THE waters around Meirionnydd are safer than ever after two RNLI volunteers gained new qualifications.

Anthony ‘Jaffa’ Schorah and Dan Cartwright from Barmouth RNLI have recently passed out as qualified helmsmen for the D Class Inshore Lifeboat.

The pair have spent the past year and a half undertaking practical and theory training.

The training was station-based in Barmouth and included a variety of aspects of being in charge of a D-Class lifeboat, managing anchoring, searching for a casualty, towing and many other different features that involve being a helm on an inshore lifeboat.

On a rescue, the helmsman organises the crew and makes any decisions that need to be made in the heat of the moment.

After completing his final assessment Jaffa, who has been a crew member since he was 17, said: “It went really well.

“The training provided by the RNLI is second to none and I am pleased that I can now look forward to being helm of the D Class ILB the Craig Steadman.”

During his time as volunteer crew member, Dan Cartwright has also been out on numerous shouts with the ILB.

Dan was impressed with the first-rate teaching approach from training instructors from Poole and for the practical sessions at Barmouth.

He said: “It is a privilege to receive such excellent, confidence-boosting training and I would like to thank all those who have made it possible for me.”

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