Why did you join HM Coastguard?
After searching for a career change from working in operations at Shoreham Port, Fin interviewed for a full-time role at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), where someone recommended Fin look into applying to become a Coastguard Rescue Officer (CRO).
He says: “As it turned out, I finished CRO water training on a Sunday and started a full-time position at the MCA on the Monday. Acronym overload!”
What is the most unusual incident you have attended?
“The most unusual incident I supported was during the famous Brighton Pride event. As you can imagine, the occasion can bring with it a wide variety of shouts, considering proximity to the beach and the sheer number of people in the city.”
What is the most challenging part of your role?
During the summer months, Fin says that the frequency of shouts goes up significantly. “We see many people ‘down from London’, enjoying a day off or a holiday to the coast,” he says.
“The most challenging thing about the coming summer season is getting home, getting changed and back into bed, only for the pager to go for fourth or even fifth time that night.
Nonetheless, it’s important to bring a fresh perspective to each shout – even if they’re in such quick succession!”
Which local beach is your favourite and why?
“The local beach down the road from where I live in Hove is great in early summer; midweek evening BBQs with friends… When it’s quiet, these are quite hard to beat!”
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the team?
Fin says he enjoys being a member of Shoreham Coastguard Rescue Team because people can be from all stages of life, and all share their expertise and knowledge to improve the team’s work and wisdom.
What does being a Coastguard mean to you and what new skills have you learned?
“An essential lesson is being able to follow instructions while in a high stress environment,” says Fin. “Under pressure, it can be very difficult to maintain that concentration, but we train for it. Listening to that one voice is critical for the team.”
Delivering a high quality of primary care, while remaining calm in high stakes situations is one of the skills he’s developed during his time in the team. “On a practical note, thick Winter socks can transform your foot comfort during the colder winter months,” he adds.
"There are just so many things!” she adds. “I think really, being a Coastguard has made me much more confident about doing things I haven’t done before. It’s very dynamic, too.
“Years ago, I wouldn't have thought I could do water rescue training, but I pushed myself and managed it.”
When you’re not a CRO, what do you enjoy doing?
Beyond his role at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and as CRO at Shoreham Coastguard Rescue Team, Fin trains in triathlon disciplines, where he’s competed in some of the hardest triathlon courses in the world.
He says: “I’m currently building up to completing a full iron man distance. Location to be confirmed, but hopefully somewhere warm, so unlikely the UK! I’ve also recently started playing Padel.
“It’s a racket sport thought to originate from Mexico that’s sweeping through tennis and sports centres. It’s highly addictive, I’d recommend people give it a go!”
