RNLI celebrates first female regional technician on International Women’s Day
Stephanie Bigsby is the first and only female RNLI Technician. She also volunteers as crew at Chiswick RNLI in London, where she is working towards her Tier 2 qualification.
This Sunday, 8 March, is International Women’s Day 2026 which aims to celebrate and promote the achievements of women under the theme #givetogain. Across the RNLI, we are celebrating our women who help us save lives at sea.
Steph, who is only 24 years old, has been a part of the RNLI for two and a half years and currently works on the Thames in London. She has been involved in engineering since she was 16 years old, having completed her Level 3 engineering qualification at college.
Steph said: ‘I’ve always liked taking things apart and putting them back together. My grandad owns a farm, so as a kid I was always fixing tractors or helping out.
When the RNLI job came up, I’d always been interested in the marine industry. It was close to home, involved a variety of stations, and combined my interests in engineering and helping people.’
As an RNLI technician for the RNLI’s busiest stations, Steph is responsible for maintaining every aspect of the lifeboats, from breakdowns and fault-finding servicing to engine replacements and major component repairs.
She explains: ‘No two days are the same on the Thames. Our stations are staffed 24-hours, so boats are going out all the time for shouts and training, which means the E Class boats get a huge amount of use.’
The RNLI is supported by thousands of women in fundraising, water safety, engineering and staff teams. Currently, only 17% of RNLI operational crew are women. This includes afloat crew, shore crew, launch authorities and lifeboat operations managers.
For young women considering a career in engineering like Steph, she offers this advice: ‘Give it a try. There’s no harm in trying. If it doesn’t work out, you can always go back to college or retrain. But you won’t know unless you try. And if you do want to do it, just be ready to prove yourself and keep going.’
Jill Hepburn, RNLI Head of Region in Scotland, said: ‘International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that when we give our time, skills and support to one another, we all gain strength, confidence and opportunity.
‘At the RNLI, we know that creating a more diverse and inclusive organisation makes us stronger and more effective in our mission to save lives at sea.
‘We’re incredibly proud of all our frontline staff and volunteers like Stephanie who continue to give so much in their selfless service of others.’
-ENDS-
Notes to editor:
· Stephanie is available for interview on request. Please contact Kate Barkley on the details below to arrange.
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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. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and around 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.
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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