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 one of the original full-time crew at Gravesend and started with the RNLI in 2001 as Helmsman. Prior to working with the RNLI He worked for Trinity House Lighthouse Service maintaining navigational aids, surveying and wreck marking around the coasts of England, Wales and Ireland for 9 and 1/2 years. Jason is also a retained fire fighter with Kent Fire and Rescue, he has served his community for over 12years, he is currently in the role of Crew Manager. Jason is also a RYA power boat level II instructor and is involved in ship firefighting training and teaching basic fire awareness.

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 continues 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 is a First Aid and RYA Powerboat Instructor.

Crew Member Tina Smith

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 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, who works for BT, 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, surfing and windsurfing.

Crew member Chris Maher

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

Crew member Stewart Challis

Stewart Joined the crew in September 2008. When not on Lifeboat duties Stewart is a Civil Servant and works in IT support. He is also an Officer in the local Sea Cadet unit in Gravesend where he developed his interest in boating.

Crew member Roy King

Roy, 50, lives with his wife Heidi and their 3 children, two sons and a daughter. He is a Firefighter with London Fire Brigade where he has worked for the last 25 years. Roy has been a keen sailor for many years and his hobbies include cycling, fishing and keeping fit.