Pett Level Independent
Rescue Boat

Registered Charity Number: 286891

Proud member of

Training

We work hard to ensure every volunteer receives the focused and comprehensive training and has the opportunity to undertake professional qualifications.

Our training programme

Our volunteers train twice a week, all year round. We meet on Sunday mornings, 9am-12pm and Thursday evenings, 6pm-8pm.

All volunteers receive a thorough induction to familiarise them with our facilities, assess how they would like to be involved, provide important health and safety information and introduce the crew training records.

We operate a very hands-on approach through which all volunteers receive comprehensive training on an extensive repertoire of essential competences. These are recorded and assessed by senior crew members. Crew are encouraged to identify skills they wish to learn.

Training sessions can involve learning a particular skill, conducting a realistic simulated exercise, training with other emergency services or classroom work.

We believe that every volunteer should have an equal opportunity to develop and learn the vital skills that keep us professional.

Professional qualifications

In addition to regular training and assessment, all volunteers have the opportunity and are encouraged to undertake professional qualifications.

All volunteers can complete the intensive three-day casualty care and first aid course.

Crew courses include: VHF radio license, RYA Sea Survival, RYA Powerboat license.

Helm courses include: RYA Advanced Powerboat, RYA Day Skipper Theory and RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities.

The benefits of training with PLIRB

As an independent lifeboat, we have the liberty to be fluid and flexible with training. We are professional, committed and passionate about what we do – our training is rigorous, detailed and relevant.

Being independent allows us to tailor training to be specific to our location – ensuring our volunteers are trained on skills and knowledge that is entirely suited to the needs of our location.

Training with PLIRB provides many opportunities for all abilities and volunteers can determine their own professional path.

Whatever route is chosen their are so many skills to learn – knots, navigation, communications, engineering and electronics,

Collaborative training exercises

We have neighbouring RNLI stations to the east and west of our boathouse station – with RNLI Rye Harbour to the east and RNLI Hastings to the west. Both RNLI stations have different boat assets – so it is vital that we all work collaboratively to support our coastline and beaches.

There are also several local HM Coastguard stations – the teams from which we frequently work with during taskings.

When possible, we meet with our RNLI and Coastguard colleagues on joint training exercises – or visit their stations to meet the crew and view their facilities.

These are incredibly valuable and allow the crew to build relationships, learn about other boat assets and have the opportunity to try out new lifesaving equipment.