1 training
On 8 April 2026, following months of training at Longhope Lifeboat Station and at the RNLI College in Poole, volunteer crew member Gavin Brennan successfully passed his Tier 1 All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB) crew training with flying colours.
Gavin described how his move to Hoy and connection to the island led him to join the RNLI, ‘I came to Hoy in 2016 and fell in love with the island, and one of its residents (now my wife). In 2023, after 30 years as a police officer with West Yorkshire Police, I returned to the island permanently, got married and started renovating our house. In 2025, on completing the house I was looking for a new challenge. The RNLI crew offered this with new skills to learn and new knowledge to absorb.’
The RNLI Operational Competency Framework (OCF) provides volunteers with a clear and structured pathway, supporting crew members from initial training through to ultimately becoming a fully qualified coxswain. Achieving Tier 1 is a significant milestone, marking the point at which a crew member is considered competent to begin operating as part of the lifeboat crew.
As part of his training, Gavin has developed skills in ALB systems and watertight integrity, understanding roles and responsibilities on board, and practical seamanship including the use of capstans, anchoring, towing, and mooring and berthing. His training has also included an introduction to stability, locate and assist procedures, operating VHF communications, and building essential local knowledge.
Rightly proud of his achievement, Gavin reflects, ‘Having never sailed or had any involvement with sailing, other than the odd ferry, the learning curve was steep! The Longhope crew were welcoming and always at hand to help with advice and guidance. It has been a rewarding experience and I'm sure it will continue to be so as I progress through the rest of my training. I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead. I feel it is important to give back to the local community that has been so welcoming and this is my way of doing that.’
Coxswain Scott Johnston expressed his pride in Gavin, ‘I want to say congratulations to Gavin who has become an integral part of Longhope’s volunteer crew and has worked really hard. He has shown real commitment and dedication since joining us in the summer of last year and we are all extremely proud of his achievement.’
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Alan Mackinnon added, ‘It’s a real privilege to see Gavin pass his Tier 1 crew training. This isn’t just a course; it marks a significant step towards becoming an operational lifeboat crew member and reflects the commitment, discipline and teamwork that sit at the heart of our service. From everyone at the station, we are proud to have him onboard. He has shown the right attitude throughout, and we look forward to seeing him continue to develop his skills and play his part in keeping our community safe and saving lives at sea.’
Gavin will now continue his development as he works towards Tier 2, building on his existing skills while learning new ones in the challenging and dynamic environment of search and rescue.
The RNLI relies heavily on volunteers to continue its lifesaving work, and there are many ways to get involved, whether as volunteer crew, part of the Lifeboat Guild, Launch Authority, or supporting roles ashore. Together, we are all one crew. If you fancy joining us, pop down to the station for a cup of tea and a chat, the kettle is always on.
Notes to editors
· Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Longhope Lifeboat Station (rnli.org)
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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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