Tractor Driver and Head Launcher - Littlehampton

About Us

Our lifeboat station in Littlehampton is looking for a volunteer who can take on the role of Head Launcher and Tractor Driver. They will need to have a Category C Driving Licence and lives within good proximity of the lifeboat station to enable the physical launch and recovery of inshore lifeboat. Before taking on the roles, they will need to qualify as shore crew volunteers through our training framework. Volunteers in this role respond to pagers when there is a request to launch the lifeboats.

Our launch driver and head launcher volunteers follow the RNLI’s Operational Competency Framework Training Scheme to provide them with the capability required for their role.

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.

You will also ensure a safe and effective launch and recovery of the inshore lifeboat on service and exercise.

What you will be doing: Tractor Driver

• Taking charge of the launch vehicle and rig during the launch and recovery of the lifeboat for services and exercises under the direction of the head launcher 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.

What you will be doing: Head Launcher

• Oversee the launch and recovery of the Lifeboat for services and exercises under the direction of the Helm and Launch Authority
• 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

• An excellent team player.
• Team player
• Good interpersonal skills
• A good general level of fitness.
• An ability and willingness to learn new skills.
• Live or work within a few miles of the station and be over 18 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.