RNLI Sheerness Lifeboat – Boathouse News

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Boathouse News,
Once again it has been a quiet time as regards call-outs for the crew with just one call for the inshore lifeboat on the 14th January which involved the lifeboat standing by to assist in a multi-agency incident if required. The incident was satisfactorily resolved with no assistance needed from the lifeboat crew.
There will be changes made to the crew training programs as from the 24th January with the introduction of a new OCF (operational competence framework) training scheme which will replace the current COBT system.
One of the modules in the new system will be the introduction of an inshore lifeboat navigator’s qualification. At present the qualified Helms are responsible for navigating on the ILB. The new navigator qualification will bridge the gap between crew and helm.
Four members of the all-weather lifeboat crew have been busy over a number of months training to get their Mechanics qualification certificates. They will be assessed over two days in March by crew trainer Matt Parr and hopefully all four will get the green light to becoming ALB Mechanics.
Also in March the RNLI will be celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea.
There will be many events taking place throughout the country with every station organising their own celebrations and fundraising events.
At Sheerness plans are in place for a Gala Dinner. More details to follow when things are finalised. We are looking for sponsorship from any local businesses or individuals for the event so if you would like to be involved, please get in touch.
Crew members will also be looking for sponsors when they take up the challenge of a 200mile indoor run which is being organised by crew member Damo.
More details of ‘what, where and when’ will be announced when things are finalised. Watch this space.

Gravesend to Tilbury Ferry – Public Consultation

Thurrock & KCC jointly subsidise the Tilbury Ferry, Thurrock have technically gone bankrupt, meaning KCC must take on their share of the subsidy.

The ferry could be terminated, but if enough people answer the consultation, it might be saved.

Its not Medway, but it is a company that operates on the Medway and its important we support anyone trying to improve transport links on the river.

CALOR Gas – Discontinued cylinder sizes – Reversal of decision

There have been some rumours circulating since just before Christmas that Calor had reversed their decision to scrap the 4.5kg cylinders that many boats use. There still has been no official release from Calor or publication on their website, but the Westerly Owners Association have had verbal confirmation that Calor were reversing the decision to stop supplying these cylinders. 
Below is a statement by the Westerly Owners Association on their Facebook Group.

“Calor Reverse Decision!!

Before Christmas a notice was circulating on social media stating that Calor were to continue the supply of 4.5kg butane cylinders.

As pleased as we were at this news, as it could not be confirmed, we didn’t celebrate.

I’m pleased to report that Hillary Corney has now had it confirmed by a very surprised Calor distributor following a telephone call by them to Calor. When they confirmed they were reversing their decision to stop the supply of these cylinders.

Thank you to all of you who took the time to complete the WOA Calor survey and also write to the CMA, I’m certain that it was the sheer volume of responses that got their attention.

Also, a huge thank you to Hillary Corney for masterminding the campaign.

A Happy New year to you all.

Gill Clare, Commodore, The Westerly Owners’ Association.”

Black Tie Dinner – Volunteers and sponsors required


As part of the 200th RNLI Anniversary our colleagues at Sheerness Lifeboat Station are organising a celebration black tie dinner at the Sheppey Rugby Club on Saturday 7th September 2024.  The fund raising team are looking for volunteers to assist with helping to organise the event and also for sponsors.  Sponsorship could be as little as treating a crew member to dinner to paying for the band or some of the bigger overheads.

If you are interested in assisting or willing to financially  contribute towards the event please email Rachel_Collier@rnli.org.uk