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Lifeboat design and innovation

Go behind the scenes of lifeboat construction and innovation

Black and white image of workshop interior with inflatable lifeboats being manufactured

Photo: RNLI

Building inshore lifeboats, Cowes
Black and white image of workmen cleaning lifeboat

Photo: Darby Brothers Limited

Cleaning lifeboat John Groome at Poplar Depot, London
Black and white image of lifeboat maintenance being undertaken

Photo: James's Press Agency

Working on Hoylake lifeboat Hannah Fawcett Bennett at Poplar Depot in December 1935
Black and white image of two men working on deck of lifeboat

Photo: Sport and General

Lifeboat maintenance at Poplar Depot, London
Colour image of all-weather lifeboat in boat lift

Photo: RNLI

Prototype Trent class lifeboat at Poole in January 1992
Black and white image of inflatable lifeboat being hoisted

Photo: Peter E. Hadfield

Lifting a D class lifeboat in 1978
Black and white image of workshop interior and engineers at work

Photo: RNLI

Inside Poole Depot in 1988
Black and white image of oak being unloaded by crane with traction engine alongside

Photo: Darby Brothers Limited

Unloading oak for lifeboat construction in May 1932
Black and white image of two men selecting timber from large trunk

Photo: W. White & Son, Cowes

Choosing oak for building a lifeboat
Colour image of B class lifeboats being built

Photo: RNLI

Workshop at Inshore Lifeboat Centre, Cowes
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