Bridlington RNLI celebrate double pass out success

A J Shephard, at Bridlington RNLI Station, has qualified as a helm on the station’s inshore lifeboat (ILB) Ernie Wellings, yesterday, Wednesday 10th May, after successfully passing his final assessment to become the station’s newest helm.

Passing this assessment marks an important milestone in AJ’s RNLI training and reflects his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to saving lives at sea. As both the station mechanic and operational crew member at Bridlington RNLI, AJ plays a key role in ensuring Bridlington’s lifeboats are ready to respond at any time.

AJ was assessed by Matt Blanchard, RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer, demonstrating his ability to lead the charity’s inshore lifeboat during a range of realistic operational scenarios. The assessment covered key skills required of a lifeboat helm, including searching for casualties and conducting a veering manoeuvres.

Also, Aleks has successfully passed out as an Inshore Lifeboat Navigator, a key role introduced in early 2024 as part of the RNLI’s new Operational Competency Framework. This vital position enhances safety and capability on service, supporting crews during tasking and navigation at sea. Aleks was also assessed by Matt after being put through his paces.

AJ said, ‘AJ said, ‘‘It’s a proud moment to complete my Helm pass out and I’m incredibly grateful for all the support, encouragement and guidance I’ve received from the crew and trainers here at Bridlington RNLI. The training has been both challenging and demanding, but also hugely rewarding, pushing me to develop my skills, confidence and decision-making on the water. It’s been a real team effort, and I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s input and support along the way. I’m really looking forward to continuing to build on this experience, serving our local community, and being able to help those in need at sea as part of such a dedicated and professional crew.’

Aleks added, ‘RNLI became an important part of my life four years ago. I have never regretted the time I spent on training, it all pays off when you see the results of your hard work. But the most valuable thing about the RNLI is not only growth and achievements, but the people. Here, you meet like-minded individuals driven by their own motivations, yet united by the same goal. This is what truly creates a team and a strong sense of unity, especially when we’re on a call. It is also a time to say thank you to all the families supporting our time away from them, training, going away on courses and of course the taskings we attend as volunteers at the RNLI.’

At Bridlington RNLI our weekly training exercises focus on teamwork, technical skills and safe operating procedures. Every crew member follows a structured programme of competency-based training and assessment, ensuring we’re always ready to answer the call.

The RNLI relies on highly trained volunteers and employees to provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the coasts of the UK and Ireland. Ongoing training and assessments ensure that crews remain ready to respond whenever they are needed.

Notes to editors.

Photograph is also attached as jpeg image credited to RNLI/Ash Traves and RNLI/Mike Milner (as per photographs)

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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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