Enhancing the life-saving skills at Dromineer station

RNLI Lough Derg is delighted to announce that, following rigorous classroom and afloat assessments, James Corballis, was successfully passed out as helm by Lenny Fourie, RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer.

Earlier following a comprehensive theoretical assessment, Lenny passed Greg Whelan as Launching Authority for Lough Derg RNLI.

An RNLI helm passout is the final, demanding assessment for a volunteer crew member to become a qualified inshore lifeboat commander. As a major milestone, it signifies the volunteer is certified to take command of a lifeboat, managing the crew, launch, and rescue operations. The process involves intense training, written exams, and a final assessment.

James Corballis moved to Galway after college, and living close to the lifeboat station there, says he became aware of all the great work they did. He says his "grandmother was an active fundraiser for Clogherhead lifeboat, and so from an early age there was a strong connection to the RNLI in my family”.

James joined the Galway lifeboat crew in 2020. He already had his “sea legs” and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate, but learned so much more since, with the local knowledge that years of experience is passed down from the helms and crew, during training and shouts.

In 2024, James and his fiancée moved to Dromineer, where they had both spent their childhood summers sailing on Lough Derg. James says the draw to the lake provided the added bonus of being able to continue to volunteer as a crew member with Lough Derg RNLI.

A sound engineer by trade, James says there is great reward in being able to give your time. “The nature of my work can be seasonal, and I find I have time during the week to be available if needed. It is just great to be able to help out while also having the opportunity to be on the lake,” he said.

A Launching Authority (LA) is a RNLI volunteer responsible for authorising lifeboat launches, ensuring safety, and managing operational activities at a lifeboat station. Passing out means a volunteer has completed rigorous training and assessments to take command of launching the lifeboat. From the station, Launching Authorities work with the Coast Guard and crew to ensure the safety of the launch and the rescue mission.

Having always enjoyed volunteer roles, Greg says the structured nature of the Launch Authority role appealed to him, and with the comprehensive training on offer, he decided to apply. Retired from his job as a Civil Servant in 2020, Greg also served as a Naval Service Reserve, and was a former President of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland. Greg and his wife have boated on the inland waterways for nearly 30 years, and prior to this enjoyed dinghy sailing.

Greg says that he has valued the courses in preparation for his role as Launching Authority.

Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI says: “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.”