Two New Helms Join Fowey RNLI Lifeboat Crew

Ross Jezard and Graham Middlewood complete training for inshore lifeboat command

Fowey RNLI has welcomed two newly qualified helms to the crew. In May 2025, Ross Jezard and Graham Middlewood completed their training and passed out as helms, allowing them to take command of the D class inshore lifeboat, Olive Three.

Both Ross and Graham are local to Fowey and are on-call 24/7 to respond when needed.

Experience on the water

Ross joined the station as a shore crew member in 2019. Since then, he’s been involved in 36 shouts and has logged 411 hours at sea on both incidents and exercises.

“Passing out as a helm means a lot to me,” Ross said. “It’s something that I’ve been wanting to do since joining the crew, and now to be one is super exciting. The training was hard, but the support of the crew and station was so helpful and got me through it.”

Graham joined the crew in 2017. He’s been on 91 shouts and has spent 526 hours at sea. As well as now helming the inshore lifeboat, he also serves as a mechanic and navigator on both of Fowey’s lifeboats.

“I’m really pleased to have passed out as a D class helm,” Graham said. “I love being part of the Fowey lifeboat crew and am grateful for the support and training that means I can now helm the inshore lifeboat in addition to my roles as an all-weather lifeboat mechanic and navigator on both boats.”

📷Graham Middlewood - Credit: Fowey RNLI

Lifeboat capability and crew training

The D class inshore lifeboat is designed for rescue operations close to cliffs, rocks and inside caves. It has a top speed of 25 knots and can run for up to three hours at that speed – essential when lives are at risk.

Crew members take part in weekly training sessions focusing on teamwork, boat-handling, search and rescue, navigation, radar, radio communication and casualty care. Most of this is scenario-based and led by training instructors. Exercises can also include joint drills with the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter or training courses at the RNLI Lifeboat College in Poole.

Station proud of achievements

Fowey Lifeboat Coxswain Jonathan Pritchard said:
“Both Ross and Graham have worked very hard to complete their training and I, along with everyone at the station, would like to congratulate them on their achievements as fully passed out D class helms.”

📷Ross Jezard - Credit: Fowey RNLI