Carrybridge RNLI volunteer Matthew Nelson has qualified as a helm, allowing him to take command of the station’s inshore lifeboat during training exercises and emergency call-outs on Lough Erne. Nelson completed his five-hour assessment on Wednesday, both ashore at Carrybridge Lifeboat Station and afloat on Upper Lough Erne.
The assessment was conducted by RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Sean Ginnelly, who travelled from Achill Island for the passout.
Nelson was tested across a range of operational skills, including chart work, radar, AIS, GPS, buoyage, passage planning, search patterns and knowledge of local waters.
The RNLI refreshed the inshore lifeboat helm role in early 2024 as part of its new Operational Competency Framework. Nelson’s qualification follows several years of training, including hundreds of hours of afloat exercises, practical sessions and operational service calls in a range of conditions.
The 36-year-old works as a games developer and is also a keen jet skier and boater on Lough Erne.
“It feels amazing to pass out and take the next step in my lifeboat volunteer career,” Nelson said. “I’m really looking forward to taking the helm on training and shouts alike.”
Carrybridge RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Stephen Scott congratulated Nelson on reaching the milestone.
“Matthew has been a very dedicated member of our team since he joined our station in January 2020 and I’m delighted that today we celebrate this milestone,” Scott said. “Getting to the helm level on our boat requires a lot of dedication and sacrifice, and Matthew has been and will continue to be a huge asset to our station.”
Carrybridge RNLI continues to train volunteers for roles both afloat and ashore as part of its lifesaving operations on Lough Erne.
