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I started in the industry in 1974 working on agricultural equipment and heavy plant serving an
apprenticeship with BVT whilst gaining my HND in mechanical engineering. I then moved in to
the marine environment working on dockside equipment and marine engines.
I have been connected to the RNLI through Blackpool Lifeboat Station since the early sixties
later becoming a volunteer crewmember with Lytham St Annes Lifeboat. I continued to work
with heavy plant (marine) until 1995 when I became a full-time second mechanic at Lytham
Lifeboat Station.
The station changed to a carriage launch system in 1998 when I become involved in the training
and trialling of this system at station. During my period as station mechanic I was seconded
to the RNLI Divisional Base North covering 34 lifeboat stations as a Divisional Technician.
This involved working on every type of lifeboat and its unique launch & recovery equipment.
I moved to the RNLI HQ in Poole in 2001 to take up the position of Training Lifeboat Mechanic.
I undertook this role for 7 months until the decision was made to set up a launch and recovery
training facility at Instow, working as a lodger unit with the 1st Assault Group Royal Marines
(11 ATT) Sqn (formerly ATTURM). I obtained the position of Machinery Training Instructor
(launch Equipment) and was tasked with the setting up of the training facility and writing
and implementing the courses.
The relationship with the MOD is unique as we work under memorandum of understanding (MOU) we
provide training for the RM in our live engine workshop and afloat on our training boats, they
provide us with our facilities at 11 (ATT) Sqn.
I gained my NVQ and IMC Instructors Certificates through the Royal Naval Training Unit RENSET
(HMS Nelson). I also gained membership of LANTRA as a freelance instructor to cover the
accreditation of our small plant. The RNLI have a unique type of heavy launch equipment,
which requires specialist training to operate. I run 4½-day residential courses to train our
operators to the required standard (COBT). These courses are accredited by LANTRA with
(11 ATT) Sqn (RNLI Launch Equipment Training Facility) being an Approved LANTRA Centre and
myself being an Approved Corporate Educational Establishment Instructor.
I have been a member of OPERC for over 12 months using their Safetynet System. This has enabled
me to improve the Health & Safety standard when operating specialised heavy plant
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