Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Successfully Completes Head Launcher Passout

The passout was conducted by Stephen McNulty, Plant and Machinery Trainer, who had travelled up from Achill Island on behalf of the RNLI. 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.

As ILB Head Launcher, he will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of ILB launch and recovery. This role includes managing the shore crew and coordinating with the Launch Vehicle Driver to ensure smooth and efficient operations. Nigel volunteered for many years as an Inshore Lifeboat Crew member before moving to the shore side roles and has already completed Shore Crew, Launch Vehicle Driver and Launch Authority passouts.

Following his passout Nigel said: “I’m delighted to have successfully completed all my current training roles at Carrybridge RNLI. I’ve been involved in the station in various roles over the years and really enjoy the camaraderie with the rest of the crew when we meet every Thursday evening for our weekly training exercise. We work together as OneCrew to deliver a 24/7 lifesaving service on Lough Erne and it’s a pleasure to be able to help other people in their time of need.”

Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Lifeboat Training Coordinator noted, “'Having another trained ILB Head Launcher strengthens our capability and enhances our overall efficiency. I’d like to congratulate Nigel and extend my thanks to everyone who played a part throughout his training.”

Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at the station says, “Nigel has volunteered in our station since February 2008 and we’d like to thank him for his outstanding commitment throughout his time thus far with the RNLI. In these 17 years he has operated as ILB Boat Crew, Rescue Water Craft Operator and Casualty Care roles as well as those mentioned above. Nigel completed this passout to an extremely high standard and I’m delighted that today we mark this landmark in his lifesaving journey. Our crew train to an extremely high standard and devote a lot of their time to this charity.”

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]

RNLI online

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.