Llandudno RNLI volunteer passes helm in 'high level' lifeboat crew

Adam Finch-Saunders was assessed on the numerous different challenges of overseeing a D-Class inshore lifeboat, the Dr Barbara Saunderson, which is a highly manoeuvrable and usually operates close to shore.

The boat and its crew are vital for searches and rescues in the surf, shallow water and confined locations - often close to cliffs, among rocks and even inside caves.

Mr Finch-Saunders is a member of the D-class inshore lifeboat crew, which operates close to the shore and cliffs.

These activities demand an extremely high level of competence and experience from the volunteer crews involved.

Mr Finch-Saunders, who has volunteered at the Llandudno station for a combined total of nearly ten years, first joined when he was 17 before pursuing a seafaring career. He re-joined in early 2015 and has since served as a crew member on both the station's life all-weather and inshore lifeboats.

“I am enormously proud to be part of the volunteer crew at Llandudno which was in fact a significant founding step in the professional seafaring career I now enjoy," Mr Finch-Saunders said.

"I am also delighted to have completed my helm training and now look forward to joining the compliment of other helm crew members at Llandudno Lifeboat Station”.

Llandudno Lifeboat operations manager Captain Marcus Elliott said: "Our crews are prepared to drop everything and risk their lives to save others at a moment's notice. Their lifesaving work is essential, often difficult, and sometimes dangerous.

"That is why we provide our crew members with first-class training, equipment, guidance and support. Our lifeboat crews train together every week, at sea and ashore and have continued to do so throughout the pandemic.

"The additional challenges this creates only serves to enhance Adam’s achievement in passing out successfully as our newest inshore lifeboat helm.”