New coxswain qualifies for RNLI Lerwick

Stephen has undertaken regular training both in the classroom and at sea over the last six months since his appointment as full-time station coxswain at RNLI Lerwick.

His efforts have been rewarded with a successful pass-out today, after an assessment with the lifeboat and volunteer crew, under the watchful eye of Davie Orr, RNLI Assessor and former Coxswain at RNLI Aberdeen.

Achieving this qualification now means that Stephen can take command of the Severn-class All-Weather lifeboat when requested to launch, being responsible for the crew, the vessel and any casualties.

Training units in recent months have covered all the required skills including – search and rescue planning, emergency procedures, command navigation, and towing and anchoring. Stephen has spent extra time at sea throughout the summer, training with crew, completing study units, and has attended training courses at the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset.

Stephen’s local mentor has been Tommy Goudie, Second Coxswain, and a member of the volunteer crew, who completed his coxswain’s qualification in 2015.

Tommy said: “Stephen has worked hard this summer to achieve this qualification in the six months since he began his training. It’s been an intense period for him – and on occasions for the crew as well. We’re all pleased to see him pass out today as an RNLI coxswain. The RNLI is a charity and we’re grateful for the donations and fundraising which has met the costs of Stephen’s training, so that we’re ready to help save lives at sea.”

ENDS

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