The team at Ramsgate RNLI have congratulated Mark Bray as he officially passes out as Helm of the inshore lifeboat, the Atlantic 85.
Mark grew up around Ramsgate Royal Harbour spending time with pals Ian and Paul Cannon on the beach behind the old lifeboat station, so he was no stranger to the sea.
His father, Alan Bray, was the Ramsgate Harbour Superintendent and a contemporary of Ron Cannon with over 37 years of volunteer service with the RNLI. When the Atlantic 85 arrived at the station Alan was the senior helmsman.
His mother Betty, was heavily involved as well with 35 years volunteering with the Fundraising Committee, which she chaired for many years. To this day they are still both involved with the RNLI.
However, it wasn’t until 10 years after his father had retired, that Mark felt able to commit to the RNLI. At that time he had settled down, had a young child and was working as a project manager in the gas industry when Ramsgate RNLI carried out a recruitment drive. Mark answered the call and has been a part of the RNLI volunteer crew for the past 13 years.
Looking back on his time, he said the moment he realised the sea could be life threatening came a few years after he joined, when he went out on the all-weather Esme Anderson in a force nine.
A tug had got into difficulties whilst towing a barge in the heavy seas. The tow rope had become wrapped around a buoy and when they arrived on scene, the crew of the tug were in their immersion suits expecting the worst.
The lifeboat attempted to come in close to release the tow rope but in the end the tug had to part the rope and another tug had to be called to the scene to take over the tow. Mark said that although he couldn’t do much, it was the first time he fully appreciated the power of the sea.
In preparation for training to become a helm Mark attended the local sailing club, Royal Temple Yacht Club, which holding navigation courses. This is where he obtained his Royal Yachting Association Yacht Master certificate.
The RNLI training was lengthy and on the day of his final assessment in November, he had to sit a 90 minute written examination on collision regulations, buoyage, and navigation.
This was followed by a three hour practical examination where he had to carry out man overboard search and rescue, anchor drill, fire drill, towing and emergency steerage.
Whilst this was happening he also had to answer further questions about collision regulations.
After that he had to debrief his crew and then debrief the assessor at which point he received the welcome news that he had passed as Helm.
Ramsgate Coxswain Ian Cannon said: “We are very lucky in Ramsgate to have several volunteer helms for our inshore lifeboat. This is of particular importance in the Summer months when our crew is stretched due to work commitments. We are delighted that Mark has passed out as Helm and would like to congratulate him on his achievements.”
Congratulations to Mark Bray – the volunteers of the RNLI provide an amazing lifeline to those in peril on the sea, and frequently put their own lives in danger to help others. Thank you and your mum and dad for years of selfless service – you and your colleagues are heroes every one.