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A New Brighton RNLI volunteer has achieved helm status after two years of dedicated training with the lifeboat station.
Connor, who joined the crew in 2022, has qualified in multiple roles, including lifeboat press officer, shore crew and navigator, before passing his helm assessment. His new role will see him take command of New Brighton's Atlantic 85 lifeboat during callouts, as reported by Birkenhead News.
During the assessment, an RNLI coastal trainer put Connor to work, testing all aspects of command, search and rescue, boat handling and emergency procedures.
Connor volunteers alongside his partner Ffion, who joined the crew in 2024, as the lifeboat medical advisor responsible for conducting medicals with crew members. The couple became parents in October last year, welcoming their son Robin.
Connor said: "It is an immense honour and privilege to represent New Brighton RNLI as their newest helm. It's been a lot of hard work to reach this point, and I'm very proud to have passed out, but this could not have happened without the incredible dedication, teamwork and training from the entire crew."
He added: "I owe all the volunteers at New Brighton enormous thanks and can't wait to get started in this new role for them."
New Brighton Lifeboat Operations Manager Lee Arnall said: "This is a tremendous achievement and marks a major milestone in Connor's RNLI volunteer career. Reaching helm status is the result of many months of dedication, commitment, training and assessment."
Mr Arnall talked about how the role carries "significant responsibility", as a helm looks after the safety operation on lifeboats, as well as the welfare of every crew member and casualty, particularly in rescue situations.
"The role of helm carries significant responsibility. A helm is entrusted not only with the safe operation of our lifeboat, but also with the welfare of every crew member and casualty in their care, while upholding the values, professionalism and reputation of both New Brighton Lifeboat Station and the RNLI."
"As lifeboat operations manager, I have every confidence in Connor's ability to carry out this role to the highest standards. He has demonstrated the skill, judgement, leadership and commitment expected of an RNLI helm. I am proud to entrust him with the responsibility that comes with this position and the lives of those in his care."
