The weighty responsibility of ensuring Port Erin lifeboat is permanently ready for action now falls to Phil Crellin, the station’s new lifeboat operations manager.

He takes over from Chris Burton, who becomes deputy launching authority at the station.

Phil may be new to the role, but he’s very familiar with the station as he has been lifeboat man since 1987, first as a crew member then helmsman and after retirement from crew duties (than compulsory at 45) in 2004, he continued to volunteer at the station as a deputy launching authority.

But his family’s involvement stretches back even further as his father Henry was from the 1970s a volunteer at the station and Lifeboat Operations Manager (then called Honorary Secretary).’I’m very proud to have been offered the position,’ said Phil. ’It’s also that it’s part of the family history.’

Such experience means he understands every aspect of keeping this remarkable and honourable voluntary service going,

’The lifeboat operations manager is responsible for the smooth running of the station, the crew training, health and safety, everything that makes sure the boat is available 24/7,’ he said.

’There are also four deputy launching authorities.

’You say: "Yes, the boat goes to sea". Myself and the others have a lot of experience. We also look after the welfare of the crew after a shout, if anything horrible happens.’

Rescues sometimes require tackling very challenging situations in treacherous conditions.

’You do at times feel vulnerable,’ he said, recalling one shout in which the inshore lifeboat was far out in very rough seas.’

But the RNLI make it as safe as possible, they make sure you have the best chance of survival.

’It can be dangerous, the technology there is the utmost for the lifeboatmen and women.’

The family tradition continues as his daughter Rachel and son Richard have been crew members (not currently as both are ’landlocked’ he said and off island).

As he watches the lifeboat ploughing into unforgiving seas on another shout, he said a constant is his longing to be joining the crew on board.

’Every time you want to go. It’s a young person’s job, it’s hard and cold, you need to be young. You do worry, at sea it’s constantly changing, it can throw a curve ball at you at any time.’

â?¢ This weekend the station holds two fundraisers in Port Erin as part of the RNLI’s nationwide SOS weekend.

There is a coffee morning in St Catherine’s church from 10am to midday on Saturday, January 27, with a cake stall, tombola and souvenirs. A car wash, at £5 a car, is from 10am to 1pm on Sunday, January 28 by the lifeboat station.

The lifeboat is always looking for help from volunteers with all aspects of running the station, from crew members to fundraising.

To enquire about volunteering, go to the lifeboat station on Tuesdays from 6.30pm or Sunday mornings.