By Dan Walsh
Fethard RNLI inshore lifeboat Naomh Dubhán launched on exercise on Wednesday evening as volunteer crew members Cathal O’Connell, Mike Cooper and Gavin Kearns underwent several assessments.
Every RNLI crew member follows a structured programme of competence-based training and assessment relevant to their role. This covers a range of skills and competencies necessary to complete tasks both onshore and onboard the lifeboat. Crew training is a continuous process and the learning never stops.
Cathal O’Connell has been a volunteer crew member for nine years and is now Fethard RNLI’s first inshore lifeboat navigator. In his new role he will work with the helm in charge to ensure the lifeboat is always safely navigated.
Mike Cooper joined Fethard RNLI in 2019 and has progressed through his training and assessments to become a qualified crew member.
Gavin Kearns is one of the newer members at Fethard RNLI having joined in June 2023. Following months of training and practice, he is now the newest member of the shore crew team.
Speaking about these achievements Walter Foley, Fethard RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager told WexfordLocal.com; “We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our volunteers here at Fethard RNLI. They give up their free time for training, assessments and emergency call outs. Our volunteers are committed to saving lives at sea whenever the pager sounds, 24 hours a day, every day.”
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