Occupational map - Maritime Search and Rescue

Overview | Commercial Sea Fishing | Marine Leisure | Maritime Search and Rescue | Merchant Navy | Ports and Harbours

Maritime Search and Rescue - Roles

Lifeboat - Crew

Coxswain (Coxswain trainee) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Helmsman - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Mechanic (ALB) (Engineer) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Mechanic (ILB) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Navigator - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Crew member - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
1st aider (Crew member) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Hovercraft commander - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Coxswain (Coxswain trainee)

The coxswain is in charge of the all weather lifeboat and is in command when at sea. He/she is responsible for all the operations connected with launching the lifeboat, ensuring the safety of all the lifeboat crew on board, and it is the coxswain's duty to use every effort to safeguard and rescue the lives of those in danger. At the end of a rescue the coxswain ensures that the lifeboat is ready for service and that the equipment is all in order.

Most coxswains are volunteers although there are a few full-time coxswains. The all weather lifeboat has a second coxswain who acts as deputy if the coxswain is not available. Potential Coxswains are usually identified 3 or 4 years in advance before they succeed a position, and tend to 'act up' or understudy to gain time in command and service experience.

Helmsman

The Helmsman is a volunteer who is in charge of the inshore lifeboat during launching, at sea and when it is being recovered to make sure it is ready for the next rescue. The helmsman is responsible for the safety of the crew on board and for everything that happens during a rescue. They are in command on in-shore vessels.

Mechanic (ALB) (Engineer)

All vessels with over 7460kw output must have on board an engineer. The engineer undertakes routine maintenance, and is responsible for maintaining the lifeboat's engines and all the machinery at an all weather lifeboat station. The mechanic has a detailed planned maintenance programme to carry out because over a period of time every piece of machinery is checked and maintained.

At sea the mechanic checks that the engines and other machinery are all working properly. All weather lifeboat stations also have assistant mechanics to take over when the mechanic is not available.

Mechanic (ILB)

The inshore mechanic undertakes planned maintenance and may or may not also be sea-going.

Navigator

The navigator plans and carries out search and rescue techniques. They must also be able to carry out the duties of the crew (see below).

Crew member

Crew members are volunteers who launch and recover vessels, assist casualties, operate daughter boats, drop and pick up the anchor, undertake look out responsibilities, and generally assist the coxswain or helmsman.

1st aider (Crew member)

One crew member is a qualified first aider.

Hovercraft commander

This is a volunteer who is in charge of the hovercraft during launching, when at sea and also at the end of a rescue when the hovercraft is being recovered to make sure it is ready for the next rescue. The Hovercraft commander is responsible for the safety of the crew on board and for everything that happens during a rescue. They are in command on hovercraft vessels.