Richard Drabwell
Weymouth,Dorset
Summary
Dedicated professional with over 16 years' experience in safety-critical and highly regulated environments. Progressed into senior instructional and operational roles, developing strong skills in supervision, clear communication, and maintaining discipline under pressure. Currently a Berthing Officer at Weymouth Harbour (since 2022), responsible for patrols, enforcing regulations, incident response, and working effectively with the public and emergency services. Also a volunteer Weymouth Lifeboat crew member, demonstrating resilience, teamwork, and calm decision-making in demanding situations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Berthing Officer
Weymouth Harbour
Weymouth, Dorset
2022.08 - 2026.02
- Oversaw daily harbour operations, including berthing/unberthing and vessel traffic management.
- Conducted patrols to ensure compliance with safety standards and effective incident response.
- Maintained marine equipment and infrastructure to support operational readiness.
- Trained staff in powerboat operation, assessing competencies in safe marine handling.
Senior Watersports Leadership & Instructional Roles
PGL Travel Ltd
Osmington Bay, UK · La Fosca, Spain · Ross-on-Wye, UK
2009.01 - 2022.01
- Progressed from instructor to Chief Instructor across multiple UK and international centres.
- Managed watersports departments, overseeing teams, rotas, fleet operations, and on-water safety protocols.
- Delivered sailing and windsurfing instruction, including staff training and safety briefings.
- Ensured compliance with safety standards by maintaining equipment and facilities.
Seasonal Resort Staff
Mark Warner
2010.09 - 2010.11
- Built strong rapport with clients, ensured return visits due to exceptional service quality.
- Demonstrated watersports techniques, provided visual learning opportunities for students.
- Communicated effectively with participants ensuring understanding of safety protocols at all times.
- Adhered strictly to health and safety regulations, minimised risk of injury during activities.
Activities Co-ordinator / Assistant House Parent
New College Worcester
Worcester
2012.01 - 2014.01
- Delivered inclusive activities and supported student welfare in a residential setting.
- Developed innovative programmes to boost participant engagement.
- Conducted regular assessments of each resident's needs, tailoring activities accordingly.
- Assisted in residents' personal development with carefully planned educational programmes.
- Provided emotional support to participants during challenging or strenuous activities.
- Fostered a positive environment through the organisation of team-building exercises.
Child Care Worker
Esprit Ski Holidays
2010.01 - 2011.01
- Implemented daily exercise routines, enhancing physical development of the children.
- Completed daily reports on each child's progress, enabling parents to track their child’s development effectively.
- Demonstrated empathy towards child problems, fostering trustful relationships.
- Addressed parents' questions regarding childcare strategies to reassure them about their ward's well-being.
Casual Lifeguard
Various Employers
Worcester
2007.01 - 2010.01
- Ensured public safety and responded to incidents during swimming sessions.
- Coordinated with other lifeguards for efficient work flow during peak hours.
- Carried out daily operational checks of equipment for optimal performance.
Education
GCSEs -
Nunnery Wood High School
Worcester 09/2001 - 06/2007
BTEC National Diploma - Sport (Outdoor Education)
Hartpury College
GloucestershireDegree - Youth and Community Work
University of Worcester
09/2012 - 03/2015
Skills
- Experience working in secure, safety-critical environments
- Calm, confident communicator able to manage challenging behaviour
- Strong ability to assess risk, follow procedures
- Effective team member with experience working shifts and responding to incidents
- Experience working with diverse and vulnerable individuals
- Physically and mentally resilient; disciplined approach to demanding roles
- Full UK Driving Licence; competent driving vans and fleet vehicles
References
References available upon request.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
- Weymouth Lifeboat, Volunteer Crew Member, Current, Operate in high-pressure, risk-critical environments requiring calm judgement and adherence to strict procedures, Respond to emergency incidents, working as part of a disciplined, hierarchical team, Communicate clearly and assertively during incidents involving distressed or uncooperative individuals,
Maintain situational awareness and follow safety, security, and compliance protocols at all times, Participate in ongoing training to meet operational and safeguarding standards
- Scout Leader, Scout Leader, Worcester, Supervised and supported young people in structured group settings, Maintained clear boundaries, authority, and consistency while encouraging positive behaviour, Managed challenging behaviour calmly and fairly, using de-escalation and problem-solving skills, Planned activities in line with organisational rules, safeguarding policies, and risk assessments
- New College Worcester, Support Volunteer, Worcester, Supported blind and partially sighted young people in unfamiliar environments, Assisted with mobility, communication, and social interaction while promoting independence, Demonstrated patience, emotional resilience, and professionalism when working with vulnerable individuals, Built trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
Certification
- RYA Senior Instructor (Dinghy Sailing, Windsurfing, Multihull, Keelboat)
- Commercially Endorsed Powerboat Qualifications (PB2, Safety Boat, Intermediate Powerboat)
- Powerboat Instructor
- CAS Care First Aid (RNLI)
- STCW Personal Survival Techniques
- Health and Safety Level 3
- Oil Spill Response
- Professional Practices and Responsibilities
- Day Skipper (Theory)
- VHF/DSC Radio Certificate of Competence
- ML5 Medical Certification
- Full UK Driving Licence
Timeline
Berthing Officer
Weymouth Harbour
2022.08 - 2026.02
Activities Co-ordinator / Assistant House Parent
New College Worcester
2012.01 - 2014.01
Seasonal Resort Staff
Mark Warner
2010.09 - 2010.11
Child Care Worker
Esprit Ski Holidays
2010.01 - 2011.01
Senior Watersports Leadership & Instructional Roles
PGL Travel Ltd
2009.01 - 2022.01
Casual Lifeguard
Various Employers
2007.01 - 2010.01
GCSEs -
Nunnery Wood High School
09/2001 - 06/2007
BTEC National Diploma - Sport (Outdoor Education)
Hartpury College
Degree - Youth and Community Work
University of Worcester
09/2012 - 03/2015