Imagine for a moment that you’re part of the crew on a lifeboat. It’s 2.30 am on a freezing January morning and the pager’s just woken you from a deep sleep in a snug warm bed. You then head out to sea in complete darkness and 10m waves rise and fall around you, ready to swamp you at any moment. Strong gale force winds throw the lifeboat around like a toy. A fishing trawler is in difficulties 23 miles out to sea.

And you still want to volunteer for this?

To become a lifeboat crew member, you need to:

• be over 17 (with the permission of your parents) or over 18 years old
• be under 45 years old (inshore lifeboat) or 55 (all weather lifeboat)
• pass a medical and eyesight test
• be physically fit
• live and/or work close to a lifeboat station
• pass a probationary period that usually lasts for one year
• be a team player and be accepted by the rest of the crew
• enjoy hard physical work

Crew members also need good personal skills. This means you need to:

• get on well with other people
• communicate easily - that means talking and listening!
• obey orders when required to

Being part of a lifeboat crew is a major commitment, which could ultimately include risking your life. Your commitment isn't only measured in the time spent involved in rescues. Increasingly, new equipment and faster boats mean that regular training programmes also account for much of your spare time. You may also be asked to help show visitors around the station and with local fundraising.

What’s in it for you?

The RNLI provides first class training and equipment, guidance and support. For you it’s an opportunity to achieve and to save lives and a chance to be part of our world class rescue service. We can offer you one of the most exciting and fulfilling voluntary jobs available.

Still interested?

If the thrill of a shout and the teamwork appeal to you, and you think that you have what it takes to be that special kind of person, then follow this link.

To avoid disapointment, you might like to take this simple colour vision test.

Back