19 hours Ago
A dedicated volunteer has been appointed as a new launch authority at Newhaven RNLI. Simon Nelson was passed out on December 2, further strengthening the lifeboat station's launch authority coverage. Mr Nelson, who joined the RNLI in October 2024, has been undertaking training at Newhaven and through online workshops with the RNLI training team.
The launch authority's role is vital to the lifeboat station's operations. They are the first point of contact after a 999 call to HM Coastguard, ensuring the most suitable lifeboat is chosen and the crew is tasked appropriately. No boat can be launched without a launch authority's agreement.
They also ensure the boats and equipment are always ready to respond. Mr Nelson said: "It is a great privilege to have this opportunity to volunteer at Newhaven RNLI with such a great team. "All the volunteers I’ve met are all dedicated to saving lives at sea and epitomise the charity’s ‘One Crew’ ethos.
" The pass-out involved an hour-long practical exam, assessing risk and decision-making in launching lifeboats. It also included a scenario to demonstrate decision-making through a boat tasking and launch. Mr Nelson has previously volunteered with the Auxiliary Coastguard of Fairlight Cliff Rescue Team and had careers in the Royal Navy and Sussex Police, serving in various roles for 29 years.
He was also awarded the Queen's Police Medal during the 2022 Birthday Honours for his exceptional police service and support to those with disabilities. Roger Cohen MBE, lifeboat operations manager at Newhaven RNLI, said: "We welcome Simon to Newhaven RNLI. "Simon becomes Newhaven’s fifth launch authority, bringing the number to the most launch authorities Newhaven Lifeboat Station has ever had.
"This gives far greater flexibility to Newhaven’s current volunteer launch authorities." Newhaven RNLI, established in 1803, covers the area from Beachy Head to Brighton. It is a modern afloat station operating an all-weather Severn class lifeboat.
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea, with volunteers providing a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. It relies on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service and has saved more than 142,700 lives since it was founded in 1824..
