Weymouth RNLI volunteer qualifies as Afloat Mechanic

The Afloat Mechanic is a critical role, responsible for the management and maintenance of the lifeboat’s engines and onboard systems, overseeing radio communications with the Coastguard and casualties, and leading the response to onboard emergencies such as fires or flooding during a shout or exercise.

David joined the volunteer crew at Weymouth Lifeboat Station in January 2023 after relocating to the area and is a crew member on both the all-weather lifeboat and the station’s inshore lifeboat. Raised near Plymouth and from a family with a strong maritime background, he spent time at sea in his early career serving on a mix of Royal Navy and Merchant Navy vessels. This exposure brought an appreciation of the work of the RNLI, and before becoming crew he supported the charity by running the London Marathon multiple times to raise funding.

Over the past 12 months, David has completed extensive classroom and practical training, including sessions at RNLI Headquarters in Poole, hands-on learning at the station and operational experience during exercises and live shouts. He was principally trained by Weymouth Station Technician, Rod Britton, and shadowed experienced Afloat Mechanics Jules Hutchings, Ryan Windsor, Paul Chaloner and Gareth Lloyd.

‘The aim of the Afloat Mechanic is simple but critical,’ David explained. ‘To make sure at least one engine is always operating so we can aid the casualty or complete our exercise and return to harbour safely. It’s about diagnosing and addressing issues, supporting the Coxswain in managing emergency situations and safeguarding the crew, the boat and the casualty.’

Alongside his volunteering, David has a demanding full-time job as CEO of Pinewood Group, the global film studios business. ‘I do have somewhat of a busy lifestyle with much of my spare time being devoted to being available to crew our lifeboats. Volunteering as part of a lifeboat crew is a very grounding experience. It’s about teamwork and trusting the people around you, often in challenging environments - qualities that matter at sea as much as back in a conventional workplace.’

David is clear about the commitment involved. ‘Being lifeboat crew can be rewarding and adrenaline-filled, but it can also be stressful and harrowing in certain situations,’ he said. ‘Moreover, it takes a lot of dedication when the pager goes off at 2am at the weekend and you have to dash out in howling winds, rain and heavy seas.’

Weymouth is one of the busiest lifeboat stations on England’s South Coast with a volunteer crew of some 30 individuals, both male and female, drawn from a mix of backgrounds, both maritime and other walks of life, and who serve on the station’s two lifeboats.

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.