Lifeboat Operations Manager Tom Robertson MBE has handed over the keys to David Smart
It is with great thanks, admiration and a tear in the eye that Queensferry Lifeboat must say goodbye to one of its longest serving members. Tom Robertson MBE, first started out at Queensferry Lifeboat as a lifeboat crewman, before stepping up to helmsman, deputy launching authority and finally at the head of the ship as Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM), a career spanning over 40 years.
His successor, David Smart, has been through a similar journey to Tom, starting off as crewman, before being promoted to Helmsman, and then taking on the added role as station mechanic. David has been a part of the crew for over 25 years.
The role of Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Queensferry is not an easy one. The manager is in charge of authorising launches and day-to-day station management at Scotland’s busiest inshore lifeboat .
In his time as Lifeboat crewman, Helm and LOM, Tom has performed in and overseen the launching of the lifeboat many times, to all sorts of scenarios, rescuing hundreds of people, animals and water crafts. However Tom’s biggest test came in moving from the old lifeboat station to the new one. A new boat thrown into the equation made for many a sleepless night, but, after all the stress, the move was seamless and a lot of that was down to Tom.
His passion for the water was for all too see, and he carried this on and transformed it into dedication towards the Queensferry lifeboat, including its crew and the RNLI. Even when Tom was having a well deserved few days off, he would always be on the phone during a service to make sure everything and everybody was okay.
David is looking forward to his new exciting role; he is adding Lifeboat Operations Manager to his already demanding role as Station Mechanic, as well as holding down a full time job. His commitment to Queensferry Lifeboat is staggering. The other members of the RNLI lifeboat crew are looking forward to welcoming David’s expertise, his sound judgement and his ability to make a sign for everything!
Tom will be sorely missed by all at the station, not that we think he will be keeping away for too long, as he will be keeping a watch on them as Chairman of the Lifeboat Management Group, offering his expertise as they move forward.
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