Coxswain/Mechanic Ian Johnson of Troon first joined the lifeboat crew in 1965. He was the boat mechanic from 1970 to 1971, when he became a fleet mechanic until 1976.

In 1978 he was appointed coxswain/mechanic at Portpatrick, returning to Troon in 1979 in the same capacity.

In 1980 he was awarded a silver medal in recognition of his courage, leadership and fine seamanship when the lifeboat went alongside the Dutch dredger Holland I, which was in danger of breaking her moorings off Irvine Harbour fairway beacon, on five occasions to rescue her crew of five in a westerly storm and a very rough sea.

Ian is married with four children and is very involved with helping youngsters achieve their silver and gold badges in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. He is also adjutant of the local Boys' Brigade..