Meet the fleet: RNLI all-weather lifeboat compilation

The RNLI's all-weather fleet is made up of five classes of lifeboat: the Tamar, Trent, Shannon, Mersey and Severn, each with their own unique features, but all designed to the tackle the very harshest sea conditions and keep their volunteer crews safe while they save lives at sea.
Since 2015, our all-weather lifeboats have been built and maintained in-house at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset. This facility and each of the lifeboats in the fleet was funded by our amazing supporters and their generous donations and legacy gifts.
*Please note the Mersey launched in 1988, not 1998
Thumbnail image taken by Nigel Millard of Kilmore Quay Tamar class lifeboat.
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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland are ready to launch to help those in need. Whether you're stuck on a sinking ship, cut off by a rapidly rising tide, or in the water and close to drowning, RNLI crew members will drop everything to come to your rescue. 95% of RNLI lifeboat crews and station staff are volunteers.
But it’s not just lifeboats. RNLI lifeguards patrol 248 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands, keeping people safe, providing safety advice and rescuing those in trouble. Education volunteers visit schools and swimming clubs to help teach the next generation how to enjoy the water safely. And volunteer fundraisers and shop workers give up their time to generate vital funds. The RNLI is also working to help communities around the world that are most at risk of drowning.
If you spot someone in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
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Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney

[@jsn9483]

Just remember that this is a charity and is not funded by the government at all. Everyone there is a volunteer who won't get paid for saving lives. I have great respect for these people. Thank you for your service

[@loading2112]

The info I got said *Crews rescued on average 22 people a day in 2015.* I mean why so many sea accident? and why did this organization is founded in the first place? I never heard of this kind of activity (not from my region at least)

[@tinkmarshino]

amen my brother.. I salute the men and women that risk (and sometimes give) there lives to save other.. everywhere in this tired old world..

[@catwithabat7163]

IMHO they need to be tooken under the wing of the CG except they only get funding nothing else from the CG

[@jsn9483]

@@loading2112 Well there wre a lot of idiots in the UK that like to swim out into the sea and get stuck there

[@tinkmarshino]

@@catwithabat7163 huh?

[@chuckfinlay6093]

Angels don’t just have wings and Super Heros don’t just wear capes……… they also wear big yellow rubber boots and dry suits and go by the name RNLI. Godspeed to each and every one of you.

[@rnli]

Thank you, our supporters like you make lifesaving possible.

[@whovianhistorybuff]

They're the best friends that every sailor hopes never to need

[@karlarobin]

And a refugee lift to a hotel

[@maureentomkinson8163]

What brave individuals....risking their own lives to save others...God bless you all.

[@rnli]

Thank you, Maureen

[@forswornclaw732]

I can imagine your lifeboat crews are thrilled with them. Stay safe & mad respect for all of you

[@katunorisyohara9821]

さ

[@trevordyer80]

I'm a Boatswains Mate in the US Coast Guard and I would killlll for these badass boats!!

[@gfour21]

You will kill for these boats, so you can save even more lives. That's a tough dilemma.

[@gl9520]

@@gfour21 Spend some time on a USCG 47' MLB and tell me you wouldn't do the same haha! Amazing boats in their own right with the same mission set and highly capable- but this takes the cake!

[@rensio8]

I love the Shannon type, what a beauty! My life was saved by some of your brave men using a fast RIB to reach me, they did a wonderful job. I am deeply grateful to them and the joint efforts of the coastguard and ambulance service who were all helping out that day, they have taught me some huge extra respect for the Cornish ocean and it’s cold waters. Deep heartfelt Thanks to you all ~*

[@harveysmith100]

stay safe

[@G4RY1159]

These people do some amazing work, any time the opportunity comes up please donate to the RNLI They do not get the full credit they fully deserve Thanks

[@rnli]

Thanks so much for your support Gary

[@brian.7966]

boy racers that's all.

