Derek Smart retires as Montrose RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager

Derek first joined Montrose lifeboat station in 1993, the same year he began working as a Harbour Pilot with Montrose Port Authority, a role he held until his retirement in 2023. During his years as operational crew, Derek served as 3rd Mechanic, 2nd Coxswain and Helm aboard the station’s inshore lifeboat.

The lifeboats on station when Derek first joined were the Tyne-class all-weather lifeboat RNLB Moonbeam and the station’s first D-class inshore lifeboat, Holme Team 3.

Reflecting on his years of service, one of Derek’s stand-out memories was his first shout as Coxswain in 1997. The crew launched to assist the tug boat Schelde 12, which had run aground at Annat Bank, Montrose, during heavy seas and a strong easterly gale.

With darkness adding to the challenging conditions, a search and rescue helicopter was on scene preparing to airlift the crew to safety when the vessel managed to free itself from the sandbank. Once in deeper waters, Montrose lifeboat escorted the tug safely into Montrose Harbour.

Speaking about the shout, Derek said: ‘It was a very challenging shout with severe weather conditions and difficult seas. What also stands out to me is that it was the same night as the MV Green Lily rescue operation off Bressay in Shetland. Fifteen lives were saved that night, but tragically a HM Coastguard winchman lost his life during the rescue.’

Derek stepped down from operational crew duties in 2013. However, his time away from the station was short-lived and six years later he returned to the station as Deputy Launch Authority and Lifeboat Operations Manager, succeeding Tom Hutchison in the role.

Another rescue which remains firmly in Derek’s memory was during Storm Arwen in 2021, when Montrose RNLI launched to assist a vessel which had almost run aground at Lunan Bay.

Derek said: ‘As LOM and Launch Authority, making the decision to launch the lifeboat into those conditions was incredibly difficult. It was a very anxious wait for the crew to return safely to the station. I was immensely proud of the crew that night and rightly so as they later received a commendation from the RNLI.’

Throughout his years with the RNLI, Derek has been supported by his wife Eileen, who is also a dedicated volunteer at Montrose lifeboat station as part of the fundraising team and as fundraising treasurer.

Eileen said: ‘The RNLI has been a huge part of our lives for many years and I’m incredibly proud of everything Derek has achieved at the station. While I’m looking forward to spending more time together and enjoying retirement, I know he won’t be a stranger to the station.’

Henry Weaver, RNLI Area Operations Manager, said: ‘Derek has given outstanding service to the RNLI and the people of Montrose over many years. Volunteering for 27 years is an exceptional commitment and reflects his dedication to saving lives at sea and supporting his local community. His professionalism, calm leadership and experience have been a real asset to the organisation, and I would like to sincerely thank him for everything he has contributed to the RNLI. On behalf of everyone at the RNLI, I wish him a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.’

Throughout his time at Montrose RNLI, Derek has been regarded by the crew as a reliable, calm and steady presence whose leadership and support could always be depended upon, particularly during challenging launches and rescues. The volunteers and crew at the station thank Derek for his years of guidance, encouragement and commitment to both the crew and the station.

Looking ahead to retirement, Derek says he is most looking forward to spending more time with family, enjoying more days on the golf course and taking holidays - and admits he will not miss being startled awake by the pager in the middle of the night.

Although stepping away from the role, Derek says he still plans to keep close ties with the station and ‘won’t be a stranger.’

Derek has been succeeded as Lifeboat Operations Manager by Jim Candy, who officially stepped into the role on 1 April 2026.

The RNLI and all the volunteers at Montrose lifeboat station wish Derek all the very best in his retirement.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Sally McKay, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Montrose RNLI, [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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