Carrybridge RNLI Volunteers Successfully Complete Shore and Boat Crew Passouts
Carrybridge Lifeboat Station is proud to announce that six of its dedicated shore crew members have completed their shore side assessments. Two boat crew have also completed Tier 2 assessments which signify they are fully trained boat crew, a significant milestone in their lifesaving journey.
The assessments conducted by Stephen McNulty, Plant and Machinery Trainer, and Sean Ginnelly, Coastal Lifeboat Trainer. Both assessors had travelled up from Achill Island to conduct the assessments on behalf of the RNLI.
The Shore side assessments were completed by Emma Burton who completed her Head Launcher and Launch Vehicle Driver passouts, Stevie Somerville who completed his Head Launcher passout, Richard Neely, Eamonn McManus, Douglas McFarland and Matthew Maguire who completed their Shore Crew passouts. The Head Launcher is the person in command of the Launch and Recovery of the lifeboat, making sure everything is completed in a safe manner. The Launch Vehicle Driver is the person driving the tractor and follows the instructions from the Head Launcher to make sure the lifeboat is manoeuvred correctly. The role of the Shore Crew is to maintain a watch on the areas of the tractor, trailer and boat not visible to either the Head Launcher or Launch Vehicle Driver and to assist with all areas of the Launch and Recovery process including refuelling and wash down of the boat after every launch.
Eamonn McManus also completed his Tier 2 passout as did Ronnie Heslop. These take place in the classroom and also afloat on Upper Lough Erne and last three hours per person which rigorously evaluate the volunteers’ skills across a wide range of operational areas. Tasks include towing, man overboard procedures, emergency drills, helming, maritime theory, and other essential lifesaving skills. This final pass-out assessment represents the culmination of more than two years of intensive training. All the volunteers have logged hundreds of hours in afloat exercises, hands-on sessions, and active service calls in all conditions.
Carrybridge RNLI continues to train volunteers in various roles, both afloat and ashore, to the highest standards as part of its mission to save lives on Lough Erne.
Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Lifeboat Training Coordinator noted, “I am very happy with the time and commitment taken by all the newly qualified crew who have reached this milestone on the lifeboat journey. All the crew completed their tasks to an extremely high standard during their final passout, and I wish them every success in their further progression.”
Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at the station says, “I would like to thank all the crew who have passed these assessments. We are very fortunate to have a really dedicated volunteer crew at our station, and I’m delighted that today we celebrate Emma, Stevie, Richard, Douglas, Matthew, Eamonn and Ronnie reaching this significant landmark. RNLI crew train to an extremely high standard and devote a lot of their time to our charity. This has paid off with their latest achievements which enables them to progress to the next level of training within the RNLI.”
Ends
Photo Detail
Photograph credit: Stephen Scott Carrybridge RNLI
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Chris Cathcart, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07595895908, email [email protected] or Stephen Scott, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07786228968, email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 00353 876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 00353 871254124 or [email protected]
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For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and in a normal year has 11 lifeguarded beaches which it operates seasonally. 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, the charity has saved over 142,700 lives.
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.