Job Description

Salary
37,722 - 44,378 (dependent on experience)
Contract type
Permanent
Hours
Full Time
Additional information
40 hours per week
Location
Poole, Dorset, England
Location description
RNLI Support Centre, Poole, Dorset
Interview date
To be confirmed
Closing Date
10-03-2026
Reference
21232
Documents (please view all documents)
(PDF, 170.23kb)
(PDF, 1219.65kb)
About us
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue.
RNLI Lifeboat Crew receive world class training in maritime search and rescue to enable them to Save Lives at Sea. We currently have an opening for someone to join this experienced training team at the College in Poole. This is a great opportunity for an experienced mariner to further develop their boating and training skills.
Some of the benefits

• Salary 37,722 - 44,378 (dependent on experience)
• 26 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Outstanding pension scheme
• Life assurance

Your role
There aren't many jobs that combine the excitement and the thrill of training volunteer lifeboat crews on operating RNLI's vessels, along with the satisfaction of knowing that you've helped to save lives. This vital role delivers operational maritime search & rescue skills and safety training to a wide range of course participants.
We are looking for people with good practical boating experience. Successful candidates will then be trained in the delivery of our RNLI specific training courses. To aid in your success having recognised maritime instructional experience, practical Search and Rescue (SAR) experience, knowledge of the RNLI and the needs of our volunteer crew members would be an advantage. Your boating maritime background will provide you with a thorough understanding of operating a range of craft.
As a Lifeboat Trainer, you will be required to deliver training across a number of vessels to the high standards expected of the RNLI in topics such as Seamanship, Navigation, Searching, Boat Handling and Command. You will also be required to undertake assessments and report on performance, as well as ensuring the training lifeboats and associated equipment are kept in good order.
The various training courses you will deliver will be primarily based at the RNLI College in Poole, with some training delivery on the coast at lifeboat stations and regional bases.
Please view the below video for more information about the role:
This post requires a valid driving licence.
As this is a sea-going appointment, you will need to satisfy the Institution's medical and eyesight standards.
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person's health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.

Skills Required