28/10/2026
🛟 Crew Training Update ⚓️
Over the last five weeks, our volunteer lifeboat crew at RNLI Fleetwood have been undertaking intensive training, both afloat and ashore.
Two of our volunteers have travelled to the RNLI College in Poole. New volunteer crew member Edward Donleavy attended the Crew Emergency Procedures course at the RNLI Sea Survival Centre, while volunteer crew member and Social Media Officer Rob Baines attended the RNLI Communications course for Lifeboat Press Officers and Social Media Officers.
Back at the station, our inshore D-class and all-weather Shannon class lifeboat crews have been out on the water with our RNLI Coastal Trainers, undertaking training exercises and assessments.
Our volunteer shore crew and Launch Authorities have also been carrying out shore-based training, with the following crew members successfully completing their assessments and passing out:
• Dave Smith – ILB Shore Crew and Plant Operator
• Emma Roney – ILB Shore Crew and Plant Operator
• Nathan Hackney – Plant Operator Revalidation
• Dave Bowell – Plant Operator
• Dan Smith – Short Range Radio Certificate
• Sam Catterall – Short Range Radio Certificate
• Andrew Wilson – ILB Shore Crew
• Paul Buckley – ILB Tier 1
• Rob Bennett – Launch Authority and Plant Operator
Alongside these pass-outs, a significant amount of targeted development training was delivered for trainee Coxswains, Mechanics, Navigators and Crew.
RNLI Coastal Trainer Ben McGarry said:
"The varied training provided valuable opportunities to develop practical skills, decision-making, communication and teamwork. It was particularly encouraging to see individuals stepping forward to take on new responsibilities and challenge themselves in unfamiliar situations."
The RNLI is a charity that saves lives at sea. Independent of the Coastguard and government, it relies on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its lifesaving rescue service.
📸 Photo credits: Rob Baines / Bunny Blundell / Tony Clark / Mark Roney / Nathan Hackney / RNLI
