Volunteering to crew on Lifeboats-any crew in here?

[SoulFireMage]

Was discussing this with a couple of folks in Bristol yesterday and found out that there are a couple of lifeboats based around Portishead. Having found out that I *might* just fit the criteria-maybe, am considering volunteering sometime in the next couple of months. However, I'd like to speak to a few experienced lifeboat personal first and get a feel for a few things if possible. Any of you guys on here?

Thanks for any advice offered.

 

[ajt]

I am not a crew member but I did go to our local station to find out about joining, I was shown around the station and taken out on a practice session all impressive stuff. They do have an upper age limit but it does seem to be flexible, unfortunately I live just outside of their radius limit so wasn't offered a position, this I found strange as one member lives further away than me, politics I think.
Good luck

 

[chwarae]

Nearest RNLI stations to Bristol are Weston and Barry. Is the station you are thinking of non RNLI. Nothing wrong with that but the best thing is go along to the Station on an exercise day, often Sunday morning and have a chat with the crew. I did 28 years on crew and enjoyed every minute. Still linked to the Station as a Dep. Launching Authority and Training Officer.
Good luck,
Harry.

 

[R32Stbrigid]

I served as a volunteer on the RNLI Calshot lifeboat for about 8 years. Thoroughly recomend it! I only stopped as work took me out of the callout radius ....

 

[SoulFireMage]

What is the callout radius and is Portishead within one?

 

[[3889]]

I used to be on a D-class inshore boat. The overwhelming crierion in my area is day time availability, there is certainly no maximum distance to home but this is down to the station Secretary. The age limit on ILB's was 45 but now replaced by a 3 yearly medical. There certainly can be a lot of politics on who gets on the boat, frequent grumblings about favorites getting phone calls before pagers going off etc - the officail policy was first 4 there crewed the boat but as often as not this wasn't the case. All the same, it was good fun and, whether deserved or not, crew membership attracts a lot of admiration.

 

[wooslehunter]

I'm not sure if the RNLI has a fixed qualification policy. It seems as though they've relaxed the ago limit on inshore boats.

As mentioned above, don't forget the independants. They generally set their own criteria for entry. They're controlled by HMCG in exactly a similar as the RNLI boats.

Take a look here and you may find one near you. I know there is a Severn Area Rescue Association.

I've crewed an independant for the last 8 or 9 years and it's great fun with some great toys. You put something back into the community. BUT, you can't forget that when there's a shout then someone's in trouble which of course no-one wants.

Go for it if you feel inclined.

 

[graham]

There is a volunteer (not RNLI)inshore lifeboat based in Portishead .Its a fast Rib with outboard engines. you could probably get a phone number from the Marina office.