Mark Williams Achieves RNLI Navigator Status After Years of Dedication
Mark Williams has officially become an RNLI navigator, celebrating his hard-earned success after extensive training and commitment
Appledore, RNLI, Navigator, Training, Lifeboat, UK
Appledore: The RNLI team is buzzing with excitement over Mark Williams’ recent achievement. He’s now a fully qualified all-weather lifeboat navigator!
It’s been a long road for him, filled with hard work and training. The crew at Appledore RNLI gave him a big shout-out, saying it’s no small feat.
Mark started his journey with the Appledore Lifeboat crew back in 2007. Like all new recruits, he began as shore crew before moving up to boat crew for both inshore and all-weather lifeboats.
He didn’t stop there! Mark also became a launch and recovery vehicle driver, an all-weather lifeboat mechanic, and even helmed the inshore lifeboat. Now, he’s officially a navigator!
On top of his volunteer work, Mark has a full-time gig as a senior regional technician. He’s the go-to guy for maintaining all the lifeguard and lifeboat gear from Clovelly to Ilfracombe.
Bob Meller, the operations manager at Appledore Lifeboat, praised Mark for his dedication and hard work. He also thanked the crew and trainers who supported him throughout his training.
Mark expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped him along the way. To earn his navigator qualification, he had to show off his skills with charts, radar, GPS, and more.
He’s trained to navigate in all kinds of weather, even in pitch darkness and fog. His final assessment was intense, involving both a written exam and practical tests on the lifeboat.
Interestingly, just the day after he qualified, Mark’s skills were put to the test during two real-life shouts in the dark. It was a busy day for the crew!
These calls were also the first active missions for Simon McCarthy as coxswain, so congratulations are in order for him too!