29/10/2026
📟 One year with the pager - Graeme’s first year as Launch Authority 📟
From making important decisions when the pager goes off, to being ready to respond at any time of the day or night, it's certainly been an interesting first year for our volunteer Launch Authority, Graeme!
This month marks one year since Graeme joined the team at Montrose Lifeboat Station, so we caught up with him to find out how he's been getting on and what life as a Launch Authority is really like.
💬 So Graeme, how's the first year been?
"Very interesting and sometimes a challenging role, but I enjoy working with such a great team."
⚓ What exactly does a Launch Authority do?
“Launch Authorities play a vital role behind the scenes.
When HM Coastguard receives a 999 call and believes a lifeboat may be required, they contact the Launch Authority.
Armed with the key information about the incident, including the location, weather and tidal conditions, the Launch Authority assesses the risks and decides whether to authorise the launch of one or both of our lifeboats.
It's an important responsibility, and one that doesn't always happen at a sociable hour!” ⏰
🌊 So what brought you to the RNLI?
“After retiring and returning home to Montrose, I was keen to put my skills and experience to good use. Having always had a strong connection to the sea and a great admiration for the RNLI, the opportunity to become a Launch Authority immediately caught my attention.”
And what's the biggest thing he's learned over the past year?
"When on duty, ensure your daily plans are flexible. A call out can happen at any time, night or day." 📟
Something our volunteers know only too well! 😅
🧡 For Graeme, the best part of being at Montrose is the people and the shared purpose.
"What I enjoy most about being part of the team at Montrose Lifeboat Station is the sense of purpose and shared commitment. Everyone is focused on the same goal… Saving Lives at Sea."
Of course, we couldn't let him off without asking a few very important questions 👀
😈 Who gives you the most trouble - the weather, the sea or the crew?
"Crew 100%! We can forecast the weather and the tides, however, sadly not the crew's availability by the hour!" 😂
☕ Tea or coffee during a middle-of-the-night launch?
"Coffee, nothing gets done without a coffee!"
📞 And have you mastered the art of sounding fully awake when the phone goes in the middle of the night?
"I don't think so…" 🙂😂
A big thank you to Graeme for his time, dedication and commitment over the past year 🙏🏼.
Our Launch Authorities might not be the ones heading out to sea, but they're a vital part of the team, helping ensure our lifeboats are ready to respond when the call comes.
Here's to year two, Graeme! 👏🏼⚓️