Baltic Exchange has had a close affiliation with Salcombe RNLI since 1962. Over the last 64 years, three All Weather Lifeboats have been funded by the generosity of Baltic members and the Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation.

Steve Walter retired from a 35-year career in the City of London in 2023 and is now a volunteer crew member of the current Salcombe All Weather Lifeboat (ALB), The Baltic Exchange III. Here is Steve’s latest update from the Salcombe station.

Things in Salcombe quieten down in the winter months as the holiday makers return home and activity on the water vastly reduces. Shouts become less frequent but if the pager does sound, it comes with the higher likelihood of it being a “commercial” job. Professional mariners are good at getting themselves out of trouble, so if we are called, we know it could have the potential to be a serious incident. A mission deep into the shipping lanes of the English Channel to tow a vessel with engine failure that is a hazard to navigation, an injured fisherman pulled under the water by shooting crab pots or even keeping a coaster off the treacherous headland of Start Point are all notable Salcombe shouts that all occurred mid-winter.

In order to be continually at the top of their game and ready for a shout, the crew spend the winter months honing their skills with weekly exercises. Practicing when it's dark and wet is hard and uncomfortable, but it makes the crew better. There is an operational sea going crew of 30 covering two lifeboats. Getting to know each other and being able to work as a team is vital, and there is no better alternative than being at sea together.

One of the great things about the RNLI is its training programme. Volunteers are able to progress through various levels of shore and deck crew, through navigation and mechanic qualifications and even to deputy Coxswain if the willingness and aptitude is shown. The long winter evenings are a good time to study for these various certifications!

Towards the end of last year, some big news reached Salcombe RNLI. As part of the RNLI’s Lifeboat Fleet Strategy, Salcombe is to have its Tamar class ALB replaced by a brand-new Shannon class lifeboat. The Tamar has been with us here in Salcombe since 2008. The profile of life saving has altered in recent years. Salcombe RNLI are being called to more inshore jobs that require a higher level of manoeuvrability and the ability to navigate in shallow waters. We still have the need to be able to access casualties that are further offshore, and the Shannon class lifeboat has the versatility for us to respond to a wide range of incidents. It is the latest design of ALB’s being built by the RNLI at their dedicated facility in Poole. A jet boat without the need for propellers, it is able to operate in extremely shallow water – something that will no doubt be of benefit when crossing the infamous Salcombe Bar that guards the entrance to the estuary. It has the ability to operate to a range of 250nm at a speed of 25kts, carries a crew of 6 and is fitted out with the latest navigation and communication systems.

It has been confirmed by the RNLI that the name of the new Salcombe Lifeboat will be RNLB The Baltic Exchange IV. This recent news has been met with delight by the crew and the community of Salcombe alike as the tradition of Salcombe lifeboats carrying the Baltic Exchange’s name will continue for many years to come.

Baltic Exchange is currently raising funds for the new vessel and is looking for your support. Every donation, large or small, from our members will help the Baltic and the RNLI deliver this critical vessel.

Help us today by making a donation. On behalf of the Baltic, we want to thank our members around the world for their continued support and to help keep people safe at sea.