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Newhaven RNLI goes from strength to strength
Volunteers at Newhaven RNLI are celebrating a bumper week of success, with three members of lifeboat crew achieving key RNLI training qualifications after months of hard work.
On Tuesday 1 September, volunteer crew members John Simcock and Nick Durnford have qualified as Afloat Severn Mechanics for Newhaven RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB).
The following evening (Wednesday 2 September), long-term ALB crew member Katie Dusart passed her Tier 1 Assessment for the inshore lifeboat (ILB), meaning she is now officially competent to operate as lifeboat crew across both boats at the station.
RNLI volunteers come from a range of experiences and backgrounds but are united in their commitment and enthusiasm to learn. First class training and competence assessments are vital for lifeboat crews who save lives in often difficult and dangerous situations.
Nick Durnford’s day job is a farmer, but he is also a Tier 2 volunteer crew member and has been volunteering at Newhaven for 18 months. Nick said, ‘I have a background in mechanical and electrical engineering, and I wanted to use this knowledge to support the station and lifeboats.’ Nick joins Coxswain and Station Technician, John Simcock, in becoming qualified as Afloat Mechanics for the station’s Severn class 17-21 David and Elizabeth Acland.
An Afloat Mechanic plays a vital role in keeping the lifeboat and crew safe. Despite rigorous planned maintenance, mechanical faults can occur in the demanding conditions RNLI lifeboats operate in. Mechanics constantly monitor the engines and mechanical systems through the multi-function displays, while also acting as the main communications link with casualties, Coastguard, local rescue teams and helicopters. They keep everyone informed of developing situations and maintain the radio log.
Through months of extensive station training, residential courses at RNLI College Poole and many hours of self-study, John and Nick have developed a thorough knowledge of the Severn’s mechanical systems and how to diagnose and manage a wide range of problems. The addition of two more mechanics gives the station greater resilience, flexibility and cover, helping to ensure the all-weather lifeboat remains ready to respond whenever Newhaven RNLI’s crew are needed.
Volunteer Katie Dusart has been a crew member with Newhaven RNLI’s ALB for 8 years and is a qualified Navigator for the lifeboat. A testament to her commitment and versatility, Katie has been training up as crew for Newhaven’s other lifeboat, the inshore D class D-890 Bill Hall. On Wednesday, Katie passed out at Tier 1 for the ILB, which involves a rigorous evaluation of a trainee’s foundational skills, covering essential sea safety, boat handling, and emergency procedures.
Lifeboat Training Assessor, Chris Glasspool, said ‘Katie did brilliantly, especially considering she was assessed in rather challenging conditions. Despite being out in a moderate wind, with strong gusts and choppy conditions, Katie kept a cool head throughout. After years of service on the ALB, we are proud to welcome her as our newest operational crew member for the ILB!’
Newhaven RNLI has 27 operational crew members across both lifeboats, ready to answer the call and save lives at sea whenever the pager sounds.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Stella Sims, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [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
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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.