We are pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Des Donworth MA FRIN FCMI RN (Ret) as Director of Navigational Requirements and Policy, succeeding Nigel Hare. Captain Donworth will officially begin his role on 15 September 2025.
Captain Donworth joins Trinity House with an exceptional maritime background. Since beginning his career in the Royal Navy in 1992 as a Seaman Officer, he has dedicated his professional life to navigation—serving at sea in some of the world’s most demanding environments, from the ice of Antarctica to the heat of the Arabian Gulf.
His operational credibility is built on years of practical experience and leadership. He has commanded ships on NATO deployments, served as Head of Navigation at the United States Naval Academy, and led maritime advisory missions in Libya and Iraq. Recently appointed a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation and as a former Chair of the Navigating and Direction Officers Association, Captain Donworth brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the craft and science of safe and effective navigation.
Captain Donworth commented:
“It is an enormous honour for me to be taking over the role of Director of Navigational Requirement and Policy from Nigel Hare. I bring my experience in the Royal Navy to Trinity House but recognise that I have a new world to understand and I’m genuinely looking forward to working to support and shape the future of navigational requirements and policy.”