St Ives RNLI Seeks New Volunteer Crew Members

St Ives RNLI Lifeboat Station is looking for new volunteer crew members to join its team, opening the door for people who want to support lifesaving work along the Cornish coast.

A Long History of Service

The lifeboat station has been saving lives at sea since 1839 and its crews have received 33 medals for gallantry. Today, the station operates a Shannon class all weather lifeboat and a D class inshore lifeboat.

Volunteer crew members are central to the RNLI’s work. No previous maritime experience is needed, as full training is provided. The focus is on commitment, teamwork and responding when the pager sounds.

What the Role Involves

Key responsibilities include responding to launch requests, taking part in rescue operations, attending regular training and helping to maintain the station, lifeboats and equipment.

Volunteers will be required to undertake competency based training, attend exercises and contribute to the upkeep of the boats and kit. The role involves being on call for lifeboat shouts and helping keep the lifeboats in a state of permanent readiness under the command of the coxswain.

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 50 years of age
• Be available to be on call for around 120 hours a week
• Have good general fitness
• Be able to learn new skills
• Have a driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Have permission from their employer to respond to call outs
• Live and work within one of the required postcodes

A Chance to Make a Real Difference

The RNLI describes the role as a chance to join a motivated and enthusiastic local team and contribute to saving lives at sea. Volunteers will be part of an inclusive organisation, meet new people, learn new skills and gain experience that may enhance their CV. Training will be provided and reasonable out of pocket expenses reimbursed.

The RNLI highlights its commitment to safeguarding and its zero tolerance approach to harm, abuse or neglect. Recruitment includes the relevant criminal record checks. The organisation also notes its long standing focus on diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, welcoming applications from everyone who shares its values.

How to Apply

Anyone interested can submit an application through the RNLI volunteering website at the link below:

Apply to join the St Ives RNLI crew

St Ives RNLI says this is a unique opportunity to gain new skills, support the community and play a part in saving lives at sea.