li RNLI coxswains sail through new RYA course Four coxswains have achieved RYA motor cruising qualifications. The course forms part of competencebased training for volunteer and full-time lifeboat crews. The successful crew are coxswain Rod McGillivray of Aberdeen and second coxswains John Cox (Campbeltown), John Atkinson (Lytham St Annes) and John Hunter (Scarborough).

The RNLI's aim is for its crews to have commercially endorsed RYA certificates. The relationship with the RYA began in 1995, when the Atlantic and D class inshore lifeboat courses qualified for the RYA's Advanced and Level 2 Power Boat certificates respectively.

RNLI training staff have had to qualify as Yachtmaster Offshore instructors and examiners to conduct the RYA courses, using the two training lifeboats based at Poole.

Plans are now well advanced for the RNLI Lifeboat College, which will be situated alongside the present training centre. The residential college will provide courses for RNLI crews and staff, and will bring all training under one roof for the first time.

More RYA training Six members of Aldeburgh lifeboat crew obtained RYA helmsman certificates in 2001 following practical training at East Angltan Sea School, based at Levington on the River Orwell. The school provided training and the use of a training boat free of charge, thanks to the negotiating skills of crew member Derek Simonds who is also a motor cruising and power boat instructor.New Year Honours The following crew members and RNLI supporters have been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen in the New Year Honours.

FOR SERVICE TO THE RNLI Member, Order of the British Empire (MBE) Charles Crockford Mechanic at Tenby lifeboat station Frank Smith Coxswain/Second Mechanic at Salcombe lifeboat station John Williams Coxswain at Port St Mary lifeboat station OTHER AWARDS OF INTEREST Knight Commander, Royal Victorian Order (KCVOI Rear Admiral Patrick Rowe Deputy master and chairman of the corporate board of the Corporation of Trinity House and Ex Officio member of the Committee of Management Lieutenant, Royal Victorian Order (LVO) Nicolas Adamson Private secretary to HRH The Duke of Kent Commander, Order of the British Empire (CBE) Mary Williams For charitable service to Cockermouth and RNLI box secretary, Cockermouth branchA lifeboat baby Calshot crew members Di Hellens and Anthony Carrier have become proud parents of a baby boy.

Cieran John was born on 9 October, weighing 6lb 5oz. Little Cieran has already taken part in his first exercise: the day before the pregnancy was confirmed, Di and Tony were airlifted into search and rescue helicopter India Juliet. The couple became Calshot lifeboat station's first married couple when they tied the knot in 1999..