Cromer RNLI volunteers achieve major training milestones

Two volunteer crew members at Cromer RNLI Lifeboat Station have recently achieved significant milestones in their training, strengthening the station’s lifesaving capability both afloat and ashore.

The latest achievements see Craig Rogers become a fully competent crew member on both the station’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB) and inshore lifeboat (ILB), while fellow crew member Pete Abbs has successfully qualified as an all-weather lifeboat navigator.

Craig completed an intensive day and finished by passing his ILB Tier 2 assessment in the morning before later successfully completing his ALB Tier 2 assessment. Achieving both qualifications on the same day marked an important step in his RNLI journey and confirms him as a fully competent crew member on both lifeboats.

Craig first joined Cromer RNLI in 2007 before work commitments took him overseas. Returning to the station in 2022, he has continued to build his qualifications and experience across both lifeboats with a number of pass outs achieved last summer.

Speaking about his latest achievement, Craig said: “Passing both assessments on the same day was a challenge, but it was a really rewarding experience. Becoming fully competent on both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats is something I’ve worked hard towards and I’m pleased to have achieved that.

“The training can be demanding, but it’s all worthwhile when you know you’re helping to ensure the crew is ready when people need us. My next goal is to become an all-weather lifeboat afloat mechanic and continue developing my skills within the crew.”

The station is also celebrating the success of Pete Abbs, who has recently qualified as an all-weather lifeboat navigator.

The navigator plays a vital role during service launches and search and rescue operations, ensuring the lifeboat is navigated safely and accurately while supporting search planning and operational decision-making.

Pete only joined the station in February 2025 and has progressed rapidly through his training, previously completing his Tier 1 and Tier 2 assessments before achieving his latest qualification.

He follows in the footsteps of his great-uncle, Donny Abbs who was well know to Cromer RNLI for his many years of volunteer service as crew member of both the inshore lifeboat, and the all-weather lifeboat.

Pete said: “Passing out as an ALB navigator has been a big achievement for me. There’s a lot of training involved and plenty to learn, but it’s worth it when you’ve completed it and can put those skills into practice. I have made loads of friends at the station and really enjoy working with them all. My aim now is to keep progressing on the all-weather lifeboat and continue building my experience.”

Cromer Lifeboat Operations Manager John Redmond praised both volunteers for their dedication and commitment: “ These are fantastic achievements for Craig and Pete. Both volunteers have dedicated a considerable amount of their own time to training and development, and their achievements strengthen the capability of our station.

“We are incredibly proud of both of them and look forward to supporting them as they continue to progress within the crew.”

Key facts about Cromer RNLI

The Cromer Lifeboat Station was established in 1804 and was not taken over by the Institution from the Norfolk Shipwreck Association until 1857. Since 1923 there have been two lifeboats at Cromer, and currently there is a D Class inshore boat and Tamar all-weather lifeboat. The outstanding figure in the history of Cromer is Henry George Blogg who became a member of the Cromer crew in 1894 at the age of 18. He was coxswain from 1909-1947. During his 53 years as a lifeboat crew member, the Cromer lifeboats had been on service 387 times and rescued 873 lives. His record is without equal in the history of the Institution. No lifeboat crew member has received so many decorations for gallantry. Cromer RNLI lifeboat station was founded in 1804 and became part of the RNLI in 1824, and in that time its crews have launched the lifeboats 1435 times and saved 1294 lives.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Clare Stagg, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.