December 1st, 2024.



Newhaven RNLI volunteers Claire Townsend and Rich White have both successfully passed out as Tier 2 crew on Newhaven's all-weather lifeboat. Chris Glasspool also revalidated as a Lifeboat Trainer and Assessor at Newhaven.

Claire and Rich completed their tier 2 assessments in early November at Newhaven RNLI. Both were assessed under the RNLI’s Operational Competency Framework, which is designed to provide volunteers with clear and structured training framework. The volunteers’ assessments were undertaken by an RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer.

Training was done primarily at Newhaven RNLI, with the support of the lifeboat crew. The volunteers had to undergo a theoretical and practical assessment which included topics on RNLI policy, helming, and watchkeeping.

Claire Townsend said: "All of the RNLI’s training was engaging, enjoyable and encompassed teamwork. I received incredible support from my fellow crew at Newhaven, who passed down essential knowledge."

Rich White added: "Being in the RNLI and volunteering alongside fantastic people is something I take great pride and pleasure in. The skills I have learnt will stay with me forever. Learning new skills in seamanship, having no experience beforehand, was tricky, but immensely rewarding. And being supported by the rest of the crew, who gave me the time and support to help me achieve tier 2."

Volunteer Chris Glasspool also revalidated as a Lifeboat Trainer and Assessor (LTA). As well as being an LTA, Chris is also a D Class helm and crew on Newhaven’s all-weather lifeboat. Halfway through Chris’ assessment, Newhaven RNLI’s Severn class all-weather lifeboat was tasked on a shout off Brighton Marina.

97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers, including 5,700 volunteer lifeboat crew members at stations around the UK and Ireland.


www.RNLI.org.uk