COLIN Finney - the Island's chief coastguard for 21 years - has been appointed operations manager (harbours and coastguard) for the Department of Infrastructure.

Colin joined HM Coastguard in 1979. He recently gained a harbour masters diploma prior to being promoted to his new post.

He said: "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as chief coastguard and have been privileged to have worked alongside the amazingly loyal and enthusiastic volunteers who man the Island’s five coastguard rescue stations.

"However, I am now looking forward to the challenge presented by the new post. I’m keen to utilise the experience I’ve gained during my career in helping develop the harbours division and coastguard service over the next few years.

"Although, under the director of harbours, I have retained operational oversight of Isle of Man Coastguard, along with all other parts of the harbours division, a new head of service will be appointed to deal with the day-to-day management of the coastguard."

Colin, of Castletown, is married to Irene and the couple have four children and six grandchildren.

He began his career as a 15-year-old in 1969 when he joined the Royal Navy, working in the communications branch. After joining HM Coastguard, Colin was posted in Isle of Lewis and Greenock before returning to the Island in 1983, where he was stationed in Ramsey.

Two years later he moved to Castletown and he was there when HM Coastguard withdrew from the Island in 1988, handing over responsibility for coastguard operations to the Isle of Man Government, which led to the inauguration of Isle of Man Coastguard in 1989.

After initially being seconded to Isle of Man Coastguard, he was appointed the service’s first chief coastguard and a member of harbour division’s senior management team.

David Callister MLC, political member with responsibility for harbours, said: "Colin has been with the department for many years and is well-known and respected by everyone associated with the harbours division and Isle of Man Coastguard.

"I’m delighted with his promotion, both for him on a personal level and for the department as a whole, as we will retain the wealth of experience he has gained during his career.

"I’d like to thank him for everything he’s done for Isle of Man Coastguard since its inauguration, and wish him well in his new post."