Meet the fleet: the lifeboat launchers

Big lifeboats need big launch equipment. Take a look at some of the monster vehicles that launch RNLI lifeboats. From tractors to tank tread
Behind every shout and training exercise, there is a dedicated group of RNLI volunteers who help prepare, launch and standby for the return of the lifeboat - our shore crews.
They operate some very special kit that launch our various lifeboat classes, varying from the 38-tonne Shannon Launch and Recovery System to your more traditional tractors. Even when the sea and surf is raging in front of them.
Meet the all-weather lifeboat fleet - • Meet the fleet: RNLI a...
Six spectacular slipways - • Six Spectacular Slipwa...
How to launch a Shannon class lifeboat - • How do you launch an 1...
Read more about the RNLI's lifeboat fleet - rnli.org/what-...
Thumbnail image | Nigel Millard
Music | Track 1: Elements, Track 2: Aspirate, Track 3: Movement by Red City Hero
#rnli #lifeboats #launch #tractor #tractorvideo #savinglivesatsea #rescue #lifeboatlaunch
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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, 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 of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ

[@mervynsands3501]

Nice kit to suit each location. Worth every penny. 24/7 by day or night, ready for action in any weather. A great asset, a great service. 😉👍

[@bernieekbergekberg8298]

Amazing precision with amazing vehicles, wonderful people who make it possible for so many to be rescued. Many thanks to everyone in the RNLI.

[@JamieSteam]

The corrosion and ongoing maintenance must be insane. Amazing machines.

[@rnli]

As you can see from the video, they each get a thorough wash down after use to combat exactly that! 🛀

[@moopthemagmablock6501]

Amazing tractors and launchers! The SLARS is simply amazing, how it acts literally like a mobile slipway, it’s probably easier to use than a full on slipway!!

[@CrazyChrisYT]

They are all really amazing bits of kit and so cool. Keep up the amazing work

[@welshskies]

Very impressive, the technology is amazing and the humans even more so.

[@dreamer2260]

These vehicles are all so cool. Always loved seeing them on holidays.

[@christinebrown9352]

The RNLI are just amazing. Going out in all weathers to help people in need. By doing so they put their lives on the line. To do this without getting paid, it’s a service we can not do with out. I for one applaud them for their sense of duty and amazing work

[@JettisonTheSupreme]

The video quality is just getting higher and higher! Excellent work guys, maybe try monetising videos for a bit of extra funding - imagine a boat 100% funded by youtube vids and called 'The Spirit of the Channel' for use on the English Channel! We won't mind - it's for the good of the people you save anyway!

[@timearp8185]

That would really pee me off, I understand that video makers need to make money but YT ads are a pain in the backside. To have them through these videos would reduce their value IMO.

[@JettisonTheSupreme]

@@timearp8185 Not just any video maker, but the main national sea and coast rescue service of the UK, who somehow are not helped by the government financially. Every penny counts for them. (I won't debate the ups and downs of govt funding, it's a long story).

[@HJDore]

@@JettisonTheSupreme the reason the RNLI aren’t funded by the government is by their own choice, the RNLI believe that they’d lose the ability to choose where the money is directed if the government gets involved.

[@farmertyler8087]

Imagine applying to be a land equipment operator and getting put into the bobcat lol

[@thecivvie]

Amazing back story which we never see.

[@rs232killer]

Very cool. I want to see the launching vehicle for the Severn class! ;-)

[@Brad8261]

Angels of the sea. Thank you.

[@cookiemonster2299]

Very impressive video 👍

[@cghs97]

Love that Hellgeth. Same family as BV 206. Great bit of kit

[@Daytona2]

😮 That's some seriously good kit. I saw a picture of a SLARS, so googled it, and came here. Mahoosivley capable.

[@rnli]

Ah what a cool way to find us - thanks so much and welcome!

[@philpartington2620]

Fantastic kit, something you never think about.

[@danielswan3695]

You men are the lifeline of the Marine industry.you go out and rescue people in danger putting yourself in danger you are to be commended for what you do my uncle was lifesaver in the United statec before the United States coast guard was started they used oar power surf boats that they lunched off the beach but they used horses to pull the boats to the water to lunch them

[@rnli]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Daniel! It's so interesting that they used horses to pull the boats from the water. Technology has sure come a long way!

