Manning the boat
Our volunteer crew are the backbone of the lifeboat service. Without them our lifeboat stations would not be able to operate.
There are over 4,500 volunteer crew, and another 4,000 volunteer shorehelpers which support them.
They are available 24/7, any weather, to rescue those who need help at sea, you can hear some of them talking about their roles below.
Please click here for more information on being a crew member for the RNLI
Lifeboat crew member
Crew members on all weather and inshore lifeboats are all volunteers. Anybody can become a crew member providing they are physically fit, can learn the necessary skills and can work as part of a team. They work with the coxswain or helmsman and carry out duties to operate the lifeboat during rescues and also ensure the safety of the people that have been rescued.
Become a crew member
Lifeboat coxswain
The coxswain is in charge of the all weather lifeboat and is in command when at sea. He/she is responsible for all the operations connected with launching the lifeboat, ensuring the safety of all the lifeboat crew on board, and it is the coxswain's duty to use every effort to safeguard and rescue the lives of those in danger. At the end of a rescue the coxswain ensures that the lifeboat is ready for service and that the equipment is all in order.
Most coxswains are volunteers although there are a few full-time coxswains. The all weather lifeboat has a second coxswain who acts as a deputy if the coxswain is not available.
Become a crew member
Tractor driver
A tractor driver is on call at all carriage-launched stations in the same way as the crew. They are responsible to the coxswain during a launch and drive the tractor to launch and recover the lifeboat. As well as driving the tractor the driver also maintains the tractor and washes and cleans it after being in the sea.
Become a crew member
Lifeboat operations manager
A key role of the station is the lifeboat operations manager (LOM) who is responsible for managing all operational activities at the lifeboat station, authorising the launch of a lifeboat and the day-to-day management of the station.
View video
Lifeboat management chairman
A lifeboat management group works closely alongside every lifeboat station; fundraising, PR, representing the station in the local community are all supported by this group.
View video