Lifeboat crews have welcomed a new helm to help them save lives.
Dean Durrant has become the latest crew member to qualify as a helm for Helensburgh Lifeboat, a process that involves extensive training.
It can take years to qualify, with the final test including a two-hour written exam and interview with the regional assessor.
There is then a two-hour exercise on the water to test search and rescue procedures.
There are seven helms for Helensburgh Lifeboat and Dean said he was keen to take on the extra challenge.
He said: "I have been a member of the RNLI crew for several years and I was keen to take on an extra challenge.
"Some of the helms have work commitments and as I work from home, I can be available during the day. This means we can continue to provide our valuable life-saving service 24/7, 365 days of the year.
"I really enjoyed the training. It was a challenging experience and it has given me a newfound confidence in my role as a volunteer crew member and now as a helm."
Howard Morrison, local operations manager, said: "We are delighted that Dean has passed out as a helm. This means we have greater flexibility and more cover during the day. Helensburgh Lifeboat was called out 59 times in 2023.
"Already, we have had a busy start to the year with five shouts in the first few weeks of January Thank you to everyone for your continuing support and donations which help us to save lives at sea."
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