Retired RNLI Principal Naval Architect wins #WomenInSAR award

Dr Holly Phillips MBE holding the IMRF #WomenInSAR award © RNLI

Dr Holly Phillips MBE has been announced as the winner of the #WomenInSAR award at the annual International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Awards that recognise volunteer and professional lifesavers from around the world.

The prestigious awards are now in their tenth year and aim to celebrate those who have 'served as a beacon of excellence in the maritime search and rescue community.'

Holly retired from the RNLI Engineering Team earlier this year but her work and contribution to the charity has left an indelible impression.

Following 21 years of service at the RNLI, initially as a Naval Architect and latterly as Principal Naval Architect, Holly was involved in the design, construction, repair, safety and support of almost every lifeboat afloat in the RNLI fleet today.

An expert in naval architecture, Holly was instrumental in the development of the RNLI's E class lifeboat on the Thames in central London, which have saved more lives per asset than any other.

This work led to Holly being made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in The Queen's Honours list in 2014 - which Holly humbly describes as a team effort.

Holly's work and dedication has not only helped to save lives at sea but she has also been a role model for women in engineering, inspiring future generations and mentoring colleagues.

Outside of work, Holly's incredible contribution and commitment to saving lives at sea includes volunteering at Poole RNLI Lifeboat Station and she was also awarded the 1985 Mountbatten Medal of The Royal Life Saving Society for her part in rescuing a friend from the water.

IMRF #WomenInSAR Award winner for 2024, Holly Phillips, said: 'I'm truly honoured and grateful to be recognised by the IMRF and very humbled to be receiving this award. Throughout my RNLI career, I've worked with some fantastic people including engineers and operators as well as some from other SAR organisations. I've been extremely lucky to have had many wonderful opportunities and will be forever grateful, especially when I look back and appreciate how much they and those I worked with, shaped my career and who I am today.'

Neil Chaplin, RNLI's Head of Asset Management, said: 'We're thrilled that IMRF have recognised the hard work, dedication and incredible expertise that Holly contributed to the search and rescue community.

'Holly was always an exemplary representative of the RNLI's values. Her selflessness and dependability have helped other women in engineering and maritime become success stories. We're incredibly grateful and proud of Holly's contribution to the RNLI.'

Holly was interviewed for one the RNLI's episodes in their 200 Voices podcast series, launched to commemorate the rescue charity's bicentenary. Listen here: shorturl.at/cMXyy

The IMRF Awards also has a People's Choice Award, sponsored by Navigate PR. The public can vote for Holly Phillips in this category by following this link: bit.ly/4hKOW5M

The IMRF is a non-governmental, international organisation that aims to support search and rescue organisations. They provide guidance, training and facilitate SAR providers in sharing knowledge and expertise across the IMRF community.