Launch Authority - Brighton

About us

The RNLI’s Lifeboat Station in Brighton is looking for 2 volunteers to join the existing team in the role of Launch Authority.

There has been a lifeboat serving on Brighton beach since 1809 and a station since 1824. Brighton has a busy lifeboat station with 81 taskings last year. We have seen a shift in our taskings from boats and tows to people in the water; people who swim or get into trouble on a SUP or kayak. Our 8.5 meter Atlantic Lifeboat is perfectly designed to provide rapid effective rescue in multiple situations and we need crew to make sure it is ready to launch 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. 

As a Launch Authority you need to be close enough to the marina to be at the station within 30 minutes. For example if you live east of Lewes Road (eg Whitehawk, Kemptown, Marina) or west of Saltdean you will easily be able to respond in time. You also need to attend regular training sessions so you can support your crew to save lives in challenging situations. We are not looking for heroes but for people who can be calm under pressure, who look out for others and who love to see their team thrive. These are demanding roles but rewarding beyond imagination.

The shift in our casualty population from professionals on the water to general public who get into trouble in and by the water, means that we also want more people from our diverse Brighton Community. We are committed to building a crew that reflects the community we serve. We welcome applications from women, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds and LGBTQ+ people, who are currently underrepresented within the lifeboat crew. All applicants will be assessed solely on their ability to meet the requirements of the role.

We are looking to recruit two new Lauch Authorities.  The Launch Authority is an exciting and demanding role in which you will be in command of the station as it responds to service calls from His Majesty’s Coast Guard. Reporting to the LOM you will also support the development of crew and manage the station and its resources to ensure we are always ready to go to sea. It is land based and requires that you live with 30 minutes of the Brighton Life Boat Station.

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 water safety volunteers.

The impact you will make

This role will help us save lives at sea by ensuring that our lifeboats are in a state of permanent readiness and crewing the lifeboat on service and exercise, under the command of the Helm.

 What you will be doing

• Undertake training and maintain competence under the Competency Framework as necessary to fulfil the role of crew member
• Be on call for lifeboat ‘shouts’
• Attend exercises
• Contribute to the overall upkeep of the station, lifeboats and equipment

 Find out more (including the requirements) about becoming a lifeboat station volunteer

 What you need for this role

• Team player
• Good communicator
• General fitness
• Ability to learn new skills
• Live or work within 30 minutes of the station and be between 18 and 65 years of age (B-Class).

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

Please apply online or for further information contact the RNLI’s Volunteering Team on 01202 663346 or by email on [email protected]

Safeguarding

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. 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 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.