[@krysler1490]

I was on holiday in Guernsey. Down there, moored, was a Severn Class. I was having a look from the pontoon as we had to walk past it with my grandparents and one of the crew said "hey mate, wanna come on board?". So I did. Awesome boat in every way, the engines, all the seats, just awesome. RNLI, we love you!

[@cjatruckphotos]

I’ve been on almost every operational lifeboat in the RNLI fleet and it’s amazing. Still need to get on a Tamar, Severn, Shannon and E class

[@macduff1964a]

The machines are nothing without their brave, brave crew. I have the honour of knowing a few of them and these are humble folks who save lives. Much kudos to all at the RNLI, including all those that fund raise too.

[@rnli]

That is very true! Thanks for your kind words.

[@vorpommerinaustralia5418]

Great design of the boats. Respect to my British and Irish colleagues. Together we keep our European waters safe! I‘am volunteer at DGzRS, the German Maritime Rescue Organization. Stay Safe!

[@atlantic85]

1:10 that’s Padstow Lifeboat Station if anyone wants to go there

[@sinclairearl]

Awesome to see The RNLI still doing such a great job. My great,great,great grand father was Sir William Hillary.

[@rnli]

A pretty cool great great great grandfather to have, if we may say so!

[@Cinemadamenic]

Thank you! Magnificent machines, worthy of those who crew them...

[@rnli]

Thank you! They are beautiful, that's for sure!

[@Finch5460]

​@@rnliare you still sleeping OK knowing your bringing illegal immigrants to our shores so they can rape our women and children and burgle our grandparents

[@JRS_999]

My favorite all weather lifeboat has to be the Tamar class!

[@mlawson123]

Fully support the RNLI, they are hero's. I wish the videos were narrated because it is very distracting having to read the subtitles instead of watching the great work these people do.

[@MERISI001]

Magnificent lifeboats and a comfort to know they are on standby but they go nowhere without the men and women who put their lives on the line every time they go out. Their skills, bravery and compassion are what this country is built upon. Thanks to all you brave crews.

[@carterp2858]

How can you not love a lifeboat.

[@andysipowicz]

Amazing boats and truly amazing service. These people are the best of us.

[@rnli]

Thank you so much.

[@montyzumazoom1337]

God bless all those who volunteer for the lifeboat service. Berate men and women all of them. I never forgot my Nan’s words.whenever there was a howling gale blowing “ pity the poor souls at sea” Best service in the world my god always protect and bless them

[@nicke1903]

Volunteers, you have to admire the hell out of them, if it wasn't them who would it be. Good vid, good work.

[@andrewb9790]

Thank you for everything you do; you are all heroes.

[@rnli]

Thank you Andrew, we really appreciate your support.

[@zoeygonnago_e]

I know its got to suck to be in that position but what a picturesque screw up at 4:56.

[@Ocean-Lee-BF128-And-Lucas-M]

I love the rnli because on the 27th March 2019 my grandad got pulled under the water by his fishing gear off the coast of Macduff and 2 lifeboats were launched to get him ❤️

[@fitrianhidayat]

Did they get him?

[@thomascorby1296]

Thank you RNLI for all you have done in your years of service everyone you have saved are very thankful and I am to so yet again Thank you and hope there’s many more years to come

[@terrystephens1102]

An amazing fleet doing amazing work - a huge shout-out to all RNLI crews and support personnel for your outstanding commitment and courage.😃👌👏👏👏👏👏❤️

[@seankilburn7200]

shannon class looks perfect. dont know how they could ever improve it really.

[@rnli]

Thank you Sean, she is a beauty!

[@owensweetland342]

Love the slipways!

[@rnli]

If you love slipways, then you will love our Six Spectacular Slipways video on our page 👉 rnli.social/3ILyzo7

[@zayghamnawaz9617]

Much respect to this organization and its volunteers.

[@HuwRichards]

So fascinating! Thank you so much RNLI☺️

[@shannonparker7404]

Respect. Utter respect and admiration.

[@George-kw6kz]

That Shannon looks so good

[@bikerslow2598]

People doing this job deserve respect!!

[@richgray6038]

Thank you for your services!!

