New Deputy Launch Authority settles into role at Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLIR

After 10 years of dedicated service, Deputy Launch Authority Calvin Sutherland has stepped down from his position.

RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Kevin Knox said: ‘Calvin we would like to thank you for your 10 years of dedicated service to Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI lifeboat station. We wish you and your family, who have supported you throughout your time with the RNLI, all the very best for the future.'

Taking up the role is Andrew Green, who recently passed out as a qualified Deputy Launch Authority (DLA).

The role of Deputy Launch Authority is fundamental to the operation of an RNLI lifeboat station. When a pager is activated by HM Coastguard, the DLA is responsible for assessing the information provided and making the decision whether to launch the lifeboat. At stations with more than one lifeboat, the DLA will also determine which craft is most appropriate for the task.

The initial request from HM Coastguard is made to the DLA. Once the decision to launch has been made, crew pagers are activated and volunteers begin making their way to the lifeboat station, regardless of the time of day or the weather conditions.

For Andrew, his journey with the RNLI began in an unexpected place – the local pub.

He recalls: ‘My route into the RNLI started in the pub. One of my friends had been talking to someone who was already in the RNLI, who said they were looking for shore crew.

'After a discussion with the Lifeboat Manager in September 2024, my career with the RNLI started as trainee shore crew, helping to launch the lifeboats. Something the RNLI is very good at is training its people. For my role, this covered many areas including safety, health and environment, launch and recovery, radio and basic navigation.

'During my training I was involved in a number of call-outs. When the pager goes off, it's time to head down to the station. Then the training kicks in and the lifeboat gets launched. It's a huge team effort, with everyone doing their part.'

In November 2025, Andrew passed out as a fully qualified member of the shore crew.

Then, in January 2026, he was asked whether he would consider taking on a different role – Deputy Launch Authority.

Andrew added: 'Due to retirement, I knew I would have more time, as this role requires an extended period of being on call, seven days a week. The Deputy Launch Authority training started. Having completed the shore crew training, there was quite a lot of crossover, which helped, so I could focus on the new areas of the role. In July 2026, I passed out as a qualified Deputy Launch Authority.'

Andrew did not have to wait long to experience the realities of his new role.

On Monday 10 August 2026, he began a week as the duty Launch Authority, hoping for a quiet few days. That was not to be the case.

Andrew, explained: 'The quiet week I was hoping for did not happen. On the Tuesday afternoon, the Launch Authority pager went off. The first thing to do is call HM Coastguard and find out what has happened, then determine a course of action. The pager went off two more times that week. The one at 2am was hard, as it wakes you up and then you have to go to work!'

Despite the demands of the role, Andrew says his experience of joining the RNLI has been extremely positive: 'The whole experience of joining the RNLI has been a very enjoyable one. I have met many great people who have helped me during my training. As a new Deputy Launch Authority, I know I have a great team behind me if I need help or advice.’

Andrew also has particular thanks for someone who has supported him throughout his RNLI journey – his wife, Tracey: ‘The one person I want to single out for thanks is my wife, Tracey. She has supported me throughout. She has had to put up with me running off at a moment's notice to attend a shout.

'I know this is the same for other crew members' families. They become part of the RNLI family, even though they did not sign up for it.’

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Kevin Knox welcomed Andrew into the new role: ‘It is great that Andrew has taken up the post of Deputy Launch Authority. With RNLI volunteers being on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we need as many volunteers as possible in different roles to make sure our station is operational at all times.

'Andrew's journey highlights the many different ways volunteers can contribute to the RNLI. From shore crew helping launch the lifeboats, to the volunteer crews who go to sea, and the Launch Authorities who make the crucial decision to launch, every role forms part of the team that helps keep people safe around our coast.’

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Hazel Bettison, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [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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