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RNLI Lifeboat Stations

Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station. Photo: RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) provides a vital 24-hour search and rescue service, operating from an extensive network of 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland. This network is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of those navigating these waters, and it includes diverse locations that cater to specific geographical and operational needs.

Lifeboat Stations Across the UK and Ireland
The RNLI's presence is not limited to coastal areas; it extends to both river and inland locations, ensuring broad coverage and quick response times in emergencies.

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River Thames Stations
There are four strategic lifeboat stations situated along the River Thames, each playing a critical role in safeguarding this busy waterway:

  • Chiswick

  • Gravesend

  • Teddington

  • Tower

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These stations are essential for managing the unique challenges posed by river environments, which can differ significantly from coastal conditions.

Inland Lifeboat Stations
In addition to river locations, the RNLI operates five inland lifeboat stations, which serve lakes and other inland waters. These stations are located at:

  • Carrybridge

  • Enniskillen

  • Loch Ness

  • Lough Derg

  • Lough Ree

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The presence of these inland stations highlights the RNLI's commitment to providing comprehensive safety coverage, regardless of the type of waterway.

Tailored Infrastructure and Continuous Improvement
Every lifeboat station has distinct needs that are influenced by its location. Without appropriate shore facilities, lifeboat crews would struggle to operate efficiently. Therefore, the RNLI is committed to the ongoing assessment and enhancement of its infrastructure.

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Responding to Change
The RNLI continually adapts to changes in lifeboat technology, the introduction of new classes of lifeboats, and the evolving requirements of volunteer crews. This adaptability often leads to improvements or even complete rebuilds of lifeboat stations to ensure they remain effective and safe.

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Ongoing Projects and Maintenance
At any given time, the RNLI manages approximately 125 projects focused on the upkeep and maintenance of lifeboat stations and other essential properties. These projects ensure that facilities remain fit for use and capable of supporting lifesaving missions.

  • Annual Project Completion: About 25 projects are completed each year.

  • Financial Commitment: These projects represent around 10% of the RNLI's annual running costs.

This proactive approach underscores the RNLI's dedication to maintaining a state-of-the-art rescue service capable of meeting the demands of the ever-changing coastal and inland environments.

The RNLI's extensive network and continuous improvement efforts are crucial in providing a reliable and efficient search and rescue service across the UK and Ireland. The institution's unwavering commitment to safety and adaptability ensures that lifeboat crews are always ready to respond to emergencies, safeguarding lives and fostering a safer maritime environment.

RNLI Lifeboat Stations in the Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland

Aranmore Lifeboat Station. Photo: Barry Moule

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of those at sea and on major inland waterways around Ireland. The RNLI's dedicated team of volunteers and staff operates an impressive network of 46 stations strategically positioned along the Irish coastline, as well as on significant inland waterways.

Lifeboat Stations and Operations
Varied Launching Methods
Each RNLI station is equipped to meet the unique requirements of its location. The types of boats and launching methods employed are tailored to the local environment and needs. This flexibility ensures that the RNLI can provide the most effective response in emergency situations. In some towns, where more than one boat is provided, these lifeboats might be stationed in separate buildings at different locations to maximise efficiency and reach.

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Types of Lifeboats
The lifeboats operated by the RNLI at Irish stations are divided into two main categories: All Weather Lifeboats (ALBs) and Inshore Lifeboats (ILBs). Each type of lifeboat is designed to handle specific conditions, ensuring comprehensive coverage for any situation.

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All Weather Lifeboats (ALBs)
ALBs are capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and can operate in all sea states. The types of ALBs used in Ireland include:

  • Mersey: Known for its shallow draft, allowing it to operate in areas other lifeboats cannot.

  • Severn: The largest ALB in the fleet, designed for long-range rescues.

  • Shannon: The first RNLI lifeboat to be powered by water jets, providing high maneuverability.

  • Tamar: Features advanced technology and safety systems, including an onboard computer.

  • Trent: Built for speed and range, with a focus on crew safety.