[@MrShed1987]

What an amazing video. The SLARS looks incredible. Keep up the great work.

[@ThomasDuffyRE]

Super cool video and public service and looks like a fun job!

[@neilmason298]

unsed to deliver to the place that built some of these..fantastic bits of kit, and Built to cope with anything

[@ColinGoldfinch]

I asked for this video in a comment last week! You obviously were on the ball already! Brilliant.

[@mariakay6249]

FANTASTIC

[@mikkelborg241]

Im so jelous! Here in Denmark We “just” have regular commercial grade tractors to tow and recover 😄 Our tide is somewhat easier though. Love the video, great equipment you guys have

[@doncarlo5]

there is nothing comparable to what the British have ... not in Europe, and I don't think any other country in the world, not even the US

[@hellaid186]

I've seen the Sclars at the Exmouth station when they were out on training, was quite something to see the lifeboat hurtle towards and beach itself to be collected by the launch vehicle

[@carolineadams1325]

Awesome 👏 thank you. I had no idea there were so many vehicles as well as the lifeboats themselves.

[@rnli]

Glad you enjoyed it Caroline!

[@JS-zb1vv]

Cool purpose built vehicles !!!

[@garyeaton5719]

Awesome capabilities, great video.

[@grahamfox4279]

Awesome

[@fastasfox]

I watched the slars (thunderbird) launch on Skegness beach....very Impressive.

[@sebby324]

I’ve seen an RNLI lifeboat be launched from the station in Whitstable

[@gabrieldesouza1047]

nice job :D

[@lonestar1775]

Simply amazing.

[@armymenplatoon5558]

:) Good Job

[@DougieNev]

Fantastic!!

[@itsnotalwaysblackandwhite8624]

BRILLIANT.

[@Plasticjesus504]

Coo video thanks for the share.

[@noraslinda9676]

Amazing vehicles. Love from indonesia❤

[@LovesyPhotography]

This is really impressive!

[@seankearney6915]

Great kit, we have a few boats nearby. Blackpool, Lytham St Annes and Fleetwood. Shame the COVID has stopped the visitors at Blackpool.

[@adampalmer5399]

Very cool stuff! Good video!

[@roderickmacgregor4867]

I found this a fascinating insight to life boat operations and recovery but goddam that SLARS system is trick cool as buggery

[@Offshorekite]

@RNLI Loving the image at 5:39 of West Kirby's BV :D ;)

[@geoffreywallace9432]

Amazing video. Keep up the great work. Sending greetings and best wishes from Barbados.

[@tomanycooks]

thats awesome

[@rnli]

Thanks Ronin! 😊

[@jonathandaykin2473]

I love it❤

[@ajdexter4195]

I’ve never seen any of these vehicles in real life, I never even knew they existed I always assumed the Boats just stayed in the water, another amazing video 👏🏻👏🏻

[@rnli]

Thank you AJ!

[@eyeballdude]

This is to cool!

[@feathershed]

Thank you. Now that’s what I’m talking about. This is the start of a long and detailed series of episodes?

[@JettisonTheSupreme]

This is one of a non-regular 'series' about the fleet of the RNLI. They are all titled 'meet the fleet' and are really awesome!

[@feathershed]

@@JettisonTheSupreme I mean on the launch vehicles. I think they are amazing.

[@rnli]

Hi Christopher, we're glad you like the film! We don't have any more "launchers" films planned at this particular moment, but we did recently share this film specifically about the Shannon Launch and Recovery System in case you haven't seen that yet: rnli.social/2McZWir

[@karlbrundage7472]

Bravo Zulu and Godspeed..................

[@RageAgainstTheMachine.]

NewZealand i saw tractor with jaw bar to trailer that could extend out to around 20 feet or more. In rough weather this was fantastic.

[@feathershed]

Is there a second hand market for these launch vehicles? What engineering 😀

[@skunkjobb]

Seems a bit over complicated and expensive but maybe it's worth it. Extremely cool equipment anyway.

