A lifeboat volunteer whose efforts at two of the country’s busiest stations have been described as “almost unheard of in the RNLI’s 190 history” has been made a MBE.
David Martin, who is operations manager of both Peterhead and Broughty Ferry lifeboat stations, has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for his outstanding contribution to maritime safety.
The 69-year-old has served as a volunteer with the RNLI for 26 years.
In his role as operations manager, he trains and selects the crews, ensures the lifeboat is maintained and authorises it for launch – often in life-threatening conditions.
Last night Mr Martin, who lives in Monifieth in Angus, said: “I’m very honoured and humbled to be given this award.
“I work between Peterhead and Broughty Ferry, and that’s never been done before. They are great stations to be in charge of.
“In Peterhead it’s fantastic to be in charge of such a famous station. Now I’ve been up there for two years.
“All the volunteers I’ve had have been marvellous. They’re brave and determined and put to sea in some horrendous conditions.
“At one stage they were out for 15 hours bringing in a yacht which had seven people aboard. We also just held a very moving memorial for three crewmen who were lost in a disaster 100 years ago.”
Mr Martin, who grew up in Ceres in Fife, also works full time as the RNLI’s coastal assessor and trainer, responsible for maintaining the standards of lifeboat crews across east Scotland.
Paul Boissier, the RNLI’s chief executive, said: “David has made a lasting impact on the safety of the east coast of Scotland. His actions at Broughty Ferry and Peterhead have undoubtedly saved many lives.
“His tenacity and commitment make him an outstanding role model, and I am delighted he has been recognised with an MBE.”
An RNLI spokesman added: “David Martin has been a volunteer with the RNLI for the last 26 years, serving first on the crew and more recently as the volunteer lifeboat operations manager at not one, but two lifeboat stations – a feat almost unheard of in the RNLI’s 190 year history.”
In 2013, Broughty Ferry launched 105 times, making it Scotland’s busiest lifeboat station and the fifth busiest in the UK and Ireland.