TWO RNLI volunteers from Hartlepool travelled to the charity's training centre to take part in its Crew Emergency Procedures course.

Adam Reith and Jake Oates attended the Sea Survival Centre at the RNLI College where they were joined by other volunteer crew members from around the UK and Ireland.

Adam Reith was inspired to join up as a volunteer crew member in 2007 when he watched the local lifeboat crew at Sheringham out at sea on a Sunday morning training exercise. The 28-year-old, who works as a Master of a wind farm vessel, continued to volunteer when he moved to Hartlepool a few years later.

Local business owner and developer Jake Oates joined the volunteers at Hartlepool two years ago.

The 19-year-old said: "It’s one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

"From a simple boat tow job to pulling someone out of the sea it’s great to be part of the crew here."

The course sees volunteer crew being trained in a variety of crucial subjects such as how to deal with fires aboard lifeboats, how to ‘abandon ship’ in the event of an emergency, team survival swimming, coping in a life-raft in simulated darkness, how to right a capsized inshore lifeboat, and the importance of lifejackets. It also includes sessions on the correct use of flares, fire extinguishers and throw bags.

Talking about the training, Mr Reith said: "The training is probably the best you can receive and gives us tremendous confidence to carry out our roles when needed."