Peterhead RNLI celebrates Coxswain pass out

Fergus joined Peterhead RNLI in November 2021 after a career as a Speech Therapist with the NHS. He says: ‘The opportunity to combine being at sea while also doing all I could to help people in trouble was one I couldn’t pass up, so here I am!’

When he joined in 2021, Fergus had no previous RNLI experience so he began crew training straight away, moving on to his navigator and coxswain training after the first few months.

He continues: ‘The training was intense. Although I had lots of maritime and other relevant experience, I had not previously been an RNLI volunteer so I had a lot to learn in a short space of time. This saw me completing several courses at the RNLI college in Poole, as well as training at other stations around the UK.

‘I had a lot of support on my journey to passing out as coxswain. My appointed trainer, Davie Orr, was of immense help and support in guiding me through my assessments at pass out. Also, all of the RNLI lifeboat stations who supported my training along the way, particularly Lewis and Tom from Angle RNLI in South West Wales.’

Fergus took on his assessment on Thursday 20 July and successfully passed out as coxswain. He says: ‘I feel very proud and appreciative of the support given to me by the RNLI and those who have taken the time to help me progress over the last year. Thank you.’

The coxswain role is responsible for the safety of all volunteer crew of the all-weather lifeboat. To ensure the lifeboat can launch, lifeboat stations require a coxswain and mechanic for the all-weather lifeboat.

Notes to editors

· Peterhead lifeboat station has been operating since 1865. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/peterhead-lifeboat-station

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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 142,700 lives.

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