Prospective Crew:   Joining the Crew at Bundoran Station

Roles at Bundoran Station

  • Lifeboat Crew
  • Launch Tractor Crew
  • Shore Crew
  • Station Radio Watch Operator
  • Fundraising

Joining the Crew at Bundoran

Imagine for a moment that you’re part of the crew on a lifeboat. It’s 2.30am on a freezing January morning and the pager’s just woken you from a deep sleep in a snug warm bed. You then head out to sea in complete darkness and 4m waves rise and fall around you, ready to swamp you at any moment. Strong gale force winds throw the lifeboat around like a toy. A yacht is in difficulty 8 miles out to sea!

Still want to volunteer? Read on…

At Bundoran station, our crew members need to:

  • be over 17 (with the permission of your parents) or over 18 years old
  • be under 55 years old (inshore lifeboat)
  • be proposed & seconded by two local Helms
  • pass a medical and eyesight test
  • be physically fit
  • live and/or work close to a lifeboat station 
  • commit to six months initial shore / induction training
  • Successfully complete a trainee period that usually lasts one year
  • Successfully  a one year probationary period as operational crew
  • be a team player and be accepted by the rest of the crew
  • enjoy hard physical work
  • get on well with other people
  • communicate easily
  • obey orders when required to.

Being part of a lifeboat crew is a major commitment, which could include risking your life. Your commitment isn't only measured in the time spent involved in rescues. Increasingly, new equipment and faster boats mean that regular training programmes also account for much of your spare time. You may also be asked to help show visitors around the station and with local fundraising.
  • Upon completion of initial training, crew members undergo continuous assessment.
  • Crew are required to attend a minimum of 12 exercises afloat in each calendar year.

What's in it for you?

The RNLI provides first class training and equipment, guidance and support. Volunteering with us offers you the opportunity to make a difference in your local community, to save lives and be part of the larger RNLI family. We can offer you one of the most exciting and fulfilling volunteer roles available.
Trainees in 2014 with Lifeboat Training Coordinator

Medical

You are unlikely to meet the RNLI’s requirements for colour vision/visual acuity if:

  • there is any evidence of a colour vision defect as assessed using Ishihara plates (during the test aids to colour vision may not be worn;
  • up to two plates may be failed and still constitute a pass);
  • you are unable to read 6/6 in the better eye and 6/12 in the worst eye on the Snellen Chart at 6 metres distance even with glasses or contact lenses;
  • you are unable to read 6/60 with at least one eye without any visual aid;
  • you have defects in your field of vision in either eye;
  • you have evidence of any progressive disease in either eye, or suffer from any other eye condition which could limit vision, either now or within the next 5 years.
If you don't meet these standards, there are many other volunteering opportunities available.

Eyesight Test

Due to the extreme conditions of going to sea, you are unlikely to be issued with an RNLI medical certificate if:

  • you do not meet the RNLI’s requirements for colour vision/visual acuity (see below);
  • you have had laser eye surgery in the last three months;
  • you are liable to epileptic seizures or sudden disturbances of the state of consciousness;
  • you have had a coronary thrombosis (heart attack) or have undergone heart surgery;
  • your blood pressure is significantly raised and not well controlled with drugs;
  • you need insulin treatment for diabetes;
  • you have had a stroke, or unexplained loss of consciousness;
  • you have had a severe head injury with continuing impairment;
  • you suffer from Parkinson’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis;
  • you are being treated for mental or nervous problems;
  • you have had alcohol or drug dependency problems within the last 3 years;
  • you have profound deafness and cannot communicate clearly on the radio/telephone;
  • you suffer from double or tunnel vision;
  • you have any other condition which would/could cause problems regarding your fitness to navigate/crew a vessel;
  • you suffer from any condition of bone or joint that may affect your mobility;
  • you suffer from any condition that may affect bone strength or are on oral steroids.
Bundoran Lifeboat Station 2016