A woman from Swanage in Dorset, who’s spent her working life designing lifeboats has won an international award which celebrates those who have served as a beacon of excellence in the maritime search and rescue community.
Dr Holly Phillips MBE has been announced as the winner of the Women in Search and Rescue award at the annual International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Awards which recognise lifesavers from around the world.
Holly Phillips RNLI principal naval architect met King Charles, when he was the Prince of Wales, at the RNLI’s HQ in Poole in 2021
RNLI principal naval architect
Holly recently retired in 2024, following 21 years of service at the RNLI in Poole, initially as a naval architect and latterly as principal naval architect.
During her career, she 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 has saved many lives.
This work led to Holly being made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in The Queen’s Honours list in 2014.
Holly Phillips (centre) with her mother and sister at Windsor Castle after receiving her MBE in 2014
“Many wonderful opportunities”
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 search and rescue 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.”
Holly (far right) at the Super Vets championship in Swanage 2023
Popular member of Swanage Sea Rowing
Alongside her professional life, Holly joined the RNLI Poole crew in 1992, serving for many years.
She is also a popular and well respected member of the Swanage Sea Rowing club, where she participates as a women’s crew member, a racing cox for the men’s teams and as a rowing coach.
In a podcast for the RNLI, Holly described how she spent much of her childhood visiting her grandfather, who had one of the coastguard cottages near to the Swanage Lifeboat Station.
She said this is where she got her love for the water, in it, on it and under it!
Holly says she fell in love with the water during childhood holidays to Swanage
“Selflessness and dependability”
RNLI’s head of asset management Neil Chaplin said:
“We’re thrilled that IMRF has 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.”
Further information
- Listen to Holly on the RNLI 200 Voices podcast
