Galway RNLI is looking to fill a number of volunteer roles including new trainee lifeboat crew, additional launch authority positions and a new lifeboat operations manager.
For the past 30 years the Galway RNLI crew has provided search and rescue cover on Galway Bay to the east of a line between Blackhead in Co Clare and Spiddal, Co Galway. The station currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat.
The roles that are currently being recruited will support the lifeboat station to continue the RNLI’s work as the charity that save lives at sea.
Amy O’Connor, RNLI area operations manager said: “Being part of the crew at the Galway station gives you the opportunity to make a difference in your local community, to save lives and be part of the larger RNLI family.
“The lifeboat crew are all volunteers, headed up by the lifeboat operations manager and launch authorities and supported by a shore crew team. All lifeboat and shore crew follow the RNLI’s Operational Competence Framework and respond to pagers when there is a request to launch the lifeboats.”
The lifeboat operations manager provides leadership for the station’s operations team and ensures that all operational activities are carried out to maintain the lifeboat and associated equipment in a constant state of readiness for launching.
This person helps to save lives at sea by carrying out the day-to-day management of the lifeboat station. They lead the operations team in managing the volunteers and also liaise and maintain close links with all local emergency services and represent the RNLI’s interests locally in all operational matters.
The ideal candidate will be a team player and a good communicator with leadership skills. While full training is provided for the role, having some RNLI knowledge along with IT-literate skills is an advantage.
The launch authority role involves authorising launch of the lifeboats, in accordance with current launching procedures. In addition, the launch authority supports the operational activities in the station. This role is suitable for a team player who is a good communicator.
“We are also looking for new lifeboat crew to help us save lives at sea by crewing the lifeboat on service and exercise, under the command of the helm,” O’Connor added. “Lifeboat crew also make sure the lifeboat is ready to go on service and contribute to the overall upkeep of the station.
“We provide all the necessary training. For new lifeboat crew, you don’t need a seagoing background. Only one in 10 lifeboat crew members has professional maritime experience — that’s where crew training comes in.
“We plan training and exercises for trainees so they have a clearly laid-out training pathway, and knowledge, skills and experience are gained in a logical order. Training exercises focus on teamwork, technical competence and safe operating procedures covering everything from boat handling, search and rescue and navigation to radar training, radio communications and casualty care.
“These roles are best suited to people living or working within the Galway city area.”
Galway RNLI recently welcomed the appointment of a new launch authority and station mechanic, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.