[@will16320]

They need to launch boats in the worst weather imaginable, so that takes special kit

[@HughzieTube]

When it gets stuck in the sand they can leave it there till the next low tide and no harm is done. Can't do that wit an average farm tractor or 4x4!

[@seankilburn7200]

Elaborate on how it is over complicated. These systems are entirely necessary and are used depending on geographical factors and as a result of harsh weather conditions. Some of these machines are very old though and are being phased out.

[@anselmohuaman7281]

Excelente embarcación el sueño de todo marino que desearia tenerlo como herramienta de trabajo

[@tomtexas4897]

Got to see the SLRS get commissioned at clogherhead, impressive piece of kit that thing is

[@samjones927]

Make there’s down the road from me💚 good work 🚚💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💪

[@goawaygoawaynow]

Interesting. Genuinely curious: Why go through all the trouble of launching and recovering those life boats? Why not simply have them moored in a harbor, like the DGzRS does?

[@rnli]

Hi there, across our 238 lifeboat stations there are a huge diversity of different geographical factors and our launching solutions are tailored to fit those different situations. Some of our lifeboats are moored afloat in a harbour, but at other stations, for example where huge tidal ranges exist, a tractor system is required to get the boat to the water. It's also easier to maintain a boat that is recovered to land as it can be easily washed down and checked over after every time it goes to sea.

[@danielrose1392]

The DGzRS does not have all their boats moored, here is one on a trailer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4mZn3yjo8Z6qrc . But to a certain extend you are right, the DGzRS has more of their boats moored. Still you have to keep in mind that both are very different fleets. The DGzRS Seenotrettungskreuezer are 20-43m long. Most of them simply don't fit on a trailer. Many of the RNLI boats are more comparable to the boats island fire departments or the DLRG operate in germany, which are usually stored on a trailer.

[@framegrace1]

Was about to ask the same, then realized not all seas are like the Mediterranean I'm used to, with no tides.

[@houghton841]

@@framegrace1 Parts of the British coastline have huge tides, up to 40 feet, so launch and recovery is difficult.

[@flyinbryanfpv]

This would make a good lego lol...

[@billyslaironair8860]

hi is there any positions for apprenticeships in the life boat force, im 16 turning 17 in july and want to have adventures and learn new skills potentially getting a job saving lives?

[@rnli]

Hi there, We're delighted that you're interested in joining the life crew. There's more information about our volunteering roles and what opportunities there are available on our website: rnli.social/3zQ7LyH Hope that helps but if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

[@andysvehiclehistorychannel]

I first saw the MB-4H at Blackpool when I was 4 it amazed me then and still does every time I see it now 26 i'v finally seen inside one I do wonder what it's like in the 2nd tractor on this amazing video I know there's one stationed at Llandudno unfortunately not seen the new one yet as have no idea were they are located but have seen many of there trucks the first one I saw was in November 2014 at Birch Services Eastside loaded with a MB-H4 I thought they are not as big as I first thought the unit was a Benz MP3 still not seen there MP4 but got a great shot of the MAN TG loaded with the hovercraft I'm surprised to find out that the RNLI use a Bobcat and the tracked vehicle built in Sweden for the army as a photographer its always fascinating to photograph tractors in action unfortunately it's not as much as I'd like as Oldham is nowhere near the sea.

[@rnli]

So great to hear that you've seen inside the MB-4H, Andy! You can find a list of stations for the MB-H here: rnli.social/3LbRU3j And if you're a fan of the 'SLARS', take a look at this film: rnli.social/3HAIrjM The tracked vehicle you mentioned, Hellgeth-Haegglund BV206, is on station at West Kirby, so not too far from you in Oldham if you were to make a trip to the coast any time soon!

[@andysvehiclehistorychannel]

@@rnli Now that's an idea off to Blackpool in May to see my friend Mark the owner of Brooks collectables for some more models so I'll make a diversion to the station at West Kirby Talking of models just ordered the Atlantic B Class from your shop I just noticed the trailer for the Mersey class looks exactly the same as the RNLI's first trailer from 1936 also are most of your trucks based down South?

