Peel lifeboat’s full-time mechanic and coxswain has retired after 32 years with the RNLI.

Paul Cain first got involved in 1987, and was fully enrolled as a crew member in 1988.

Following further training, he was appointed full time mechanic and deputy 2nd coxswain in January 1992, when the Mersey all weather lifeboat was placed on station, and then mechanic/2nd coxswain in 2013.

He received a vellum service certificate in 1994 and his 20-year service certificate in 2008.

Paul went on to receive a certificate of dedicated support in 2010 and a certificate for leadership and boat handling following a yacht rescue in 2011 in gale force conditions.

In 2014, he was awarded a Bronze badge certificate followed by his 30-year service certificate in 2018.

diamond jubilee

Paul was honoured to be chosen to attend the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee flotilla on the Thames as crew aboard the new Tamar class lifeboat in 2012 and attended the Queen’s garden party in 2015.

Paul is staying on as a volunteer at Peel but will also act as relief coxswain/mechanic at other stations around the UK.

Lifeboat operations manager Allen Corlett said: ’Paul has done an admiral job for the last 30 years, and the superb condition of the Ruby Clery is testament to his hard work and dedication.

’It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with him.

’Whilst I am sorry that he is retiring from his full-time role, I am delighted that we are not losing his knowledge and experience as he will will continue to support the Peel Lifeboat as a volunteer mechanic and 2nd Coxswain.’