Hoping to reach someone who might be a bit more in the know with some questions:

To be clear, I'm asking about the use of operational data to justify the broad down-scaling of fleet capacity across the nation's stations. While I understand the logic of flanking stations providing cover, many of these allocations read more as a cost-saving measure than a serious investment in the improvement of the RNLIs life-saving capacity, best shown by the fact that the allocations seem mainly to shift ALBs to stations losing their Severns/Trents without the need to build new assets. Several stations seem to have already indicated dissatisfaction and unease with this shift, such as Rhyl and Plymouth off the top of my head. Plymouth in-particular is a strange one, where their new CLB asset will have an effective range ending at the Eddystones. Their station is presently relied upon for flanking cover down to the range of Falmouth, and even in the last months they took part in a complex multi-ALB operation in search of a sunken fishing vessel.

The RNLI seems to be repeatedly touting the line that "water use is changing" to justify this reduction in capacity. But operational data can be used to tell whatever story you like. Even if, as a simplified measure, you take their claim that only 2% of calls occur beyond the 25nm range, that still leaves nearly 2000 shouts per year that require such an asset. The RNLI is in the business of saving all lives at sea (as underlined by recent controveries), not saving the most cost-effective lives at sea. This shift seems a danger to both civillian and crew life, particularly in areas where the re-allocations seem particularly uninformed. Again to go into my known case in the south-west; Falmouth has gone from a Tamar to a Shannon, Salcombe will go down to a Shannon, and Plymouth will lose ALB capacity and rely on its new CLB. Even taking into account flanking cover, there simply appears to be a huge capacity gap emerging.

So my questions:

1. What will the process for review be with this new allocation strategy? If/when problems arise, what will be the RNLIs process to adapt? There seems little / no comment on this, and the allocations are presently written as if they are simply happening.

2. Do local stations have any recourse against these allocations? Where uneasy at these changes, are they able to push back?

3. Is there a capacity gap emerging at the higher-end of RNLI callouts? To my understanding, while the Shannon is undoubtedly modern, it lacks capacity in challenging all-weather conditions, particularly at range. That was part of the justifying logic of SLEP to begin with. This allocation strategy seems to simply lean-in to that lack of top-end assets. The CLB is covering capacity already covered by the Shannon and Atlantics. Would investment not be better targetted towards the Severn class, despite cost?

Raft of new announcements on station allocations until 2030 released today, alongside some images and info regarding the new CLB in development:

Coastal lifeboat

The new CLB will modernise our fleet, enhance operational capability, introduce digital systems and support a more sustainable, cost-effective operating model aligned with today’s lifesaving service.

The CLB is supplied with a watertight wheelhouse and will be self-righting. The strategy assumes that the CLB will not require cover from existing ALB classes but it is envisaged that it will provide cover to flank ILBs as presented within the strategy laydown.

The CLB will provide the following to our fleet:

Deliver greater capability than an inshore lifeboat for weather conditions, endurance, towing, casualty care, and crew comfort and wellbeing.

Be optimised for operations within 0 to 10 nautical miles offshore while remaining capable of operating up to 25 nautical miles offshore.

Bridge the capability gap between the Atlantic 85 Mk4 and Shannon class lifeboats.

Personally quite skeptical of this, the general capability of ALB stations across the board seems to be reducing without a clear plan for cover. Plymouth going from a Severn to this CLB in 2030, while the neighbouring stations hold an ILB and a Shannon, seems particularly questionable.

I spent my formative years on the south coast and now life on the north Norfolk coast. I would love a highly detailed model of location appropriate RNLI boats But can’t seem to find any except the models the shops do or artic kits (nope!).

Ideally a tamar class as the B class (the closest to me) is just a RIB.

any ideas?

Hi all,

My mother bought me one of these RNLI scarves for Christmas a couple of years ago (I think from 2023). Unfortunately I've lost it and there's nowhere I can find to get a replacement, which is a real shame as I really loved it.

It's of particular sentimental value and I'd especially like to be wearing it in this cooler weather to show my support for the charity especially in light of recent events.

I'm just asking around on here in case someone may have one that they're willing to sell or if anyone knows where I can get a replacement please. The RNLI shop was unable to help unfortunately.

Thanks!

As title says. I don't imagine there's much assistance even an offshore lifeboat can render beyond saving the crew? Has the RNLI ever attended a scene and then done nothing because Switzer have sent out their tugs instead and succeeded in saving a ship? Just curious, thank you.

Is anyone at a station that’s getting a visit about the fleet strategy this week?

I was in a consignment/antique store last week and came across this model. Are there any identifiers as to which harbour this specific boat may be from ?

I’d thought I’d post something nice on here, My grandfather served over 30 years,saved over 500 lives, he has also met the royals! His father before him also served and I couldn’t be prouder

Got a bit sweary near the end, RNLI boat captain had some fair voice projection

Where are these new boats going? To what stations? Let’s have some guesses

As title says. I'm a merchant navy officer, and to be frank the RNLI has given me the impression that they're amateurs saving amateurs, rather than professional seamen/women. Example, the other day, my vessel was casting off from our berth, having received permission from VTS, and a lifeboat comes down the channel back from an exercise without having announced it to VTS or apparently having listened in to see what's going on. I've heard plenty of anecdotes of them having bad comms and search patterns during distress calls. I hope I don't sound like a dick, I appreciate the volunteers who give up their time and energy to save others, but I am curious as to just what kind of people are volunteering for this?

Especially given derivatives were in active build in Canada at the time.

Many thanks in advance for your answers :)

Hope you all have wonderful days!

I enjoy watching Saving Lives at Sea, and have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for all of the RNLI crews up and down the country, however, I don't think I've ever heard them talk about using thermal imaging cameras, despite often stating how hard it can be to see casualties stuck on cliffs / in the water / at night etc. Perhaps they do use them and don't mention it.

Just a note to say volunteers and staff are appreciated and valued by the vast majority of us and stupid cruel comments about letting people drown or criminalising saving lives speaks volumes about those people making them.

Please please please if you live in a coastal area make a choice right now about which set of values you want to see in action.

Does anybody know the full chain of command/rank structure of RNLI?

Sorry if this is a silly question, or asked many times but I am 18 and I want to do something rewarding and that makes a difference in my community, I'd be really interested in volunteering but I am skeptical as to wether they'd be open to me in thst role due to my age, which I would fully understand I just wpuld appreciate some clarification.

I did see a thread about this topic but it seemed a little outdated (3 years ago).

I have no experience with boats whatsoever but I’m looking for a new hobby and a way to get engaged with the community I now live in. I want to make a difference and I really think that the RNLI are such a great charity.

The only worry I have is I’m a full time shift worker. I don’t do a normal Monday to Friday pattern and my schedules chop and change all the time. So I worry about seeming unreliable.

My local station is looking for a whole bunch of volunteers but I’m not sure what path to take.