RNLI Teignmouth volunteers congratulate Mark Annal on passing Helm assessment, writes Amy Furlong.
Mark began volunteering for Teignmouth RNLI more than 10 years ago when he joined as shore crew.
Two years later he undertook his training and became a member of the boat crew.
Mark then challenged himself with the rigorous training and assessments to become a volunteer Helmsman for Teignmouth Lifeboat.
Unfortunately for Mark, Covid made the process longer to complete than he was originally hoping for, but after overcoming a few setbacks and delays he was ‘over the moon’ to finally pass out late last year.
The duty of a helmsman is ‘to use utmost endeavours to safeguard and rescue the lives of those in danger, while having regard for the safety of their crew’.
The training given provides volunteer crew with essential lifesaving knowledge and equips them with the skills needed to help save lives at sea.
As such the process for passing out as a helm takes a lot of time and dedication from the volunteers who decide to undertake it.
As part of his training Mark has undergone various tasks set out by RNLI assessors covering a wide range of scenarios, including a written assessment.
Mark has also spent time at the RNLI headquarters in Poole where he was able to undertake world class training as well as test his ability and knowledge.
Speaking about his achievement Mark has said how he enjoys ‘everything about being part of the RNLI’ but that ‘becoming a helm is something I am very proud of’.
When asked what drives Mark to volunteer for the RNLI he expressed how he finds the role ‘rewarding and enjoys working with the wider team he volunteers with’.
‘Passing out as a helm is no easy task, each trainee helm needs to work hard and show commitment, to help in the RNLI’s mission to saves lives at sea’.