Peel RNLI has a new coxswain after Mike Faragher completed two years of intense training.

The coxswain is the commander of the rescue vessel and is responsible for the safety of his crew, the vessel and any casualties.

Mike’s training took place at the RNLI College in Poole and included sea survival techniques honed by jumping into a deep tank in conditions that simulated rough seas at night.

He said: ’I am delighted, and relieved, to have come through the training and to have been judged competent by the RNLI assessor.

’Although this is my seventh year with Peel RNLI, specific training for the role of coxswain has been a two-year adventure. I am grateful for the support my fellow crew members have given me throughout.’

Mike also serves as Peel’s lifeboat training co-ordinator. Over the next few months he will be ensuring his fellow volunteers are trained to operate the station’s new Shannon lifeboat.

’The Shannon is faster and more manoeuvrable and more high-tech than our Mersey class lifeboat Ruby Clery. It is important we have the right skills when it arrives next year’, he said.

Mike’s rise through the volunteer organisation to the position of coxswain was founded in a family tragedy.

His father Harold drowned while fishing with his friend Stewart Curphey off the north of the Isle of Man in 2013.

RNLI lifeboats from Peel, Ramsey and Port St Mary joined Liverpool Coastguard and RAF rescue helicopters to search for the missing men.

Mike had been deeply moved by the dedicated effort of all those involved.

He said he felt the best way of thanking those who went out to search for Harold and Stewart was through actions instead of words. He joined the shore crew at Peel lifeboat station a few months later.

Mike joins Jon Corlett, Frankie Horne and Juan Owens as Peel RNLI’s volunteer coxswains.

Mike’s wife Michelle also volunteers and is chairman of the Peel branch’s fundraising committee which organises car washes, coffee mornings, and the station’s annual thanksgiving service.