New Atlantic 85 Helm for Stonehaven RNLI

Phil joined Stonehaven RNLI’s volunteer crew back in 2024. After completing his shore crew competencies, he moved onto to boat crew training. Progressing through both Tier 1 and 2 assessments, and qualifying as an ILB navigator earlier this year. Phil’s next step was to focus on his ILB helm training.

Phil has a solid maritime background having previously managed a sailing and powerboat school. In his day job Phil works for HM Coastguard, as the Coastal Operations Area Manager for the North East of Scotland. So, for him it just seemed a natural step to work toward volunteering as an ILB helm. After several months of training came assessment day, which was carried out by RNLI Coastal trainer Davie Orr.

Assessment to be an ILB helm is comprehensive and covers both theory and practical elements. The day begins with a two-part theory assessment before moving afloat. The candidate is put through a series of realistic scenarios – loss of steering, anchoring and veering, search plans, simulated engine fire, close quarter handling and man overboard. Throughout the assessment Phil also demonstrated his overall command of the inshore lifeboat, showing the ability to make quick and decisive decisions whilst also ensuring the safety of his crew and the lifeboat.

After successfully passing his helm assessment Phil commented: ‘I am ecstatic to have passed my helm assessment and would like to thank everyone at Stonehaven RNLI who has supported me through this. Joining the RNLI and volunteering alongside the dedicated crew at Stonehaven is a truly rewarding experience. Being able to give back to the community my family and I live in, means a great deal to me.’

Peter Esson, Stonehaven RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘Having Phil as an ILB helm at our lifeboat station is a real bonus, bringing his maritime background and role within HM Coastguard to the fore. He is a truly dedicated member of the team and with each step of his RNLI journey he has shown his commitment and professionalism.’

Notes to editors

· Stonehaven RNLI was re-established in 2013 with the placing on service of a B-Class Atlantic 75. The current Inshore lifeboat is an Atlantic 85 B-Class the ‘Jamie Hunter’

· On 25th February 2024- Stonehaven RNLI commemorated the 150th Anniversary of the tragedy of the 1874 Stonehaven lifeboat disaster

· Stonehaven RNLI’s new station building was officially opened 6^th September 2025

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Anna Carlton, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [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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