Torbay RNLI Trainees Amina and Tom qualify as full Crew Members.

Tom and Amina’s success follows five stages of ‘internal’ assessments over the past year, bestowing ‘Tier 1’ recognition along the way (after stage 4). This initial Tier level allows trainees to accompany the crew on ILB (In-shore Lifeboat) shouts and ALB (All weather Lifeboat) exercises to acquire further experience and learn the additional skills needed to reach Tier 2.

Tier 2 qualification additionally demands attendance at (1) a ‘Sea Survival’ course, (2) an ‘Emergency Training’ course and (3) a ‘Boat Handling’ course, all held at RNLI HQ at Poole. It also requires an ‘external’ examiner from RNLI Poole to come to Torbay to oversee both a formal practical and a 40-minute written examination.

Amina and Tom both passed with flying colours!

There then followed formal passing out.

Tom’s observation on his achievement; “There is a wealth of experience across Torbay’s crew that we’ve been able to tap into – it makes it easy to access information and support whenever we need it at the station and out on training exercises.”

Amina added; “It feels good to have reached this level. There’s always more to learn of course… and further qualifications out there too!”

Final word to our station Chief Coxswain, Richard Fowler; “About time too! … In all seriousness, both Amina and Tom have done very well and put in considerable commitment to join our elite team in such good time. It brings our contingent of qualified crew back above 30, which is where we need to be to service the busy demands of this station.”

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Niall Blatcher, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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