Two Peel RNLI volunteers have qualified as lifeboat navigators after completing months of training and passing their final assessments.

Will Senior and Sam Styles have both successfully completed the process, strengthening the west coast station’s operational capabilities.

The pair undertook extensive training aboard Peel’s Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat, Frank and Brenda Winter, learning to operate its advanced navigation, radar and communication systems.

Navigators play a vital role in lifeboat operations, particularly in challenging conditions such as darkness, heavy seas and poor visibility.

They are responsible for plotting safe courses, monitoring electronic equipment and helping ensure crews reach people in distress as quickly and safely as possible.

Mike Taylor, volunteer coxswain, mechanic and navigator at Peel RNLI, said the achievement was a significant boost for the station.

He said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled for both Will and Sam. Passing out as a navigator requires a massive commitment, high technical skill and the ability to perform under intense pressure.

‘Having two crew members qualify in the same week is a fantastic boost for Peel Lifeboat Station and significantly strengthens our operational capability to save lives at sea around the Isle of Man.’

The qualifications follow months of commitment from both volunteers, who have spent considerable time outside their normal duties developing the specialist skills required to navigate the Shannon-class vessel.

Peel RNLI said the successful assessments would help ensure it maintained a fully qualified roster of volunteers ready to respond to emergencies around the island.

The station operates around the clock, with its crews available to launch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The RNLI is an independent charity which provides search and rescue services around the coasts of the UK and Republic of Ireland. It relies on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its lifesaving work.