St Ives RNLI have announced their latest passouts, strengthening what is already an excellent local team of lifesavers.
David Chard and Charles Anderson-Smith at the St Ives Lifeboat House
David Chard has qualified as an all-weather lifeboat deputy coxswain, while Charles Anderson-Smith has passed out as an afloat mechanic.
Training to become a deputy coxswain typically takes several years, combining intensive on-station experience with specialist courses at the RNLI College, in Poole. Final passouts are conducted by RNLI coastal lifeboat trainers and involve rigorous assessments both on- and off-shore, including navigation, search and rescue scenarios, and emergency procedures.
David Chard has been a volunteer at St Ives Lifeboat Station since the age of 17, giving 16 years of service so far. Alongside his RNLI commitment, he runs his own local building company, Chard Building.
In 2019, David suffered a life-changing accident when he broke his neck during a charity rugby match. But through determination and resilience, he overcame many hurdles to continue serving his community.
“To become a deputy coxswain at St Ives has been a dream since I was a young boy,” said David. “To have now achieved this means so much to me and my family. I’ve always loved the sea and boats, and the fact we get to save lives at sea is something I’m very proud of.”
Working under pressure
The afloat mechanic is responsible for the operational readiness of the lifeboat’s engines and systems while at sea. They ensure that the vessel remains safe and functional during rescues, often working under pressure in difficult conditions. Training involves hands-on engineering instruction, operational drills, and final assessments at sea, overseen by RNLI trainers.
Charles Anderson-Smith brings a wealth of maritime experience to the role. With 21 years at sea, much of it as a commercial fisherman out of St Ives and Newlyn, he has also skippered pleasure boats from St Ives for the past decade. He currently works in Falmouth on the tugboats.
He said: “I’d like to say a special thank you to Matt Parr, Robin Langford, and the rest of the crew for all their help. Without them it wouldn’t have been possible.”
