Coxswain/Mechanic David Chant of St Davids became a shore helper and assistant winch man in 1962 before joining the crew in 1984. He was appointed coxswain/mechanic in 1988.

David was awarded a bronze medal this year in recognition of the courage, seamanship and boathandling skill displayed by him when the lifeboat rescued the crew of four of the motor fishing vessel Stephanie Jane and saved the vessel, which had broken down and was dragging her anchor near to rocks five cables south of the South Bishop lighthouse in a strong westerly gale and very rough seas on 26 February 1989.

David is married and he and his wife Sandra have a son, William. Together they own the Marine Life Centre in St Davids and any spare time that he has is spent fishing and painting..