Gravesend Crew
Station Manager Ian Dunkley
Ian is the fulltime station manager resposible for running the station. He is also the chairman of the local Sea Cadet unit.
Helmsman Graham Tassell
Graham is one of the original team of fulltime staff here at Gravesend joining in 2002. Before coming to work for the RNLI Graham worked in the motor trade and raced power boats, he was also a member of the Medway Coastguard Rescue Team for 11 years and he is a RYA powerboat and first aid instructor.
Helmsman Jason Carroll
Jason is also one of the original full-time crew at Gravesend and startd with the RNLI in 2001. Prior to working with the RNLI He work for Trinity House Lighthouse Service around the coasts of England, Wales and Ireland for 9 and 1/2 years. Jason is also a retained fire fighter,he has served with Kent Fire & Rescue Service for 10 years, he is currently in the position of crew manager. He also finds time to relax by fishing, walking his German Shepard dog and distance running.
Helmsman Dave Parry
Dave has been a Helmsman here at Gravesend since the station opened in 2002. Before becoming a fulltime Lifeboat man Dave was a photocopier engineer as well as being a volunteer helmsman at Whitstable Lifeboat station where he contiues to serve.
Dave is also responsible for running the station website -
Helmsman Ian Smith
Ian joined the crew as a volunteer in 2004, and was employed as a full-time helmsman in 2007. He previously worked as a commercial diver and diving supervisor on civil engineering projects, surveys and general salvage. In addition to his work on the lifeboat Ian is also a Lifesaving Teacher and coaches at a local lifesaving club.
Helmsman David Fry
David has been on the crew since the station opened, first as a volunteer then as a full time helmsman since 2003.
Prior to joining the crew he worked alongside Graham in HM Coastguard.
David is an RYA sailing and powerboat instructor and races yachts in his spare time.
Helmsman Jordan Hill
Jordan joined as a volunteer crew member at Gravesend in 2004, and was appointed as a full-time helmsman in 2007. When he is not on station he owns a RYA Training school. He is also a member of the Medway Coastguard Rescue team.
Mechanic Peter Birthright
Pete has worked on the river all his life, five years ago he joined the fulltime staff at Gravesend as a mechanic.
Mechanic Dave Greenfield
Dave joined the crew in 2002 as a volunteer and was appointed as a fulltime mechanic in 2004. When not on the lifeboat Dave can be found mountain biking, diving or doing up his house.
Crew Member Tina Jarvis
Tina is one of the original volunteers when the station was set up. When she is not crewing the lifeboat Tina enjoys diving and swimming.
Crew Member Mike Rountree
Mike is one of two British Telecom staff that volunteer to crew the Gravesend Lifeboat. When not working or crewing the lifeboat Mike can be found diving or surfing on the Cornish Coast
Crew Member Paul Burton
Paul joined the crew here at Gavesend in 2004. When he is not volunteering with the RNLI he is a contracts manager with a specialist roofing company or using his season ticket watching Gillingham Football Club.
Crew member Derek Davis
Derek joined the Royal Navy in 1976 and trained as a Seaman serving on
Tribal Class Frigates until 1980 when he embarked on a new career in Local
Government as a Recreation Manager and Swimming Instructor. In 1989 he
joined the Police Force and served in Essex as a Diving Supervisor on the
Underwater Search Unit and Marine Units on the Thames and Essex Coast. He
presently works for the Ministry of Defence in London and joined the crew at
Gravesend in 2004.
Crew Member Eamon Fanning
Having worked for over 10 years on coastal boats around the UK, Eamon one of the initial intake of volunteers when the Gravesend station opened. He left to work in the Caribbean for two years but now, working back in London, has rejoined the crew. Unfortunately due to his primary occupation of International Man of Mystery Eamon has ticked the No Publicitybox on his application!!
Crew Member Adam Turner
Adam is a Police Officer and a RYA instructor he is one of the volunteer crew members who spends a minimum of two 12 hour shifts every month.
Crew Member Kevin Butler
Kev used to race power boats with Graham, he has been on the crew at Gravesend since 2003. When not volunteering for the RNLI Kevin works as a Sales Manager.
Crew Member Craig Stowers
Craig has been a crew member here at Gravesend Lifeboat station for the since 2004 when not giving his time up for the RNLI he works for the Port of London as a radio engineer.
Crew Member Jon Thornton
Jon Thornton, 43 , lives with his wife and two daughters. He is a Fire officer with London Fire Brigade where he has worked for the last 24 years, he says that he loves getting wet/cold in boats whilst actually helping someone. And that being part of the lifeboat is the best 'hobby' a man can have !!
Crew member Chris Maher
Chris joined the lifeboat station in summer 2007. He works as a Project Leader in Pharmaceuticals and can be found rock climbing, sailing or judging University Lifesaving Competitions.
Crew Member Emily Stanbrook
Emily is the youngest volunteer at Gravesend, she manages to fit in time here at the station with studying for her A levels and her hobbies which include sailing on dingys and tall ships aswell as snow boarding.
Crew member Tim Wyatt
Tim is one of 35 volunteer crew members here at Gravesend when he is not giving up his time for the RNLI he can be found diving and windsurfing.
Crew member Ricky Smith
Ricky joined the lifeboat station in summer 2006 and when not at the lifeboat station he is a life guard at the local leisure center and trainee gym instructor.
