Thames Commander (Chiswick) Internal only
Salary £39,608 -£46,597 (dependent on experience) Allowance London (Inner) £3520 Contract type Permanent Hours Full Time Additional information 42 hours per week Location Chiswick, London, England Location description Chiswick Lifeboat Station Interview date w/c 6th October Closing Date 16-09-2025 Reference 20144 Documents (please view all documents)
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Internal vacancy
The RNLI actively promotes continuous development within the organisation and is only seeking applications from current RNLI employees and volunteers at this time. If this position is not filled internally it may be re-advertised openly. #LI-DNI
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. Thames Lifeboats continue to make a huge difference to the safety of people living in the Capital.
We’re looking for a Commander to join our Lifeboat Station at Chiswick. To be part of this team, you’ll need to keep a cool head and be confident making decisions under stressful situations, to lead and inspire our volunteers. The safety of the crew is your responsibility and whether you launch or not will be your call. Upholding the high standards of the RNLI and the smooth, day-to-day running of the station will also be under your command.
The Benefits
2. Salary - £39,608 - £46,597 (dependent on experience)
3. 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for this role)
4. Outstanding pension scheme (contributions of up to 16% of basic salary).
5. Life assurance
Your role
As Thames Commander you will be responsible for the operational effectiveness and safety of the lifeboat, people and working environment whilst you are on command duty. You will carry out command duties, leadership and support duties both afloat and ashore, including working within the community. Role also includes:
6. Proactively supporting the safe and effective lifesaving service in line with the requirements of Line 1 assurance
7. Conducting scheduled Planned Maintenance and repairs ensuring that all lifesaving assets are maintained to a high standard in line with RNLI policy and procedures whilst also ensuring that the lifeboat station is also kept maintained to a high standard
8. Adhering to and promoting compliance with all QSHE policies and procedures, ensuring instructions issued by the RNLI and Station Manager are carried out
9. Training, assessing and developing station volunteers in their relevant development plans to ensure they are ready and safe to respond to incidents whilst ensuring your own competencies and qualifications are maintained
10. Involvement with Water Safety, assisting Water Safety Teams within the local community and within South East area 1 by contributing to the Community Lifesaving Plan, delivering interventions, education and advice to various groups and individuals using the RNLI (F)RISE model.
11. Building effective relationships and supporting others around the station and create an open and truly inclusive environment for all staff, volunteers and supporters by consistently demonstrating the RNLI Values
About you
As a Thames Commander, “Rules of the Road”, navigation, seamanship and handling very fast vessels up to 15 metres in length will all be familiar territory. You will need to hold a relevant certificate of competence and be familiar with local waters.
To be considered, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:
12. The ability to lead, motivate and bring out the best in our volunteer crew and staff
13. Qualified to a minimum equivalent of the Royal Yacht Association Advanced Powerboat qualification, safely operate/handle vessels up to 15 metres in length with the ability to gain operational pass out as a Thames Commander (impeccable boat-handing is required)
14. Extensive maritime experience and knowledge of SAR operations, navigation, local bylaws and the International Regulations Prevention of Collision at Sea.
15. Experience of maintaining and operating high speed marine engines and their ancillary systems.
So, if you are ready for your next exciting challenge and consider yourself to be someone who is a natural leader who can inspire and motivate a team of dedicated people, please apply via the button shown.
As this is a sea-going appointment, you will need to satisfy the Institution's medical and eyesight standards.