Hartlepool RNLI’s Kayley Turner and Laura Wallis qualify

Kayley Turner and Laura Wallis, crewmembers at Hartlepool RNLI, recently achieved their Tier 2 qualification after months of rigorous training.

This assessment certifies them as fully operational crew members on the all-weather lifeboat, ready to take part in emergency launches and lifesaving missions.

Ms Turner, who works as an executive assistant to a chief executive, said: “Laura and I proved to the assessor that all the training has been paying off to successfully pass our ALB Tier 2 crew assessments.

“For anyone outside the lifeboat world, Tier 2 is a pretty big milestone.

“It’s the point where months of training ashore and at sea all come together—covering everything from seamanship, helming, towing and anchoring, to a bit of navigation, emergency procedures and working effectively as a crew when things get busy.

“Basically, proving you can stay calm while the sea does its best to make life difficult.”

She thanked the team at the station for their support.

Ms Turner said: “Massive thanks to everyone at the station who’s helped along the way and shared knowledge.”

Her fellow crewmember, Laura Wallis, is a business owner who also spoke about the dedication required to complete the training.

Ms Wallis said: “We have both dedicated a lot of time and energy into our training especially over the past few months.

“It has been an extremely rewarding process knowing that we get to be a part of saving lives at sea.

“The training incorporates many aspects of maritime knowledge and skills.

“The navigation aspect of the training has definitely been my favourite so far.”

Hartlepool RNLI coxswain Matt Adams praised the pair for their commitment.

Mr Adams said: “Well done, with the amount of time and effort Laura and Kayley have put in to their training it was no surprise that they successfully completed their Tier 2 plans.

“Laura and Kayley are both great examples of our dedicated crew at the lifeboat station.

“I’m looking forward to seeing them both put these skills in to action saving lives at sea.”