The RNLI’s rescue capacity off Ireland’s west coast has been reinforced this week following the qualification of several volunteers at the Aran Islands lifeboat station.

Avril Ní Shearcaigh has been appointed Lifeboat Operations Manager. She previously served as crew and now returns to oversee station personnel and manage operational activity. Ní Shearcaigh is also manager of Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árann.

Stacy Ní Iarnáin and Fionn Ó Flaithearta passed assessments to become Launch Authorities. The role involves authorising lifeboat launches in coordination with the Irish Coast Guard and the station’s coxswain.

Peter Alan Joyce completed his Tier One Crew Plan. He was assessed on anchoring, rope handling and local maritime knowledge, qualifying him to serve as operational crew.

Ciaran Doyle, the station’s afloat mechanic, qualified as a Severn Class Coxswain after a week of training on Inis Mór.

The Aran Islands lifeboat has launched 56 times so far this year. The addition of qualified personnel increases the station’s ability to respond to maritime emergencies.