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Inshore Lifeboats (ILBs)
ILBs are smaller and more agile, specifically designed for rescues close to shore. The inshore fleet includes:

  • D Class (IB1): A highly maneuverable inflatable boat ideal for rescues in shallow waters.

  • Atlantic 85: A rigid inflatable boat that offers increased speed and stability.

  • Rescue Water Craft (RWC): Also known as jet skis, these are used for rapid response in calm to moderate sea conditions.

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The RNLI’s presence in Ireland is a testament to its commitment to saving lives at sea. By adapting to local needs through varied boat types and launching methods, the RNLI ensures that it can respond effectively to emergencies, providing a lifeline to those in need. Whether battling fierce weather offshore or navigating tricky inshore waters, the RNLI’s fleet is ready to face any challenge with courage and precision.

Recovery of Shannon class lifeboat at Clogherhead. Photo: RNLI/Pat Browne

Principal Launching Methods for Lifeboats
Launching lifeboats efficiently and safely is crucial for effective maritime rescue operations. Here are the primary methods used for launching All-Weather Lifeboats (ALBs) and Inshore Lifeboats (ILBs):

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Carriage
In this method, a lifeboat, either an ALB or an ILB, is placed on a carriage and pushed into the water by a tractor. This technique is especially useful in areas where there is a beach or a gentle slope leading into the water. It allows for quick deployment and retrieval of the lifeboat.

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Davit
The davit method involves lowering an ILB into the water using a crane. This is commonly used in situations where the lifeboat station is positioned above the water level, such as on a pier or a quay. The crane provides a controlled and safe descent of the lifeboat into the water.

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Launchway
In a launchway method, an ILB is placed on a carriage and pushed into the water by hand. This method is similar to the carriage method but relies on manual effort instead of a tractor. It is suitable for smaller lifeboats and situations where mechanical assistance is not available.

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Moored Afloat
In this method, either an ALB or an ILB is kept in the water near the lifeboat station. The lifeboat is moored alongside the station or nearby. A small boarding boat is typically provided to allow the crew easy access to the lifeboat. This method ensures the lifeboat is always ready for immediate deployment.

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Slipway
The slipway method involves an ALB sliding down a slipway directly into the water. This is a fast and effective launching technique, as the boat gains momentum from the slide, enabling rapid access to open water. Slipways are typically used in lifeboat stations that are positioned above the water level.

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Each of these methods has its own advantages and is chosen based on the geographical and operational needs of the lifeboat station. By employing the most suitable launching method, rescue teams can ensure prompt and effective responses to emergencies at sea.

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Lifeboat Stations and Equipment

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Portrush
ALB (All-weather Lifeboat): Severn Class 17-30 William Gordon Burr (Y-238)

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

ILB (Inshore Lifeboat): D Class (IB1) D-871 Ken Blair

Launch Method: Slipway

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Red Bay
ALB: Trent Class 14-32 Corinne Whiteley (XP02)

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-843 Geoffrey Charles

Launch Method: Carriage

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Larne
ALB: Trent Class 14-30 Dr. John McSparran (XP24)

Launch Method: Afloat Alongside

ILB: D Class (IB1) D-783 Terry

Launch Method: Carriage

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Bangor
ILB: Atlantic 85 B-944 Ruby Robinson

Launch Method: Carriage

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Donaghadee
ALB: Trent Class 14:21 MacQuarie (XP17)

Launch Method: Afloat Alongside

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Portaferry
ILB: Atlantic 85 B-833 Blue Peter V

Launch Method: Carriage

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Newcastle
ALB: Mersey Class 12-20 Leonard Kent

Launch Method: Carriage

ILB: D Class (IB1) D-775 Eliza

Launch Method: Carriage

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Kilkeel
ILB: Atlantic 85 B-812 Frank William Walton

Launch Method: Davit

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Clogherhead

ALB: Shannon Class 13-31 Michael O'Brien

Launch Method: Carriage

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Skerries

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-866 Louis Simson

Launch Method: Carriage

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Howth

ALB: Trent Class 14-33 Roy Barker III (XP19)

