New coxswain qualifies for RNLI Lerwick

Lifeboats News Release

Lerwick Coxswain, Stephen Manson, has officially completed his training and passed out today as a qualified RNLI coxswain.

Standing, from left to right - Stephen Manson; Tommy Goudie, Second Coxswain; and Davie Orr, RNLI Assessor.

RNLI Lerwick

(L to R) Stephen Manson; Tommy Goudie, Second Coxswain; and Davie Orr, RNLI Assessor
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

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.