Loch Ness RNLI passes out three volunteers as new Launch Authorities

Launch Authorities are a critical part of an RNLI lifeboat station as the volunteers who receive the first contact from HM Coastguard and those responsible for making the decision to launch a lifeboat. Launch Authorities also ensure the crew is tasked appropriately and assist the Lifeboat Operations Manager with the day-to-day management of the station.

Alasdair, Andrew and Graham joined the crew in August 2024 as trainee Launch Authorities and began their training as shore crew ensuring equipment is maintained and that the lifeboat is fuelled and in a constant state of readiness to respond.

Alasdair Fraser, volunteer Launch Authority says: ‘A friend and active crew member encouraged me to get involved. As I have a small yacht on the loch, I’ve spent many hours on the water and am well aware of its unpredictability. My appreciation for the RNLI began when I was younger, sailing to France on another small yacht. There were times when no land or other vessels were in sight—just endless sea—and I became acutely aware of how vulnerable we were. Knowing the RNLI was there if needed brought a deep sense of reassurance which has stayed with me ever since.Training to become a Launch Authority has been a rewarding journey and I’m proud to have completed the training and to be supporting the crew in their incredibly important role.’

Andrew Griffin, volunteer Launch Authority says: ‘I visited the Loch Ness lifeboat station to learn more about the crew and the role, after being invited by a friend who was a crew member. I was keen to join and get involved at the station. As a retired officer in the RAF, I had some search and rescue experience but working with the lifeboat has been a new experience. I enjoy the RNLI’s teamwork ethos which was also very important in my previous role. I feel really proud to have passed out as a Launch Authority and to be part of Loch Ness RNLI’s One Crew.’

Graham Fraser, volunteer Launch Authority says: ‘One of the other Launch Authorities who is a friend of mine suggested that I potentially had the right skills to take on the role as a retired police officer. The training was very detailed and thorough and went into so much depth that I instantly felt reassured that I could deal with any situation. As a non-swimmer with low confidence in the water, I’m more than happy to remain on land and support the rest of the boat crew as one of the new Launch Authorities.’

The Launch Authority assessment involved an hour-long practical exam with a Coastal Lifeboat Trainer which covered risk assessment, launch decision-making and scenario-based tasks. The passing out of Alasdair, Andrew and Graham takes the tally of volunteer Launch Authorities at Loch Ness RNLI to six.

Joanna Stebbings, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Loch Ness RNLI lifeboat station, says: ‘We are delighted that Alasdair, Andrew and Graham have passed out as volunteer Launch Authorities. This is a great achievement and testament to the time and dedication they have put into training for the role. Thanks must also go to our other three Launch Authorities and crew members who supported Alasdair, Andrew and Graham in their training and learning.’

Notes to editors

· Loch Ness lifeboat station was established in 2008

· Situated on the northern shore of the iconic Loch Ness, lifeboat station volunteers operate in a unique, inland environment

· To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/loch-ness-lifeboat-station

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Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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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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