Two Fowey RNLI Volunteers Fully Qualified as Lifeboat Crew

Two Fowey RNLI volunteers, Gary Jane and Will Maher, have successfully passed out as fully qualified crew members on Fowey’s all-weather Trent lifeboat after completing their training in September.

132 Hours at Sea for Will

Will, who joined the Fowey crew in March 2023, runs his own design company in the town. Having already qualified as an inshore lifeboat crew member earlier in the year, he has spent a total of 132 hours at sea on the lifeboats, gaining essential skills for both training and rescue missions.

Gary’s Journey to Qualification

Gary, who works locally, became a member of the crew in April 2023. Starting his training as shore crew, he progressed to completing 104 hours at sea. Both volunteers have undergone extensive training, including boat handling, radio communications, navigation, radar use, and casualty care, ensuring they are prepared for all conditions.

Fowey’s All-Weather Lifeboat

Fowey’s Trent class lifeboat, Maurice and Joyce Hardy, has been in service since 1996. Designed in the early 1990s and introduced to the RNLI fleet in 1994, the Trent lifeboat was built to handle offshore rescues and tow large vessels to safety. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 knots and covering 250 nautical miles, the lifeboat is equipped with comprehensive medical equipment, including oxygen, stretchers, and a resuscitation kit.

To reach areas inaccessible to the Trent, the crew also has a small inflatable daughter boat, the XP boat, which can be launched during rescue operations.

Ready for Action

Alongside the rest of the Fowey volunteer team, Will and Gary are now fully trained and ready to respond to sea rescue missions at any time. Their commitment ensures Fowey’s lifeboat crew can continue to save lives along the Cornish coast.