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Barmouth RNLI celebrate tier two pass outs

Lifeboats News Release

Barmouth RNLI are proud to announce two volunteer crew members successfully completed their tier two pass outs on the inshore lifeboat.

Assessor Paul Taylor with Helm Kyle Smith and Tier Two pass outs Luke and Sharon with ILB Craig Steadman

RNLI/Sarah Radford

The winning team

On Wednesday 21 May, Barmouth’s RNLI congratulated volunteer crew members Sharon and Luke on successfully passing their Tier 2 Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) pass-out. The assessment took place during a scheduled exercise conducted by Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Paul Taylor.

The Tier 2 pass-out is a comprehensive evaluation that tests every essential skill required to operate an inshore lifeboat. From collision avoidance regulations and basic navigation, to tasks such as helming the lifeboat during a man overboard scenario. The assessment ensures that crew members are fully prepared for the challenges they may face. In addition to these advanced competencies, candidates must also demonstrate they have retained the skills from their Tier 1 pass out.


The assessment began with a rigorous theory session, followed by a two-hour practical exercise at sea. Under the watchful eye of Paul Taylor, Luke and Sharon showcased not only their technical proficiency but also the resilience and teamwork that are fundamental traits of all RNLI volunteers.


The husband and wife team joined Barmouth RNLI in October 2024 and have since dedicated themselves to developing the critical skills needed to save lives at sea.


Coxswain Pete Davis said ‘Luke and Sharon have worked incredibly hard to reach this stage in a relatively short period of time, with many hours spent out on the water. We are delighted to see them succeed. Passing the Tier 2 assessment demonstrates a huge commitment to training and the ability to perform well under pressure. Luke and Sharon are an asset to our team.'

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Sarah Radford, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.