Falmouth RNLI Volunteer Shares Lifesaving Lessons from Finland Exchange

International Collaboration in Lifeboat Training

Tamara Brookes, a dedicated volunteer crew member from Falmouth RNLI, has returned from an eye-opening week in Finland, where she participated in the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme.

The programme, now in its 10th year, provides a platform for search and rescue organisations across the globe to share knowledge and practical skills. Tamara was one of six RNLI crew members selected to represent the charity, joining participants from countries including Australia, New Zealand, and Madeira. Each RNLI member was assigned to a different country, with Tamara hosted by the Finnish Lifeboat Institution.

Five Days of Packed Learning and Training

Tamara’s time in Finland involved five intensive days of collaboration and hands-on training alongside crew members from Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, and Iceland. The programme emphasised running through real-world scenarios to test coordination and operational skills.

Describing the experience, Tamara said, “It was an exhilarating, interesting and inspiring experience, so much was fitted in. They were a wonderful bunch of people and the volunteer spirit was the common thing between us all.”

One memorable exercise involved simulating the rescue of a casualty with a suspected spinal injury. The participants worked together to locate and assist the casualty, transferring them safely to shore while providing care. Tamara highlighted the efficiency and teamwork during the exercise, saying, “Between us, we just all fell into a role. We communicated very easily and efficiently and despite being strangers, we all worked very collaboratively and your training really comes out.”

Representing Falmouth RNLI on the Global Stage

Tamara has been with Falmouth RNLI for seven years, starting as a trainee crew member and qualifying as a helm on the station’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat last December. Reflecting on her experience, she praised the adaptability and commitment of her international counterparts, noting their ability to navigate the programme in a second language.

“It was very dynamic and you were thrown in at the deep end,” she added, underlining the challenges and rewards of the exchange.

The IMRF Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme continues to strengthen global search and rescue operations, enabling organisations to share best practices and foster cross-border collaboration.

Photo: Tamara Brookes at Falmouth Lifeboat Station – Credit: RNLI/Simon Culliford

Photo: Tamara on the exchange in Finland – Credit: Jaakko Heikkila