Gravesend Crew

 

Station Manager Ian Dunkley

Ian is the fulltime station manager resposible for running the station. He is also the chairman of the local Sea Cadet unit. 

 

Helmsman Graham Tassell

Graham is one of the original team of fulltime staff here at Gravesend joining in 2002. Before coming to work for the RNLI Graham worked in the motor trade and raced power boats, he was also a member of the Medway Coastguard Rescue Team for 11 years and he is a RYA powerboat and first aid instructor.

 

Helmsman Jason Carroll

Jason is also one of the original full-time crew at Gravesend and startd with the RNLI in 2001. Prior to working with the RNLI He work for Trinity House Lighthouse Service around the coasts of England, Wales and Ireland for 9 and 1/2 years. Jason is also a retained fire fighter,he has served with Kent Fire & Rescue Service for 10 years, he is currently in the position of crew manager.  He also finds time to relax by fishing, walking his German Shepard dog and distance running.

 

Helmsman Dave Parry

Dave has been a Helmsman here at Gravesend since the station opened in 2002. Before becoming a fulltime Lifeboat man Dave was a photocopier engineer as well as being a volunteer helmsman at Whitstable Lifeboat station where he contiues to serve.

 

Helmsman Ian Smith

Ian joined the crew as a volunteer in 2004, and was employed as a full-time helmsman in 2007. He previously  worked as a commercial diver and diving supervisor on civil engineering projects, surveys and general salvage. In addition to his work on the lifeboat Ian is also a Lifesaving Teacher and coaches at a local lifesaving club.

 

Helmsman David Fry

David has been on the crew since the station opened and a full time Helmsman since 2003. Prior to joining the crew David worked alongside Graham in the HM Coastguard. David is an advance RYA sailing and powerboat instructor and when off duty races yachts in his spare time.

 

 

Helmsman Jordan Hill

Jordan joined as a volunteer crew member at Gravesend in 2004, and was appointed as a full-time helmsman in 2007. When he is not on station he owns a RYA Training school. He is also a member of the Medway Coastguard Rescue team.

 

Helmsman Peter Birthright

Pete has worked on the river all his life, five years ago he joined the fulltime staff at Gravesend as a mechanic.

 

Helmsman Dave Greenfield

Dave joined the crew in 2002 as a volunteer and was appointed as a fulltime mechanic in 2004. When not on the lifeboat Dave can be found mountain biking, diving or doing up his house.

 

Crew Member Tina Jarvis

Tina is one of the original volunteers when the station was set up. When she is not crewing the lifeboat Tina enjoys diving and swimming.

 

Crew Member Mike Rountree

Mike is one of two British Telecom staff that volunteer to crew the Gravesend Lifeboat. When not working or crewing the lifeboat Mike can be found diving or surfing on the Cornish Coast.

 

Crew Member Paul Burton

Paul joined the crew here at Gavesend in 2004. When he is not volunteering with the RNLI he is a contracts manager with a specialist roofing company or using his season ticket watching Gillingham Football Club.

 

Crew member Derek Davis

 

Derek joined the Royal Navy in 1976 and trained as a Seaman serving on
Tribal Class Frigates until 1980 when he embarked on a new career in Local Government as a Recreation Manager and Swimming Instructor. In 1989 he joined the Police Force and served in Essex as a Diving Supervisor on the Underwater Search Unit and Marine Units on the Thames and Essex Coast. He presently works for the Ministry of Defence in London and joined the crew at Gravesend in 2004.

 

Crew Member Eamon Fanning

Having worked for over 10 years on coastal boats around the UK, Eamon one of the initial intake of volunteers when the Gravesend station opened. He left to work in the Caribbean for two years but now, working back in London, has rejoined the crew. Unfortunately due to his primary occupation of International Man of Mystery Eamon has ticked the No Publicitybox on his application!!

 

Crew Member Adam Turner

Adam is a Police Officer and a RYA instructor he is one of the volunteer crew members who spends a minimum of two 12 hour shifts every month.

 

Crew Member Kevin Butler

Kev used to race power boats with Graham, he has been on the crew at Gravesend since 2003. When not volunteering for the RNLI Kevin works as a Sales Manager.

 

Crew Member Craig Stowers

Craig has been a crew member here at Gravesend Lifeboat station for the since 2004 when not giving his time up for the RNLI he works for the Port of London as a radio engineer.

 

Crew Member Jon Thornton

Jon Thornton, 43 , lives with his wife and two daughters. He is a Fire officer with London Fire Brigade where he has worked for the last 24 years, he says that he loves getting wet/cold in boats whilst actually helping someone. And that being part of the lifeboat is the best 'hobby' a man can have !!

 

Crew member Tim Wyatt

Tim is one of 35 volunteer crew  members here at Gravesend when he is not giving up his time for the RNLI he can be found diving and windsurfing.

 

Crew member Ricky Smith

Ricky joined the lifeboat station in summer 2006 and when not at the lifeboat station he is a life guard at the local leisure center and trainee gym instructor.

 

Crew member Chris Maher

Chris joined the lifeboat station in summer 2007. He works as a Project Leader in Pharmaceuticals and can be found rock climbing, sailing or judging University Lifesaving Competitions.