Any RNLI here?

[Tom1312]

Seemed the best place to ask.

Any serving or retired RNLI or other independent life boat crews here?

I've got an open evening in a few weeks and am hoping to be successful in my application.

[Tom1312]

Hi,

My concern is I won't be able to give enough time, I work a 24hr shift pattern of 6 on 3 off. I just wondered if anybody has any idea of the minimum hours required and also, if anybody had any good experiences with it.

[Tom1312]

Ok,

My issue will be the only days I could do would be those I'm not at work. The police aren't massively flexible with not being able to come in!

I'll just have to have a chat and see what they say.

[Tom1312]

Huntsman said:

Any news?

My interview is tonight.

Thank you for the encouragement chaps!

[Tom1312]

So I'm in! I passed the admittedly very informal interview and can expect to start training end of October.

I'll post in here and do a little blog if people are interested?

[Tom1312]

Hello,

Sorry for the lack of action here.

The station has two substations. The inshore has a D Class and a Hovercraft and the offshore station has an Atlantic 85 and a second D Class.

Due to my day job I sadly missed the first few weeks of training but over the next few weeks will be playing catch up.

The first few weeks appear to have been familiarising ourselves with the station and the various roles within it.

So far, everybody I have met has been brilliant, as is usually the way with volunteer organisations, everybody wants to be there which fosters a great atmosphere.

I've been down once so far to meet a few people, mainly crew and trainers. The breadth of trades is interesting though unsurprisingly many, if not nearly all have some form of maritime or sailing experience, where as I am certainly a blank canvas!

Highlight so far apart from meeting some great people was a training ride on the A85. My first experience of a properly fast small boat.

Pleased to say I didn't fall off or throw up, despite the helms best efforts.

I'm currently preparing and practicing my knots and rope handling skills for next week.

More to come as and when.