Two Volunteers Achieve Key Roles at Lough Derg RNLI
- Pat Nolan
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
Thursday 23 April 2026
Lough Derg RNLI has marked a significant milestone with the successful qualification of two of its volunteers following a rigorous day of assessments on Wednesday, 22 April.
Earlier in the evening, James Corballis was officially passed out as a helm by RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Lenny Fourie, having completed demanding classroom and afloat evaluations. Earlier in the day, Greg Whelan successfully qualified as a Launching Authority after a comprehensive theoretical assessment conducted by the same trainer.
A helm passout represents one of the most challenging achievements within the RNLI. It certifies a volunteer to take command of an inshore lifeboat, overseeing crew coordination, launch procedures, and rescue operations. The process involves extensive training, examinations, and a final practical assessment.
James Corballis brings both experience and a long-standing connection to the RNLI. After moving to Galway following college, he became inspired by the work of the local lifeboat station. With a family link - his grandmother was a fundraiser for Clogherhead lifeboat - his involvement felt natural. Joining the Galway crew in 2020, he built on his existing maritime qualifications, including a Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate, while gaining invaluable local knowledge through training and callouts.
In 2024, James relocated with his fiancée to Dromineer on Lough Derg, where they had spent childhood summers sailing. The move allowed him to continue volunteering with Lough Derg RNLI. Balancing his career as a sound engineer, he values the flexibility to contribute: being available during weekdays allows him to support the station while doing something he finds deeply rewarding.
Greg Whelan’s path to becoming a Launching Authority is equally rooted in admiration and service. Having grown up spending summers in a seaside village with an active lifeboat station, he developed a deep respect for RNLI volunteers. The structured nature of the Launching Authority role, combined with its comprehensive training, motivated him to apply.
A Launching Authority plays a critical role in station operations, responsible for authorising lifeboat launches, coordinating with the Coast Guard, and ensuring the safety of both crew and mission. Greg’s background includes a career in the Civil Service, service in the Naval Service Reserve, and leadership as a former President of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland. Since retiring in 2020, he has continued to contribute through volunteering, valuing both the teamwork and the opportunity to give back. He also welcomed the chance to re-engage with structured, competency-based training.
Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI, praised both volunteers:
“I am delighted for James and Greg and congratulate them on their successful passouts. This is a really positive milestone for the station. The passout of a new Helm and Launching Authority strengthens our operational capability and reflects our strong training culture and commitment to excellence at Lough Derg RNLI.”
