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Triple success for RNLI Walmer volunteers
Walmer crew have celebrated three successful pass-outs in a range of roles across the station over the last week.
Last Sunday, 28 June, volunteer Mike Dodkins was successfully passed out as shore crew by the station’s Lifeboat Training Co-Ordinator Lee Waddon.
Having enrolled as shore crew last year and following the RNLI’s Operational Competency Framework (OCF), he passed both practical and theoretical assessments with a mixture of self-study, online learning and formal instruction ashore.
On Tuesday, 30 June, volunteers Dan Sinclair and Rob Black were passed out in their respective roles by Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Ruth Oliver.
Dan was revalidated as a helm on the station’s relief Atlantic lifeboat Howard Bell. Having previously revisited the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) and other policies online, Dan was assessed at sea on his communication, leadership and teamwork, decision-making and situational awareness skills.
Rob was successful in his Tier 2 Atlantic assessment having carried out a theory test with Ruth, again including IRPCS prior to going afloat. He was tested, among other things, on his participation in launch and recovery procedures, seamanship and helming, and was assessed by observation throughout on his confidence around the boat, general awareness of surroundings and adherence to safety protocols.
He will now begin an Atlantic Navigator plan before undertaking a similar assessment on Walmer’s D Class lifeboat Duggie Rodbard II.
Operations Manager Denis Brophy said:' I'd like to congratulate all three volunteers on their successes this week. It is testament to their continued dedication and hard work.'
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Christopher Winslade, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]
Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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
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