Launch Method: Alfloat Aongside

ILB: D Class (IB1) D-796 Aideen Cresswell

Launch Method: Slipway

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Dun Laoghaire

ALB: Trent Class 14-05 Anna Livia (XP16)

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

ILB: D Class (IB1) D-865 Joval

Launch Method: Slipway

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Wicklow

ALB: Trent Class 13-33 Bridie O' Shea 

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

ILB: D Class (IB1) D-806 Dennis-Audrey

Launch Method: Carriage

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Arklow

ALB: Shannon Class 13-53 Roy Holloway 

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

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Courtown

ILB: D Class (IB1) D-846 Frank 

Launch Method: Slipway

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Wexford

ILB: D Class (IB1) D-782 Alfred William Newman 

Launch Method: Carriage

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Rosslare Harbour

ALB: Severn Class 17-43 Donald and Barbara Broadhead (Y168) 

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

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Kilmore Quay

ALB: Tamar Class 16-18 Killarney (Y216) 

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

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Fethard

ILB: D Class (IB1) D-819 Naomh Dubhan 

Launch Method: Carriage

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Dunmore East

ALB: Shannon Class 13-41 William and Agnes Wray 

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

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Tramore

ILB: D Class (IB1) D-781 Isabella Purchase 

Launch Method: Carriage

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Helvick Head

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-873 Robert Armstrong

Launch Method: Slipway

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Youghal

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-873 Robert Armstrong

Launch Method: Carriage

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Ballycotton

ALB: Trent Class 14-25 Austin Lidbury (XP47)

Launch Method: Moored Afloat

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Crosshaven

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-892 John and Janet

Launch Method: Davit

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Kinsale

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-909 Miss Sally Anne Baggy II - Never Fear, Baggy's Here

Launch Method: Davit

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Courtmacsherry Harbour

ALB: Shannon Class 13-45 Val Adnams 

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

Baltimore

ALB: Tamar Class 16-25 Alan Massey (Y244)

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-910 Rita Daphne Smyth

Launch Method: Slipway

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Castletownbere

ALB: Severn Class 17-44 Annette Hutton (Y191) 

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

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Union Hall

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-924 Christine and Raymond Fielding

Launch Method: Carriage

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Valentia

ALB: Severn Class 17-07 John and Margaret Doig (Y223)

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

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Fenit

ALB: Trent Class 14-27 Robert Hywell Jones Williams (XP14) 

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

​ILB: D Class (IB1) D-860 Lizzie

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

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Kilrush

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-844 Edith Louise Eastwick

Launch Method: Carriage

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Lough Derg

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-911 Jane Spier

Launch Method: Moored Afloat

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Lough Ree

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-920 Tara Scougall

Launch Method: Carriage

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Aran Islands

ALB: Severn Class 17-06 David Kirkaldy (Y224) 

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

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Galway

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-853 Binny

Launch Method: Davit

Clifden

ALB: Shannon Class 13-43 St Christopher

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-869 Joyce King

Launch Method: Carriage

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Achill Island 

ALB: Trent Class 14-28 Sam and Ada Moody (XP27)

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

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Ballyglass

ALB: Severn Class 17-15 Bryan and Gordon (Y229)

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

ILB: D Class (IB1) D-823 Celia Mary

Launch Method: Carriage

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Sligo Bay

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-888 Sheila & Dennis Tongue

Launch Method: Carriage

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Bundoran

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-834 William Henry Liddington

Launch Method: Carriage

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Enniskillen

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-912 John and Jean Lewis

Launch Method: Carriage

RWC: Rescue Water Craft RWC 54

Launch Method: Carriage

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Carrybridge

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-904 Douglas, Euen and Kay Richards

Launch Method: Carriage

RWC: Rescue Water Craft RWC 52 

Launch Method: Carriage

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Achill Island 

ALB: Severn Class 17-22 Myrtle Maud (Y157)

Launch Method: Afloat Moored

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Lough Swilly

ALB: Shannon Class 13-08 Derek Bullivant

Launch Method: Afloat Morred

ILB: Atlantic 85 B-819 Minnie and Ernest George Barry

Launch Method: Carriage

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