PORTHCAWL RNLI volunteer Philip Missen MBE is stepping down from the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager at Porthcawl having joined the RNLI as a volunteer on 19th April 1974 at 20 years of age.
It was during the early 1990s that it became evident the ‘D’ class lifeboat and the boathouse were in need of updating. Also, with the growing number of callouts, a larger inshore lifeboat was needed. Philip along with two other crew members argued the case and in 1996, the boathouse used today was opened to house the charity’s brand new larger inshore lifeboat, Atlantic 75 B726 Giles.
In 1998, Philip became Honorary Secretary on 1st May and in June 1998 he was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the RNLI. Nowadays, the role of Honorary Secretary has become Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM).
Life as a LOM is not always smooth running and it has its ups and downs. Philip said: ‘I am very proud of the volunteers I have worked with since taking on the responsibility of Lifeboat Operations Manager. Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and employments and all live in our town.
“My two sons are both helms at the station and two other crew from Porthcawl have gone on to work full time for the RNLI. We have four helms who have been awarded RNLI medals in recent years- along with their crews receiving letters of merit for their bravery.
“Our patch is one of the most dangerous of all 238 lifeboat stations and one of my hardest and fortunately rare decisions is having to say no to our boats launching when I know there is someone in danger at sea and the sea and weather conditions are beyond the operating limits of our inshore lifeboats. This is rare and our rescues have been many and varied.
“I have had the honour of hosting members of the Royal family and RNLI executives at our station over the years.
“It was a great privilege that our new D Class lifeboat D861 Hugo Missen was named in memory of my grandson in 2022. Hugo lost his courageous fight against cancer aged just 15 months in December 2016. Difficult times and darkness fell over the family and station when Hugo became ill. D Class Hugo Missen is now saving lives and the light at the station shines bright again as the brass plaque on the lifeboat glitters, the light shines through the darkness.
“My time as LOM ends due to my age and I have no say over that but I will remain a volunteer here for as long as I am able. I have a variety of jobs to look forward to, none operational, but satisfying in a different way.”
Launch Authority, Aileen Jones MBE said: “Philip has been like a big brother to me and a great support over the years, especially around the time when I received the RNLI’s bronze medal.”
The chair of the Lifeboat Management Group, Ian Stroud said: “During Philip’s time as Lifeboat Operational Manager, RNLI statistics confirmed there have been 1,500 launches to casualties, 263 lives saved and 1,532 people aided.This is a record Philip can be very proud of, as 263 families have not lost a loved one.
“With the exemplary record Philip has earned as Lifeboat Operation Manager, I am delighted to learn that he has just been awarded a Mayor’s Citizenship Award 2024 for his role at Porthcawl RNLI.”
A spokesperson for Bridgend RNLI Lifeguards said: “It’s been an honour to work alongside Phil Missen, LOM at Porthcawl RNLI since we began patrols in Porthcawl in 2016.
“Phil has served the RNLI for 50 years, 26 of which were as LOM (previously Hon Sec) of Porthcawl station. Under his leadership the station has saved 263 lives.
“Phil has always been a fantastic supporter of our lifeguards and has commended them on numerous occasions for their work. (On a personal note I know that Phil doesn’t give out praise easily and will always speak his mind!)
“A huge thank you to Phil from the Bridgend RNLI Lifeguards, we hope you enjoy your retirement.
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