[@rnli]

Thanks Heather!

[@advancelast1740]

RNLI Crew....the true definition of bravery

[@tubadude905]

Ultimate respect for these brave folks in the RNLI...

[@rc-fannl7364]

Kudos to all people working for these SAR organisations.

[@stevenlarratt3638]

The slipping Tamar is at Padstow and is my designated charity... amazing work and crews by this wonderful organisation!

[@JimBig987]

You are all heroes, thank you for your service.

[@Bulletguy07]

I like the Tamar but the Severn has a unique kind of majesty about it and i love how it powers through the waves. RNLI member here who would pay good money for a short ride inside a Severn!! Must also mention, the next series of documentaries from RNLI, Steven Mackintosh did a brilliant job as narrator on "Saving Lives at Sea".

[@martinnorris9379]

I was in clogherhead to see the arrival of the new Shannon class 13-31 as she came ashore. It was bitter sweet thow to see the old boat 12-31 leave .she served clogherhead well over the years and she saved many lives in her service.

[@rnli]

Hi Martin, I understand why you say it was bitter sweet. Thanks for your support.

[@edge6040]

If yall are interested in lifeguarding (As well as the RNLI) there is also RLSS and Bondi Rescue (Bondi rescue is about the lifeguards who work at Bondi beach in Aussie). Lifeguards are the un-sung heroes of everyday life- thank you❤️

[@rnli]

Our lifeguards do an amazing job. Lifeguard Maxi from Bondi has previously supported our Respect the Water campaign - top guy!

[@dunruden9720]

@@rnli As we used to say in the Australian coastguard, "Great blokes these lifesavers. May we never meet!"

[@tinkmarshino]

Damn fine job my lads and lasses' .. Because of you there are complete and happy family's all over the globe that would have otherwise have lost someone dear to them.. Here's to you! Job well done! Carry on!

[@mikecollings6889]

Amazing boats, amazing crews and all the behind the scenes staff who make it all tick. Thank you for all you do.

[@hoodlum1107]

Wonderful, we don’t have such heavy seas here in the Öresund straight between Sweden and Denmark but those boats of yours are brilliant. I’d love to volunteer for the Swedish equivalent.

[@dominicohea5624]

Much. Respect. Covers it no need to say any more

[@kanal0096]

I LOVE these ships, since i was a little chillde. It just impressed me how tough they are and how brave the team must be. I also like how they look when they pass over these huge waves 😍

[@rnli]

Glad you're enjoying our videos

[@zeus-mt7wx]

You guys deserve the best. So underrated so quiet all gentleman. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@PhilbyFavourites]

I love that beaching shot of the Shannon! That would look mightily impressive at East Head in Chichester Harbour...

[@Walderdbeere14]

As someone who just knew about the dgzrs it's fantastic to see lifeboats from other nations.

[@rnli]

Lovely to hear 😊

[@toasterhavingabath6980]

Dgzrs?..

[@Walderdbeere14]

@@toasterhavingabath6980 It's the German sea rescue team. DGzRS means Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger. (German society for the rescue of shipwrecked people)

[@steveaustin6467]

fantastic vessels, only as good as the crew operating them.....much respect to all you guys, front line workers of the seas.....

[@CrazyChrisYT]

Amazing bits of kit these vessels

[@rnli]

Thanks Chris - we're really proud of them!

[@CrazyChrisYT]

@@rnli the St. Ives one is the best, stood and watched it for hours. You guys are so overlooked as an emergency service, but your crews risk so much. RNLI appreciation day... week... month... year should be a national thing considering we are an island. Keep up the amazing work!

[@danclegg2443]

Would love a video of the building and testing of these vessels. In depth video of the kit and equipment used would be great. Those windscreen wipers must take an absolute hammering. Great video 👍

[@rnli]

Cheers Dan, watch this space for more videos along this theme

[@andreacastaldi1049]

RNLI VERY STRONG SEA TEAM....ALL THE BEST !!!!

[@rnli]

Thanks Andrea!

