New Navigator passed out at New Brighton RNLI
On Monday 9 February 2026, volunteer crew member Tom Varley successfully completed a pass out to become a Navigator for New Brighton’s Atlantic-85 lifeboat.
It was a pleasant day with a few clouds, slight seas and a gentle breeze, with onshore south-easterly winds of 11mph (7-10kts), and tides of around 5m.
During his assessment, Tom was tasked with plotting and following safe routes at high speeds, planning and conducting search patterns whilst afloat, as well as being tested on position fixing and international ‘rules of the road’ whilst on the water (IRPCS). Tom excelled in all areas of his assessment, and was successfully passed out on his return to station
The Navigator role is a fairly new role within the RNLI, incorporating the first elements of commanding a lifeboat whilst out on a shout or an exercise. The role requires excellent local knowledge, as well as technical, practical and theoretical competency in all aspects of maritime navigation.
Having been with the RNLI since 2022, this latest pass out brings Tom to the highest level of training available for volunteer crew members on board an Atlantic-85. The next and final step in Tom’s training would be to take on a command role as a helm of the lifeboat.
Mark Greensmith, Launch Authority on the day, said:
‘We are all incredibly proud of Tom on this latest achievement. Becoming a Navigator on board the lifeboat is no small feat, and he’s shown exceptional commitment and hard work to achieve it. Tom is a true asset to New Brighton RNLI, and we can’t wait to see him continue to progress in his roles at station.’
Notes to Editors:
New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.
The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.
RNLI Media Contacts:
For more information, please contact:
Connor Wray
Lifeboat Press Officer/ILB Crew
New Brighton RNLI
07756553092
Emily Craven
Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer/ILB Crew
New Brighton RNLI
07986119684
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith
Regional Communications Manager
07977728315
Danielle Rush
Regional Communications Lead
+441745538995
Or RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.