Shore Crew - Cowes

About Us

The RNLI’s Lifeboat Station in Cowes is looking for volunteers to join the existing team in the role of Shore Crew.

At Cowes Lifeboat Station all boat crew initially train as shore crew and are expected maintain that skill set throughout their service. If you are interested in becoming boat crew, we encourage you to apply now.

Cowes Lifeboat Station is converted from a former HM Customs Watch House, the rear of which is 300 years old. It looks out onto one of the world’s busiest shipping waterways and carries out a range of interesting services every year.

The Lifeboat Crew are all volunteers, headed up by the Lifeboat Operations Manager and Launch Authorities and supported by a Shore Crew team who are responsible for helping to launch the two lifeboats, managing the safety of the area during a launch and refuelling and servicing the boats when they return from a ‘shout’ or training exercise. 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 assisting with the safe launch and recovery of the lifeboat on service and exercise.

What you will be doing

• Assist with the launch and recovery of the lifeboat(s) on service and exercise
• Maintain competence under the Competency Framework for the role
• Contribute to the overall upkeep of the station, lifeboats and equipment

Find out more 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 15 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