Campbeltown lifeboat station has another volunteer mechanic in their crew as one member of the crew passes his tests after three years of training on the largest lifeboat in the RNLI fleet.
A normal training night for some of the crew, however a very important night for Greg McMurchy, volunteer crew member at Campbeltown Lifeboat Station.
Thursday 25 August seen all of Greg's training and practise be examined by an RNLI mechanic and assessor, to ensure he was capable of what was required to be a mechanic on board the
Ernest and Mary Shaw, Severn class lifeboat.
Showing knowledge of standard operating procedures, he worked his way through many scenarios. From starting the charity’s lifeboats two Caterpillar engines, both capable of 1,250hp each, to dealing with improvised bilge tank alarms.
He was put through his paces with the scenario of a fire on board and some machinery not working along with setting up the emergency throttle for coxswain, Ruaridh McAulay.
The all-weather lifeboat mechanic is responsible for the lifeboat engines and equipment on board. There is always a programme of planned maintenance ensuring the lifeboat is always ready for service in first-class condition.
Speaking with Greg after his pass-out he said: 'I’m over the moon to finally be qualified.
'I’m looking forward to putting my knowledge to use and excited to do some cover, I will always be learning, this is just the start.'
In his day job, Greg is a mechanic at Campbeltown Motor Company, a family run business and a Peugeot dealership. He has recently become an MOT tester after completing training. Along with recovering vehicles, he services and provides repairs for all types of vehicles.
Greg joined the RNLI in 2017 and has undertaken many areas of training. He has visited the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset for an ‘Emergency Procedures’ course. Where he was taught the knowledge of sea survival training. Along with operational training he is qualified in casualty care.
So far, in 2022, Greg has volunteered at least 62 hours of his time for the RNLI at Campbeltown lifeboat station at sea, not including any theory training.
Lifeboat Operations Manager, George Bradley said: ‘We are thrilled to have another mechanic on the crew, Greg has worked hard and it has shown.
‘Myself and the crew wish you congratulations on your pass out Greg. It is great to see young crew members push themselves. We hope you will be able to pass on your knowledge to younger crew in years to come.'
Notes to editors
RNLI media contacts
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639,
[email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929,
[email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.
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 over 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 142,200 lives.
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 142,700 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.
