Donate now

First of the month on call for Josh as Portree RNLI mechanic

Lifeboats News Release

A volunteer crew member from Portree RNLI is marking the start of his new chapter with the RNLI after passing out as a mechanic.

A picture of new mechanic Josh Masson with full time station mechanic John "Clanky" Nicolson and lifeboat Stanley Watson Barker in the background.

RNLI/Robert MacInnes

Josh Masson (left) and John "Clanky" Nicolson (right) with lifeboat Stanley Watson Barker in the background.

Josh Masson, from Portree, has successfully completed the training to become a mechanic onboard the island’s Trent-class lifeboat, Stanley Watson Barker.

The role of mechanic comes with responsibilities including starting up the engines before an emergency launch or training exercise, and monitoring machinery while the vessel is at sea.

For Josh, the start of December will mark the beginning of his first month and winter as a mechanic at Portree RNLI.

Josh says: 'Since I joined the volunteer crew in February 2021, I knew that I wanted to train to be a station mechanic. Although challenging at times, I enjoyed the training, which involved courses at the RNLI College in Poole and at home in Portree. I’ve also carried out a lot of training alongside current station mechanics John “Clanky” Nicolson and Stuart Nicolson.

'I really enjoy being part of the volunteer crew at Portree RNLI. It's a good bunch of folk and I like being able to give something back to the community and the island. I’m excited for this next step as part of the RNLI.'

John “Clanky” Nicolson, who has been the full-time station mechanic at Portree RNLI since 1999, says:

'I’m glad to have Josh onboard – he’s enthusiastic and willing to work hard. With an extra mechanic at the station, it will help to bolster the necessary crewing requirements to keep the lifeboat in active service. On behalf of all the crew, I’d like to congratulate Josh on passing out as a mechanic.'

The RNLI is the charity that has been saving lives at sea for 200 years in 2024. The volunteer crews are ready to respond to calls for help 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

RNLI media contacts

Robert MacInnes, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Tom McGuire, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland and Ireland, 00353 87 476 4436, [email protected]

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

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

John "Clanky" Nicolson and Josh Masson pictured inside Portree lifeboat station.

RNLI/Robert MacInnes

John "Clanky" Nicolson and Josh Masson.
Stanley Watson Barker moored in Portree.

RNLI/Robert MacInnes

Stanley Watson Barker moored in Portree.

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 146,000 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.

Categories