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Two Fowey RNLI volunteer crew qualify as mechanics

Lifeboats News Release

On January 17 and 18 two volunteer crew members from Fowey lifeboat station passed out as qualified operational mechanics, trained for duty on the station’s Trent class all-weather lifeboat.

Fowey RNLI

Oli Luck

Oli Luck and Peter Parry are both currently inshore lifeboat and all-weather lifeboat (ALB) crew, Pete having served at Fowey RNLI for six years and Oli with four years service in Fowey.

Commenting on his achievement Oli said: ‘Becoming an ALB mechanic has been one of my main aspirations since joining the crew. I have always thought duty mechanic was a highly respected role and am proud to be part of that team.’

Operational mechanics provide cover for the lifeboat. The all-weather lifeboat cannot launch without a duty mechanic onboard. As mechanics, they are trained to start and stop the boat, manage emergency procedures and deal with minor defects in the engine operating machinery. While at sea the mechanic is responsible for fire safety and fire emergency procedures, rectifying minor mechanical problems and ensuring that equipment is running safely.

Fowey lifeboat Coxswain, Jonathan Pritchard said: ‘The mechanic is an important role on a lifeboat, as with any large ship, it can’t go to sea without a mechanic onboard. Oli and Pete have worked hard and applied themselves very well in training. They received some instruction at the RNLI college in Poole and a lot of practical training, experience and shadowing of other mechanics during our regular training exercises on the all-weather lifeboat. Congratulations to both of them on their achievement.’

Fowey RNLI

Pete Parry

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.

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