The downturn in the oil and gas industry has hit the number of North Sea lifesavers.
Aberdeen RNLI Lifeboat has now been forced to put out a plea for people to join their ranks after numbers dwindled.
Based at Waterloo Quay, Aberdeen Harbour, the lifeboat station currently has around 18 men and woman volunteers who give up their time.
A recruitment drive has been launched to swell the ranks of the lifesaving group, which took part in around 40 call-outs last year.
Calum Reed, a mechanic with the RNLI and the only full-time member of staff, said the crew could be involved in any situation out at sea.
The 30-year-old said: “It is a very rewarding thing to be a part of and to do in your spare time. We are part of a close-knit team and everyone gets on with each other famously.
“Last year we did around 30 to 40 shouts and this ranged from searches, injured people and boats taking on water.
“Anything that goes wrong at sea is basically what we attend to. We are kind of like the ambulance and fire service of the sea.”
The local lifeboat station is hoping to beef up their numbers by getting a few extra dedicated people to join them on their inshore and all-weather boats.
Calum, who has been part of the RNLI for 10 years, added: “There is quite a turnaround in people in Aberdeen. In coastal areas people who have lived there all their life normally join the lifeboat team but we are quite different here.
“We have seen changes in people’s circumstances where they may have had to move around or get a different job which had led to us losing volunteers if their employers can’t let them leave.
“We have seen these changes since the downturn in oil and gas.”
Calum warned that due to the important nature of the role, certain criteria have to be met before people can be part of the lifeboat team.
Calum said: “People interested need to be over 17 years old, ideally have a driving licence as they will need to come here as quickly as possible, live and work in the city and hopefully be as close to the lifeboat as possible.
“We aim to get out on the water between 10 to 15 minutes of receiving a call.
“People who are thinking of joining need to speak to their employer to make sure it is okay for them to set off on rescues during work.”
The newest member of the Aberdeen crew, Ricky Murray – who is still on probation after joining three months ago – got involved after other members of his family had been volunteers.
The 24-year-old said: “The crew has been very warm and welcoming. They have a fantastic knowledge and experience base to draw from which puts me at ease at sea.
“The reward is knowing you could save a life. Also the general camaraderie amongst (the team) is a great thing to be part of.
“My grandfather and uncle were both lifeboat crew (members) elsewhere and I’ve always wanted to follow in their footsteps.”
Anyone interested in joining the Aberdeen Lifeboat can apply directly on the RNLI website.
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