Dunmore East RNLI offered a massive congratulations to volunteer crew member Susan Hannon (Grogan) for qualifying as a Shannon class lifeboat afloat mechanic this week.
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, the station says.
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’s volunteers.
To achieve this, a volunteer must complete a comprehensive training programme 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, Dorset.
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 around four hours; thanks to Stephen McNulty, RNLI plant and 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 and 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 station added. “The crew here are very proud of you. Well done and keep leading the way!”
