Humber lifeboat station davit refurbished after 26 years of service
The Humber lifeboat crew, based at Spurn Point, have had their launch and recovery davit overhauled following 26 years of loyal service.
The davit launches the crews boarding boat, allowing them to get to the Severn class lifeboat moored a short distance from the jetty. Without this vital piece of equipment the crew simply could not launch the lifeboat.
The davit was installed on the 18th May 1992. Powered by a Lister, two cylinder diesel engine, the hydraulically driven davit has been reliable and faithful to the crew at RNLI Humber, launching the boat to countless service calls over the years and rarely missing a beat. However modern time calls for modern equipment.
Liam Dunnett, RNLI Assistant Mechanic for Humber lifeboat, said:
'The diesel engine has been well looked after and we try to look after it as best we can. It has had a long and hard life, given the location it’s required to operate in.’
The unit has been replaced with a more economical and quieter, electrical driven motor. Along with hydraulic hoses being replaced and additional safety equipment being installed, the new davit system uses biodegradable hydraulic oil, so should the system spring a leak, it will have minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
The installation was completed over the course of five days by Compass Winches engineer Richard Siddons and RNLI mechanic Ed Kilsby. During this time the Humber RNLI lifeboat crew operated the Severn class lifeboat from Grimsby docks, ready to respond if they were requested.
Ed Kilsby RNLI Station Mechanic for Humber lifeboat said:
'The davit was in need of modernisation and thanks to Richard and his team the new system should be operating long in to the future. The week was not without its challenges, as to be expected refurbishing a 26-year-old piece of equipment. The expertise from all involved in the project allowed for a quick turnaround, so that the lifeboat could be back in operation from her home here at Spurn Point.'
Notes to editors
Humber Lifeboat Station is the only full time all weather lifeboat crew in the RNLI and has been saving lives at sea since 1810.
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