Two Crew members, three Pass Outs for Appledore RNLI this week.

Not all lifeboat crew go out on lifeboats but they still play a vital part in helping to save lives at sea. The Launch Authority is one such position. It is the first critical link as the Launch Authority is responsible for the launch decision, ensuring that the most suitable lifeboat is selected and the crew is tasked appropriately. The launch authorities work closely together on a 24/7/365 rota system and no boat can be launched, on a shout or exercise, without their agreement. They also form a vital role in the management of the lifeboat station ensuring boats and equipment are maintained in a constant state of readiness to respond to need and that there are sufficient well trained crew to be able to respond to any emergency they may encounter.

Training for this role is wide ranging in content and much hard work and commitment is required. All at Appledore RNLI congratulate both David Inwood and Andy Millar in passing out on Tuesday this week (31 October) as fully competent Launch Authorities.

Andy Millar, also already passed out as a fully competent shore crew member was also passed out as fully competent to drive the Agricultural Tractor in all weathers and states of tide, day or night. This tractor is used to launch the station’s boarding boat which takes crew to the deep moored all-weather lifeboat. Being the shallowest of the Appledore Lifeboats, it also undertakes estuary shouts, especially during lower tides. Without a trained tractor driver a lifeboat or boarding boat cannot be launched.

Bob Meller, Appledore Lifeboat Operations Manager says; ‘We congratulate and thank David and Andy for all their hard work and dedication leading to their pass outs this week. We also thank all the crew for their help and support with this training. We are also grateful to all those who fundraise and donate to the RNLI and leave legacies in their wills. Without such support, the RNLI as a Charity would not exist’.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

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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.