[@rnli]

That's so kind of you, we hope you have a lovely visit and you enjoy your purchase! We have all kinds of vehicles, all over the UK and Ireland, their locations will depend on what is needed for that area so it will vary across the board. For example, our Atlantic 85 lifeboats can be launched using a tractor, and our lifeguards will use trucks at our beaches to help them with their duty's. We can a great video on how we launch which explains more about what vehicles we use - rnli.social/launch

[@jake.7756]

I saw slars once at a beach when I presume someone had gone missing as I saw about 12 police cars that day, I don’t remeber how much coast guards but it was about 7-8, it’s incredible how big slars is in real life, this happened 2-3 years ago.

[@rnli]

You are fortunate to have seen it in the flesh, and we hope the shout had a positive outcome too 🚜

[@elnesti1890]

Wow those tractors in the beginning of the video who manufactured them your RNLI engineers or???? Can somebody explain to me please???

[@rnli]

Hi there, the Talus was built by Clayton Engineering and the newer Shannon recovery system is from Supacat.

[@tjuggernaut29]

0:29 is that a sherp?

[@scotsfire]

Can use do a video on the mac duff life boat launch

[@christopherlovelock9104]

REMEMBER . . . THESE CHAPS . . . GO OUT... When everybody else . . . IS COMING IN . . . Irrespective of what Party is in Government, I feel they should be paid - I'm sorry if some people DISAGREE, - it's just my opinion.

[@rnli]

Thank you for your support for our crews, Christopher. We're very proud to be independent of governments, funded by our supporters' generous donations and driven by awesome and selfless volunteers.

[@doncarlo5]

it's double B: British + Brilliant ... I wonder what happened to the hovercrafts of the RNLI fleet !

[@rnli]

You can see more about our fleet on our website, including hovercrafts 🙂 rnli.social/2TDtt8D

[@The-border12]

Whooooo

[@999stevep]

Whats the music please

[@rnli]

Hi there, we've added the track listing to the description 👍

[@DMSparky]

Look expensive to have all those custom vehicles and trailers!

[@Slaithyte]

And SLARS

[@nicktorea4017]

Thunderbirds are go

[@Slaithyte]

Sadly I only have a Severn and Tamar to launch

[@FondlesHandles]

inb4 lego versions start coming out.

[@sportsworth]

Curious as to why nearby deepwater ports do not support lifeboat stations? Would that not be easier?

[@rnli]

Hi Randall. In some cases there simply isn't a deep water port near enough for that option to be viable. If we take Hastings Lifeboat Station as an example in South East England, the nearest port is in Eastbourne 15 or so miles down the coast, which would leave a busy stretch of coast without the capability of an all-weather lifeboat. We hope that helps 😊

[@shhmule]

That's impressive! I wish the NZ Coastguard was government funded and could afford these.

[@alanj9391]

A bit late in replying, but the RNLI is not government funded, it is funded by the public.

[@TheWizardGamez]

why not just have the lifeboat on dock/at the dock

[@rnli]

That's not always possible when a station is needed in an area with a high tidal range or difficult coastline.

[@odthegreatest]

I thought these were LEGOs :)

[@SheriffofYouTube]

STAY OUT THE ROUGH WATERS

[@icsp2]

I have never understood why lifeboats are not operated off shore, we have oil rigs, wind turbines, buildings off shore so why not lifeboat stations. Would be so much quicker to launch.

[@Jallen262]

Probably because every rescue involving an injury would then entail either an entire medical team stationed at the offshore location, or a costly ride in a helicopter to a mainland hospital. By rescuing to shore, the team can be met by an ambulance within minutes.

[@rnli]

Hi there, the majority of our lifeboats are crewed by volunteers who have full-time jobs and families to care for on shore. The often live and work within a few minutes of the station, allowing them to muster and launch quickly. A lot of rescues also take place close to shore, rather than out at sea, so in many cases a land-based station is closer to the incident than an offshore one would be.

[@RaptorFlyer3D]

RNLI just wanted to double check the loose track pad has been repaired on T114 showing @2:23 ?

[@rnli]

Hi Matti, excellent attention to detail! That photo was taken a good few years ago now and our equipment undergoes regular maintenance.

[@RaptorFlyer3D]

@@rnli I guessed it would be. The thought that goes into these vehicles is astounding and great to see them making deployment & recovery that much safer & easier. You all do an amazing job. If I lived at the coast I'd definitely be looking to volunteer along with my CFR voluntary work.

