Launch Vehicle Driver - Hoylake

About us

Our lifeboat station in Hoylake is looking for a volunteer who has an HGV Licence (Class 2/ Category C) and lives within good proximity of the lifeboat station to enable the physical launch and recovery of the Inshore Rescue Hovercraft. Volunteers in this role respond to pagers when there is a request to launch the lifeboats.

Established in 1803, Hoylake is one of the oldest lifeboat stations in the UK, although its boathouse and Shannon class lifeboat are state-of-the-art. It covers Liverpool Bay and the approaches to the River Mersey and River Dee.

Our launch driver volunteers follow the RNLI’s national Competency Based Training Scheme to provide them with the capability required for their role.

The impact you will make 

Ensuring safe and effective launch and recovery of the hovercraft on service and exercise.

What you will be doing

• Taking charge of the launch vehicle and rig during the launch and recovery of the hovercraft for services and exercises under the direction of the head launcher, commander or helm.
• Achieving and maintaining competency under the Competency Framework to fulfil the role and contribute to the training of the crew and shore crew.
• Assisting the station mechanic, maintainers and/or coast staff with maintenance and repairs as appropriate.
• Contributing to the operational efficiency of the station, lifeboats and equipment including making ready for service once a service or exercise is completed.
• Being familiar with RNLI policy, procedures and guidance identified as appropriate to the role.

Find out more about becoming a Lifeboat Station Volunteer.

What you need for this role

• An excellent team player.
• Good communicator.
• A good general level of fitness.
• An ability and willingness to learn new skills.
• Live or work within 3 miles of the station and be between 18 and 70 years of age (subject to vehicle license requirements).

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
• 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.