Joining the crew just 12 months ago, Susan's rapid rise from a new recruit to a certified mechanic is a testament to her pure determination and dedication.
An afloat mechanic in the RNLI is a volunteer role and ensures the operational readiness and safety of lifeboats while at sea by performing maintenance, repairs, and fault-finding. They support the
full-time station mechanic, conduct emergency procedure drills, and ensure all systems are functioning correctly. Their role is crucial for the immediate deployment of lifeboats during emergencies. The lifeboat cannot launch without a mechanic onboard.
Susan is now the first female mechanic in the history of Dunmore East RNLI volunteers.
To achieve this, a volunteer must complete a comprehensive training program that includes training on lifeboat operations and safety, advanced mechanical courses on engine, electrical, and hydraulic systems, and intensive fault-finding and troubleshooting practice. They must also undergo emergency procedures training, on-the-job experience with the full-time station mechanic, and specialised courses at the RNLI Training College in Poole, UK. This amounts to literally hundreds of hours of training and practice, all in their spare time, usually sacrificing annual leave and weekends to make the grade.
The assessment involved two rigorous aspects: a fault-finding session, where the RNLI assessor created faults and scenarios on the boat that Susan had to identify and fix, followed by an afloat test, where all emergency procedures were drilled and tested in a high-pressure scenario. The entire assessment lasted approximately 4 hours.
Thanks to Stephen McNulty, RNLI Plant & Machinery Trainer/Assessor, for putting Susan through her paces!
With a background as a Network Technician for the ESB, Susan now serves as a Safety Culture & Leadership Team Lead within the ESB's safety organisation. Her experience has been a useful asset in her journey, and she now brings these valuable skills to the RNLI.
Susan, your trailblazing achievements and relentless hard work are truly inspiring. The crew here are very proud of you. Well done and keep leading the way!
ENDS
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Dunmore East Lifeboat Press Officer, Peter Grogan on [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected] or Tom McGuire, Regional Communications Manager on 0874764436 or email [email protected]
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.