[@craigmayhan4009]

I don’t understand the “volunteer” part? Why aren’t these people paid?

[@rnli]

Hey Craig, crew and lifeguards who are required to be there full time/ at set times are paid. We are blessed with amazing people who as well as doing their day job, volunteer as crew when needed for training and rescues on a rota system. They can claim loss of earnings and expenses.

[@craigmayhan4009]

@@rnli thank you for the clarification. I’m from the states where volunteer work consists of picking up trash or helping the homeless not risking your life on the unpredictable ocean

[@stevebosun7410]

Hi All, I'm at an absolute loss why 39 viewers dislike this video. What's not to like? All with not a penny of their income tax.

[@mattteee2973]

Noticed most of these are road registered- please tell me nobody is making you pay any road tax?!

[@prosperkelly6933]

for sale no rust

[@fringedwig4670]

why not keep it in the water like every other boat?

[@CymruEmergencyResponder]

Some RNLI lifeboats are. There are 238 RNLI lifeboat stations around Britain's coast and many of them are at places where there are no deep water harbours or where there is extreme tidal ranges.

[@Slaithyte]

I'm gonna make each talus in Roblox

[@rnli]

Do share them with us when they're done! 🚜

[@Slaithyte]

@@rnli I will!!

[@Slaithyte]

@@rnli I'm not the best but I will try.

[@nick4506]

aint it wired to keep your craft on land? why not just have a birth somewhere and just keep it there.

[@rnli]

Hi Nick, with 238 lifeboat stations positioned around the coast of the UK and Ireland we have to design a variety of launching solutions to meet different geographical needs. Some lifeboats are launched from slipways, others lie afloat and some are launched by tractor.

[@seankilburn7200]

It’s also preferable to have a life boat housed indoors to protect it from the elements and improve ease of maintenance

[@nick4506]

@@seankilburn7200 im from Los Angelos in the us and you may have seen the bay watch boats. they are kept in the water for surf rescues. while for like big ship issues the coast guard ships are always in the water too. my thought is that it would be preferable to keep them in the water because if some ship has a man overboard or some other emergency it would be better to just get in the boat and go and maybe save a life. rather than having to go through the process of launching then getting out where you need to be. haveing a rescue boat in the water makes it better at rescuing.

[@seankilburn7200]

@@nick4506 you seem to have completely ignored the response the organisation gave you. The coastline does not always allow boats to lie afloat ready for launch. Where it is possible, however, it is done that way.

[@abubbam]

Makes you wander why they don’t just use docks like the coast guard

[@rnli]

In many locations we do Austin, but with 238 lifeboat stations in a variety of different geographical situations we have to build a solution that works for each area.

[@josephinring]

I’m a crew member, the use of the pager launch ringtone on KZbin and on TV and radio adverts and videos is awful, I don’t know how many times I’ve heard this tone on the radio or tv from another part of the house and almost run out the front door to go to the boat house. I’ve highlighted this with the RNLI before. Please STOP using the Launch tone in adverts, it is for Real Life Situations ONLY. By all means use the system test tone, nobody will know the difference but crew will be able to relax!!

[@rnli]

Thanks for your feedback and sorry for any inadvertent inconvenience caused. We've passed this on to our creative team for consideration.

[@hardwatermaniac]

Sounds like a waste of money and time saving people.. just build it on the water with a walkway to land... Not the smartest folks on the island i see!

[@willwallacetree]

And when the tides come 6 or 8 miles distance up the beach?

[@hardwatermaniac]

@@willwallacetree Thats called a floating deck which would go up and down with the tides, or a boardwalk with floating decks at the end that raise and lower with the water level.... Lmaooo does it sound like future tech? ahah look at British Colombia or Florida, what everyone uses.....

[@willwallacetree]

@@hardwatermaniac you'd need a new one at least once a month in winter. This whole 6 mile roadway is starting to sound like a waste of time and money as well, but maybe that's just me?

[@alanj9391]

It's a good job that the RNLI designers are a lot smarter than you.

[@seankilburn7200]

A very silly comment indeed