Kirkwall RNLI sees Double Mechanic Passout
Kirkwall RNLI sees full time mechanic Andrew Gibson and volunteer mechanic John Scott both successfully complete their training.
RNLI Mechanic Andrew Gibson joined the crew as a volunteer in 2021, and was successful in his application for full time mechanic in August 2022.
Andrew originally worked on fishing boats and then at J.W. Grays wholesalers in Kirkwall. His successful application to be the full time mechanic for Kirkwall RNLI has allowed him to marry his love of the sea with the important work of supporting the community.
The pace at which Andrew has been able to fully qualify is due to the support of the RNLI crew, trainers, assessors and his family.
Andrew says “It’s a privilege to work for the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea. I am grateful for the support I have received to qualify as the mechanic for Kirkwall”.
John Scott joined Kirkwall RNLI as volunteer crew in 2019. John works for Orkney Ferries as an Engineer and has 30 years experience in the profession. John was encouraged to take up the role of volunteer mechanic by other crew members when the vacancy arose due to his engineering background
John says “I’m pleased to have qualified as Severn lifeboat mechanic and to use my skills to support the local community to save lives at sea.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
· Kirkwall RNLI Lifeboat Station has been operating since 1972. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/kirkwall-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
Charlie Derra, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
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
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.
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