Colin left the Royal Navy as a Temporary Lieutenant (SD) (W) in 1995, after 35 years’ service. He undertook consultative administrative work until employed by Flagship Training Limited as the Pay Cash and Records Manager in HMS SULTAN. He oversaw the civilianisation of HMS Sultan Unit Personnel Office (UPO) and trials of pay systems until instigation of the tri-service Personnel Administrative System in 2006. He also undertook inspection work whilst responsible for 3 UPOs in the Portsmouth area, manned by Flagship Training Limited personnel and subsequent other Private Finance Initiative companies.

He retired in 2009 and devotes his time to RNWA, gardening and DIY.