A volunteer crew member from Carrybridge Lifeboat Station successfully completed the rigorous RNLI helm assessment last week on March 9.

Kyle Boyd (29) works for Openreach and has spent a lifetime on Upper and Lower Lough Erne.

He started his RNLI voluntary service at Carrybridge on October 8, 2015, commencing his trainee crew member training, which he completed successfully.

He then continued his journey towards the successful helm qualification which he obtained after various assessments, with his final assessment being completed on March 9 by RNLI trainer assessor, Stephen McNulty.

Kyle is now qualified and able to take command of the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Douglas Ewan and Kay Richards.

Following his final assessment, Kyle, when responding to a call-out, will be responsible for taking charge of the lifeboat when on the inland waterways of Lough Erne.

The RNLI describes the duty of a helmsman as “to use utmost endeavours to safeguard and rescue the lives of those in danger, whilst having regard for the safety of their crew”.

Following the trainer assessor’s visit, Kyle 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.”

Stephen Scott, lifeboat operations manager at the station, said: “I am very pleased that after all Kyle’s hard work and commitment to training, involving many long cold nights afloat on Upper Lough Erne, Kyle has achieved the status of RNLI helm for our Atlantic Inshore Lifeboat.

“He will be a great asset to the existing helms and will further enhance our ability to respond to the call to save lives on the inland waterways of Lough Erne.”