Successful training and assessments for Lough Derg RNLI volunteers
Volunteers at Lough Derg RNLI are celebrating the achievements of their fellow crew who have successfully passed a number of assessments following months of training.
Ciara Lynch is now a fully qualified crew member, while James Corballis has passed out as a navigator on the inshore lifeboat, and Mary Hurley has completed and passed her training as a Launch Authority.
Earlier this month, as part of what is known as a Tier 2 assessment, Ciara Lynch completed a theory exam on shore followed by a detailed assessment afloat that included helming the lifeboat, anchoring and veering, RADAR, recovering a person overboard and other emergency procedures. The achievement is a crucial milestone in a crew member’s training.
During the de-brief, Sean Ginnelly, RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer, gave Ciara the great news that she had successfully passed out as a Tier 2 crew, thus making her a qualified RNLI crew member. Ciara’s success reflects the months of classroom and afloat training in preparation for her assessment.
Living in Dromineer, Ciara became a volunteer with Lough Derg RNLI in the summer of 2021. She works as a primary school teacher, teaching 1st Class in Crinkill National School in Birr. She was encouraged to join the RNLI by her father Pat who served as a Launch Authority at the station for 10 years.
‘I always wanted to support a charity,’ Ciara says, ‘but never previously had the time. Covid changed everything and I enrolled after seeing my friends and neighbours also volunteering with the RNLI. I had no boating experience before joining the lifeboat station team, but I have learned so much in the last few years being a volunteer. I absolutely love being part of the station and especially being a crew member. I love being able to help people and I have learned so much. The crew in Lough Derg are amazing. I have met so many new people through the RNLI too.’
Meanwhile, crew member James Corballis sat an hour long written paper, before going afloat for his assessment on the water to become a navigator.
Afloat, James was given numerous scenarios and challenges that included plotting a route to search and assist two casualties reported to be in the water, and once on scene plotting various search patterns. James had detailed assessments of the use of all the electronic navigation aids onboard the lifeboat, as well as initiating alternative navigation with systems failure scenarios. James was also assessed on navigation by RADAR in simulated dense fog.
Demonstrating exceptional skill and knowledge throughout his assessment, James passed his assessment; the culmination of months of training, on and off the water.
James works as a sound engineer. He became a volunteer with Galway RNLI in 2020. Living close to the station there, he was aware of all the work the charity does. His grandmother was also an active fundraiser for Clogherhead RNLI and so from an early age there has been a strong family connection to the RNLI.
James, a keen sailor and boatman, transferred to Lough Derg RNLI in 2024 when he relocated to the area: ‘I already had my sea legs and Yachtmaster Offshore, but I have learned so much more since; the local knowledge and years of experience that is passed down from the helms and crew during training and shouts is invaluable. It has been a steep but rewarding and enjoyable learning curve, covering everything from casualty care to radar’.
Mary Hurley, a community nurse, also sat an assessment to successfully pass out as Launch Authority. A keen sailor she joined Lough Derg Yacht Club in 2023.
‘After returning to Ireland after a few decades in the UK, I decided to immerse myself in the community and get involved in a meaningful way. When Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager suggested I volunteer for the RNLI, I got involved in April 2024. It has been an interesting experience to be involved in such a respected organisation and knowing that I make a small difference is the reward. I have great respect for the other volunteers and their skills experience and this is what keeps me involved’.
As an RNLI Launch Authority, Mary help save lives on Lough Derg by carrying out the day to day management of the lifeboat station to ensure a permanent state of readiness for service. In this role, Mary authorises the launch of the lifeboat, provides leadership in the absence of the Lifeboat Operations Manager or as delegated, and ensures that all operational activities are carried out to maintain the lifeboats and all associated equipment.
Ends
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For more information, please contact Eleanor Hooker, Lough Derg RNLI volunteer helm and Lifeboat Press Officer on 0877535207 or
[email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected] or Treasa Ni Bhraonain, RNLI Communications Placement on 0874764436 or
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Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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