Newly Qualified Navigator for Fowey RNLI – Paul Birkby

In February 2025, Paul Birkby successfully qualified as a lifeboat navigator at Fowey RNLI, marking a significant milestone in his volunteer journey.

Commitment and Training Lead to Success

Paul joined the RNLI crew in 2022 and has since been involved in 16 shouts and 68 crew exercises, spending a total of 218 hours at sea. To achieve his navigator qualification, he demonstrated high standards of skill in charts, radar, AIS, GPS, buoyage, passage planning, search patterns, and local waters.

Expressing his gratitude, Paul said:

“I’m thrilled to have passed out as a navigator, I’d like to thank everyone at the station for their support and to the other navigators for sharing their knowledge and experience. I look forward to helping the future trainee navigators in the same way.”

Recognition from the Crew

Fowey Coxswain Jonathan Pritchard commended Paul’s dedication, stating:

“I am very pleased for Paul. He has worked hard and shown great enthusiasm throughout his training. Everyone congratulates him on his successful passing out.”

Paul’s achievement reflects the commitment required to serve in the RNLI, and his journey could inspire others to take on the challenge.

Photo: Paul Birkby – Credit:Fowey RNLI