[@raindropraindrop]

The lifeboats are saving lives but i hope humans can help save them and keep them going forever!

[@gabbajon5654]

One of the few things that make me proud to be British. Absolutely mental that they don't receive funding from the government

[@rnli]

We're independent of government funding thanks to our generous supporters and dedicated volunteers 💙 It means we’re free from political agendas and can concentrate on doing what we do best: saving lives.

[@gabbajon5654]

@@rnli it seems to be working well for you but surely some extra money can only help

[@fastasfox]

I was lucky enough to have stumbled on 13-17 (Shannon) being launched on Skegness beach off of what can only be described as a thunderbird truck....what a sight. Respect to you all.

[@flybobbie1449]

I saw the Llanduno launched. What a rig ma-roll. Kept inland and had to be towed out. I think it has been replaced by a slipway launch in local harbour.

[@jamsams]

Amazing machines, manned by even more amazing people. Salt of the earth.

[@lifesforliving88]

Amazing boats but even more amazing is the crew! The gaudians of the sea... would love to be able to join you... Keep safe

[@jackwilson3544]

RNLI is a apsolutly amazing love you lots RNLI

[@rnli]

Thanks Jack!

[@jackwilson3544]

@@rnli Thanks!

[@sixsixteensevens297]

Well done RNLI volonteers!

[@MrPantss]

Awesome craft! This is why I always fancied a Nelson boat….

[@rnli]

Thanks Alex!

[@Scottyhasti]

Such beautiful footage of the Lifeboats. Got a soft spot for the Shannon as my fathers names on the new Invergordon boat. Also can't wait to see more information about the new Severn upgrade

[@rnli]

Glad you enjoyed the footage and especially the Shannon!

[@jonny7491]

Fair weather and God speed.

[@briancaldwell283]

God bless all of you and your sisters and brothers around the World.

[@blewyd]

The way these life boats move through the water remind me of either an Elling or a Grand Banks. Both of which are amazingly built yachts.

[@reyhunter8312]

Mereka menjadi motivasi saya untuk tetap kuat menjadi rescue man.... Thanks For RNLI....

Lifeboat men used to go out on rescue in a rowing boat.Doris Rijker a brave lifeboat man and crew did this.The same happened in the U.K i imagine.

[@johnfearn4979]

Amazing boats for amazing crew!

[@turboconqueringmegaeagle9006]

I was amazed at what a leap forward the Shannon was on it's supercat launcher compared to the previous mersey/dozer based launcher. There is something very pleasing looking about the old Shannon's though, I'd happily take one off your hands if you need the space.

[@chunkyfather29]

This is the boat I need for tuna fishing in north east of America

[@adelarsen9776]

Not as much fun as a free chopper ride but just as appreciated. Long live the RNLI.

[@immanuel2677]

Awesome, thanks RNLI this is so much informative... Really can't believe these boats come back to the normal position though it tilted fully. Just awesome.

[@TheSailingPilot]

Love the RNLI ❤️ also, the Shannon is actually incredible 👌

[@ManxAndy]

Superb technical knowledge put to fantastic use......👍🇮🇲💙

[@manta1969manta]

Thank you for your job! Awesome people!

[@eskimoglenn]

Should be government funded and not by donations.These guys and gals are brave to the extreme.Bless them.......

[@rnli]

Thank you, Glenn. Just to say that we're proud to be an independent service thanks to our amazing supporters and dedicated volunteers. Our independence means we can make decisions free from the agendas of an ever-changing political environment.

[@MrCmac731]

No government funding equals no government interferenc. The rnli had government funds way back in its history but chose to relinquish it so it was free from government interference or cuts and haven't they done brilliantly since.

[@Brad8261]

Amazing boats for amazing people. Angels of the sea.

[@Leopity.]

I can’t stop watching this

[@johnc3403]

The identification number is actually the boats length in metres, rounded to the nearest meter. That's where the seemingly random ID numbers come from. The second set of numbers is the boats serial number. 17-03 for example is the 3rd Severn Class (17M/51ft) to go into service.

