Carrybridge RNLI volunteer reaches new milestone after years of training
- Robert Stone
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
Friday 21 August 2026
Carrybridge RNLI is celebrating a significant milestone for volunteer crew member Matthew Nelson, who has successfully completed his Helm passout, qualifying him to take command of the lifeboat when it launches on exercise or operational taskings.
The five-hour assessment, conducted on Wednesday, took place both at Carrybridge Lifeboat Station and afloat on Upper Lough Erne. It was led by Sean Ginnelly, Coastal Lifeboat Trainer, who travelled from Achill Island to carry out the assessment on behalf of the RNLI.
Matthew was rigorously tested across a broad range of skills required of an ILB Helm, including chart work, radar, AIS, GPS, buoyage, passage planning, search patterns and detailed knowledge of the local waters.
The role of ILB Helm was refreshed at the beginning of 2024 as part of the RNLI's new Operational Competency Framework. Matthew's successful passout demonstrates the high standards required to take responsibility for the lifeboat and its crew during exercises and shouts.
For Matthew, aged 36, the achievement represents the culmination of many years of intensive training. Since joining Carrybridge RNLI in January 2020, he has accumulated hundreds of hours on the water through exercises, practical training sessions and active service calls in a wide range of conditions.
Away from the station, Matthew works as a games developer and enjoys jet skiing and boating on Lough Erne, where his familiarity with the lake is an important part of his growing experience as a lifeboat volunteer.
Speaking after completing his assessment, Matthew said: “It feels amazing to pass out and take the next step in my lifeboat volunteer career. I’m really looking forward to taking the helm on training and shouts alike.”
Lifeboat Operations Manager Stephen Scott congratulated Matthew on the achievement.
“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,” he said. “Getting to the helm level on our boat requires a lot of dedication and sacrifice and Matthew has and will continue to be a huge asset to our station.”
Carrybridge RNLI continues to develop its volunteers across a range of afloat and shore-based roles, maintaining the highest standards of training and operational competence as the station works to save lives on Lough Erne.
