Cammy joins Lerwick Lifeboat as new station technician
CAMMY Barron has been appointed as a full-time station technician for the Lerwick Lifeboat.
Barron, who recently started in the role previously known as mechanic, is originally from Stornoway.
He trained as a police officer there before transferring to Lerwick.
Barron joined the Lerwick Lifeboat in November last year as one of the volunteer crew, and has taken part in regular training and call-outs since.
He successfully applied for the full-time role as station technician and started in the role in late July this year.
Barron is now based full-time at the Lerwick Lifeboat station, working alongside coxswain Stephen Manson.
The role as ‘technician’, previously known as mechanic, now recognises that lifeboats have electrical, navigation and other technical systems.
Barron will be responsible for ongoing maintenance and repairs on the lifeboat, as well as many items of search and rescue equipment, such as lifejackets and search lights.
He will be supported by specialist RNLI technicians when necessary.
Barron passed his tier two competency assessment last week, with fellow crew member Ryan Leith.
Both are now fully trained members of the lifeboat crew, having completed a structured training programme over recent months, and passed a series of theory and practical assessments, ashore and afloat.
Every launch requires a mechanic to be present among the crew, and the full-time station technician will fulfil this role when necessary.
Other volunteer crew have also completed ‘afloat mechanic’ training, to be able to monitor the engine and systems, and to keep the lifeboat operational during a call-out.
Barron will spend next week at the RNLI college in Poole in Dorset, completing a Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) approved training course on marine diesel engines.
He will complete other specialist courses, alongside regular on-station training in the coming months, before sitting an RNLI technical assessment next year.
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RNLI Lerwick lifeboat operations manager John Angus said: “We’re delighted to have Cammy join us as our station technician. It’s a role that is vital to the running of the station – supporting our volunteer crew and ensuring that the lifeboat is always ready for service.
“The cost of Cammy’s training – and those of all our crew – are paid for entirely by donations, fundraising and legacies, and we’re grateful to all those who continue to support the RNLI to help us save lives at sea.”
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