Head Launcher - Burnham-on-Crouch

About us

The RNLI’s Lifeboat Station in Burnham-on-Crouch is looking for a volunteer to take on the role of Lifeboat Head Launcher.

Located in Burnham Marina, Burnham-on-Crouch Lifeboat Station was founded in 1966 and is one of only a few lifeboat stations that house their inshore lifeboats in floating boathouses.

The Lifeboat Crew are all volunteers, headed up by the Lifeboat Operations Manager and Launch Authorities and supported by a Shore Crew team. All boat and shore crew follow the RNLI’s national Competency Based Training Scheme and respond to pagers when there is a request to launch the lifeboats. The wider team includes volunteer fundraisers, shop volunteers and youth education presenters.

The impact you will make

This role will help us save lives at sea by ensuring that all working parts of the launching and recovery equipment are prepared and ready for each lifeboat launch.

What you will be doing

• Oversee the launch and recovery of the Lifeboat for services and exercises under the direction of the Coxswain, Helm or Commander
• Lead the Shore crew team
• Maintain competence under Competency Based Training
• Assist the station mechanic and/or coast staff with maintenance and repairs as appropriate
• Contribute to the operational efficiency of the station, lifeboats and equipment

Find out more about becoming a lifeboat station volunteer

What you need for this role

• Team player
• Good interpersonal skills
• General fitness (desirable)
• Ability to learn new skills
• Live or work within 20 minutes of the station and be between 18 and 70 years of age.

What’s in it for you

• Join an inclusive and diverse organisation
• Have fun, meet new people and join a motivated and enthusiastic team who are making a difference
• Learn skills and gain experience to enhance your CV
• Gain the satisfaction of giving back
• Training to fulfil your volunteer role will be provided and reasonable out of pocket expenses reimbursed

Safeguarding

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; ensuring the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.  We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero tolerance approach to proven incidents of bullying, abuse, harassment  or exploitation.  The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Diversity at the RNLI

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for nearly 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.