
First of the month on call for Josh as Portree RNLI mechanic
A volunteer crew member from Portree RNLI is marking the start of his new chapter with the RNLI after passing out as a mechanic.
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:
- Portree Lifeboat Station was established in 1991 and operates a Trent class all-weather lifeboat – ‘Stanley Watson Barker’. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to:
https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/portree-lifeboat-station
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RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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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.
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