[@johnc3403]

..and I still get butterflies seeing a Severn Class Lifeboat in action. That is a beautiful boat and wonderful to see they have been granted a life extension.. a great decision.

[@davidfinn3771]

Well done to those who designed her and to those who man her 👍

[@Sox148]

God bless You all....

[@rnli]

Thank you!

[@nickjohns1192]

Thank you to all crews who risk their lives to save ours when shit goes wrong.

[@tinkermccardle7393]

Awesome!

[@dejavoue88]

and all the people who own a boat should pay a premium each year towards the brave people of the RNLI

[@MrOzzy281]

Maybe the huge amount of taxes they pay should fund it

[@PhilbyFavourites]

dejavoue88: I’ve boated all my life. The RNLI and animal charities are ones that I happily contribute to. Having rescued and towed a broken down boat through Langstone Harbour and back to the slipway he departed from (about 4 miles) yesterday (and I’m just a private boat owner) you would be amazed at the lack of preparedness by a significant percentage of water users. From the recent Bournemouth masses to those who buy a boat through eBay and think “it’s got a wheel and throttle - it must be the same as my car...” Perhaps those should pay to take training and make themselves less likely to be a statistic? Or you can suggest to your MP that a small percentage of harbour dues, mooring fees and marina income should be apportioned to the RNLI. But statistically you might find that the higher risk water users don’t enter that way and just roll down the nearest slipway (even if it is marked ‘private’). So a great idea and let’s get everyone giving.

[@MrOzzy281]

@@PhilbyFavourites as a boat owner you must realise the amount of taxes you're already paying to get to that position. Recues are very rare. I have never been rescued in 26 years and don't see why I should pay additional money for what is used as an illegal immigrant taxi service several times a day in this country

[@benmoore1715]

Great video guys, keep up the amazing work

[@brian-beeler]

The fleet is a long ways away from the Waveney-class lifeboat days. Solid boats but without the splash guards the coxswain was almost blind in heavy waves. You also always got wet. =)

[@oliverpark3592]

I'm proud to live near the rnli hq in Poole Dorset UK the best place I have ever been

[@rnli]

Thank you Oliver!

[@gerardolozadluna4149]

Beautiful 12

[@rachelevans9256]

Whilst on holiday in Brixham with scouts we all got a tour of a Severn class lifeboat

[@rnli]

💙

[@peternufc81]

Stay safe OUT THERE

[@rnli]

Thank you Pete!

[@smithw14]

Beautifully done

[@col4574]

For those who do not know the RNLI is a charity maintained by public fundraising and manned by volunteer crews who go out to sea in the worst weather to save lives.The men and women are usually seafarers and highly trained. RNLI also covers the Republic of Ireland.To be safe and snug ashore but to answer the call for help in atrocious seas is something taking tremendous courage,which you may not understand until you live beside the sea and see what it can be like in these lattitudes.

[@rnli]

Thank you Colin

[@KMorozou]

Very nice video! I'm working on a model of a ShannonClass boat right now.

[@msjhudson2049]

OMFG! They are just SO FARK'n AWESOME Vessels! W0W! :o

[@kevinbinnion6445]

I thank you very much for your chivalry . And I wont blame you for retirement at moment God bless you all thank you

[@DaveJMcGarry]

The 20 that disliked this vid, best not go out to sea on something inappropriate. God Bless the RNLI from an Ex Matelow

[@briandolan2685]

Excellent

[@stuartgreen85]

Amazing machines doing such amazing work. Always reminds me of family holidays seeing the lifeboat stations. Still do to this day if there’s one have to have a look inside. Would love to have a look around the tower rnli being based in London.

[@peterjonesracing]

I go to the Isles of Scilly almost every year. Almost always a fundraiser where you get to walk around the lifeboat they have there. The Whiteheads, 17-11 Severn class

[@rnli]

Great to hear you've had such a lovely experience Peter 😊

[@stamrly418]

Utterly fabulous Video of the boats that make the difference . No razzmatazz just the boats the data and that Beautiful Blue.

[@rnli]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