New Helm Celebrated at Carrybridge RNLI

The passout was conducted by Sean Ginnelly, Coastal Lifeboat Trainer, who had travelled up from Achill Island to conduct the assessments on behalf of the RNLI.

Conducted on Wednesday of this week, the passout took place both ashore at the Lifeboat station and afloat on Upper Lough Erne lasted five hours and rigorously tested Matt’s skills. The role of ILB Helm was refreshed at the beginning of 2024, part of the RNLI's new Operational Competency Framework that went live at the same time. Matthew demonstrated high standards of skill using charts, radar, AIS, GPS, buoyage, passage planning, search patterns and knowledge of local waters.

This passout represent the culmination of many years of intensive training for Matthew having logged hundreds of hours in afloat exercises, hands-on sessions, and active service calls in all conditions.

Aged 36, Matthew works as a Games Developer and loves spending time jet skiing and boating on Lough Erne.

Carrybridge RNLI continues to train volunteers in various roles, both afloat and ashore, to the highest standards as part of its mission to save lives on Lough Erne.

Following the visit, Matthew said, “It feels amazing to pass out and take the next step in my lifeboat volunteer career. I’m really looking forward to taking the helm on training and shouts alike.”

Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at the station says, “I’d like to congratulate Matt on successfully completing his helm passout. Matthew has been a very dedicated member of our team since he joined our station in January 2020 and I’m delighted that today we celebrate this milestone. Getting to the helm level on our boat requires a lot of dedication and sacrifice and Matthew has and will continue to be a huge asset to our station."

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and in a normal year has 11 lifeguarded beaches which it operates seasonally. 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, the charity has saved over 142,700 lives.

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For further information, please contact:

Stephen Scott, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Carrybridge RNLI, 07557312663, [email protected]

Chris Cathcart Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Carrybridge RNLI, 07595895908, [email protected] 

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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