Southend RNLI celebrates success as two trainee crew pass-out tier 1 assessment

Squally winter conditions on the day certainly put the volunteers to the test. In the 60 minutes afloat for the assessment the RNLI volunteers experienced high gusting winds, heavy rain, sunshine and rainbows.

The Tier 1 assessment is a rigorous evaluation of a trainee’s foundational skills, covering essential sea safety, boat handling, and emergency procedures. Having successfully demonstrated their competence to RNLI assessor Dave Needham, both crew members are now fully qualified to respond to shouts as part of the operational team on Southend’s lifeboats.

Since joining the station in January 2025, Chris and Paul have undergone hundreds of hours of shore-based theory and on-water practical training. Their journey from shoreside recruits to assessed crew members reflects the intense commitment required to volunteer for one of the busiest coastal RNLI stations in the UK.

Southend RNLI volunteer crew Chris Earlie said: ‘How brilliant after over a year of training to reach this milestone! It means a lot to be able to give something back to our communities and be part of this fantastic organisation that saves lives at sea. It’s also testament to our fellow trainees and the RNLI volunteers who have given up their own time to help us get to this stage.’

Southend RNLI volunteer crew Paul Morris said: ‘It feels great to have passed after all the hard work! I am looking forward to putting to use everything I have learnt, and I just hope that I can make a difference. A big thank you to all the trainers and fellow crew for the help along the way, we wouldn't have been able to do it without you!’

Southend RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Graham Slack said: ‘To see two of our trainees reach this level just over year after joining is a testament to their dedication and the high standard of training provided by our training team. Their progression strengthens our ability to launch 24/7 and continue our mission of saving lives at sea.’

While passing Tier 1 allows the volunteers to serve as core crew members, their training does not stop here. They will now begin working toward Tier 2 qualifications, which involve more advanced navigation, search patterns, and specialized rescue techniques.

Southend RNLI remains a 100% volunteer-led station, covering approximately 15 miles of shoreline. Successes like today ensure the station remains ready to protect the thousands of visitors and locals who use the Thames Estuary each year.

If you see someone in trouble by the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

For further information please contact:

• Nigel Gilchrist. Lifeboat Press Officer at Southend-on-Sea RNLI [email protected] or 07765875300
• Jess Curtis RNLI Regional Communications Manager – South East, [email protected]
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Notes to Editors:

• Southend RNLI is one of the busiest coastal stations across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Southend RNLI cover approximately 15 miles of shore from Shoeburyness to Canvey and beyond.
• For more information, please visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/southend-on-sea-lifeboat-station

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

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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