Irish Lifeboats

Currently four out of the five all weather lifeboat classes serve Irish lifeboat stations. (The new Tamar class will be introduced to Irish stations in 2010).

The Following is a class by class list of all weather lifeboats currently serving at Irish lifeboat stations. (Please note the lists do not currently cover the Relief fleet).

The Tyne class lifeboats are an all weather lifeboat designed to deploy from slipway stations but can also lie afloat. They were the the first fast slipway lifeboat designed by the RNLI. The unusual design of this lifeboat derives from the requirement to deploy from slipway stations built for previous generations of lifeboats, with limited clearance. The Tyne also lies afloat at stations where the approaches, or operating areas, are particularly shallow. The propellers are protected by substantial bilge keels. The Tyne class was first introduced in 1982 with the final example built in 1990. After over 20 years of service, they are gradually being replaced by the substantially larger and more powerful Tamar class lifeboat.

The Mersey class lifeboats are an all weather lifeboat designed to be launched from a carriage but can also lie afloat. Early models were constructed of aluminium, later of fibre reinforced composite. The first Mersey class was introduced in 1988 with the final example built in 1993. The Mersey class is likely to be replaced by the FCB2 class which is still under trial.

The Trent class is an all weather lifeboat designed to lie afloat at deep water or at a berth. First introduced in 1994 the Trent class is seen as a smaller version of the Severn class. 38 Trent class were built with 10 serving Irish stations making them the largest all weather class serving Irish lifeboat stations. 

The Severn class lifeboat was introduced in 1995 and shares the same hull shape as the Trent class. It carries a powered Y boat that can be launched and recovered by a lightweight crane to enable rescues close to shore. Its propellers are protected so it can take ground without damage. The Severn is constructed of fibre reinforced composite material, and the hard chine semi-displacement hull built to a two compartment standard, meaning it can stay afloat with two of its five compartments flooded. Provision for survivors includes comprehensive first aid equipment including stretchers, oxygen and Entonox. The final Severn class was built in 2003.

The Tamar class lifeboat is the RNLI's latest design and will gradually replace the Tyne class. It is bigger and faster than the Tyne and can be launched from a slipway or lie afloat. The Tamar is the most advanced vessel in the RNLI fleet. It hosts new technology, including fly-by-wire joystick steering, suspension seats to protect crew in severe weather, and an onboard computer system called Systems and Information Management System or SIMS. SIMS allows complex tasks such as engine and navigation management to be displayed on a single flat LCD screen, six of which are positioned around the vessel, to allow crew to operate all the systems without moving from their seats. It carries a Y Class (pre-inflated) inflatable daughter boat housed in a pen recessed into the stern of the Tamar, accessed by lowering the transom, and lifting a section of deck. This allows the tender to be launched and recovered on to a ramp provided by the lowered transom section. Kilmore Quay and Baltimore are to receive new Tamar class lifeboats during 2010.