Launch Authority - Cowes

About Us

The RNLI’s Lifeboat Station in Cowes is looking for a volunteer to join the existing team in the role of Launch Authority. 

Cowes Lifeboat Station is housed in the former HM Customs Watch House, the rear of which is 300 years old. It has a commanding view of the Central Solent which is one of Britain’s busiest waterways with a high concentration of commercial shipping, sailing, powerboating, fishing in fact all water sports are among attractions. The station is proud to be the only one opened by HM Queen Ezliabeth II. 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 lifeboat. The wider team includes volunteer fundraisers, shop volunteers and water safety volunteers. 

Cowes is looking for someone with weekday availability and joining a rota with other volunteer Launch Authorities to undertake the role for 1 in 5 weeks on duty (it's a 24hr role when on duty) with flexibility to arrange occasional cover. 

The impact you will make

This role will help us save lives at sea by carrying out the day to day management of the lifeboat station to ensure a permanent state of readiness for service. 

What you will be doing 

• Authorise launch of the lifeboat on regular exercises and service
• Provide leadership in the absence of the Lifeboat Operations Manager or as delegated

Ensure that all operational activities are carried out to maintain the lifeboats and all associated equipment in a constant state of readiness for launching on service.

Find out more about becoming a lifeboat station volunteer 

What you need for this role 

• Team player
• Good communicator
• Leadership skills
• Local maritime knowledge
• IT literate (desirable)
• Live or work within Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood area.  
• Be between 18 and 65 years of age
• Be willing to take undertake Shore Crew training
• Be willing to undertake Launch Authority training.
• Knowledge of the RNLI (desirable) 

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; 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.