Llandudno RNLI crew member Ralph Hughes successfully completed his Tier 1 passout on the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) over the weekend, marking a significant milestone in his journey as a seagoing crew member.

Ralph, who has been a dedicated member of the Llandudno RNLI crew since 2014, initially served as a shore crew member, launch vehicle driver, and head launcher. Last year, he expanded his role by joining the ILB crew, committing to rigorous training to become a fully operational seagoing crew member.

The Tier 1 passout is an important assessment that tests all of the skills and knowledge Ralph has gained since starting his ILB training. The assessment, conducted by one of the station’s local assessor trainers, ensures that Ralph is fully equipped to handle the demands of being on the ILB. This assessment is comprehensive, evaluating everything learned in training up to this point.

With his Tier 1 passout completed, Ralph will now move on to Tier 2 units, which represent the next phase of his development. Upon completing these units, Ralph will undergo a Tier 2 passout, which will be assessed by a regional assessor trainer, marking another key stage in his progression as a lifeboat crew member.

Local assessor trainer Robert Williams praised Ralph Hughes for his dedication, stating, "Ralph has shown tremendous commitment and determination throughout his training, and his Tier 1 passout is a reflection of all the hard work he’s put in. He’s proven himself as a valuable member of the team, and I have no doubt he’ll continue to excel as he moves on to the next stage."