RNLI proposal to consolidate lifeboat production to one location

This proposal, which was communicated to teams at both Cowes and Poole manufacturing sites this week, would see the production of its inshore lifeboats move from the Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC) in East Cowes to its manufacturing site at the Support Centre in Poole, Dorset from the end of 2027.

Opened in 1963, the ILC currently builds and maintains up to 80 boats each year including the inflatable B class and D class lifeboats, and lifeguards’ inshore rescue boats (IRBs) whilst the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, which was built in 2015, brings every stage of the All-weather lifeboat building process in-house and under one roof.

The RNLI has seen a notable change in sea use around the UK and Ireland with more people using the coast for recreational purposes such as open water swimming and paddleboarding and the vast majority of rescues closer to shore compared to years ago when demand was further offshore.

As the charity enters its third century of saving lives at sea, there is a need to evolve to ensure we are providing the right lifeboats in the right locations. With demand for production falling by a third in the future, the charity will not have enough work to justify two facilities. Being an older, smaller facility, it is estimated that ILC will require around £5 million of capital investment to remain compliant, while Poole is a newer, larger and more capable site. This has been factored into current proposals to ensure we are making the best use of our supporters’ donations.

Commenting on the proposal, RNLI Chief Engineer and Technical Director, Ross Barraclough said:

‘Use of the sea around the UK is changing - our data shows 98% of all RNLI rescues now are within 10 nautical miles of the shore compared to years ago when demand was for commercial fishing further offshore. For us to continue delivering our core purpose of saving lives at sea, the charity needs to evolve and respond to the changing demand on our service.

'Our 2040 Lifeboat Fleet Strategy determines what is needed to ensure we have the right lifeboats in the right locations to continue saving lives into our third century. In response, we need to ensure we can build these boats in the most efficient way, adapting our production delivery to make sure we continue to use our supporter's money wisely and operate sustainably.

'This change in need represents a major shift in demand for our production teams, with an anticipated reduction of around 82,000 production hours and whilst it is a difficult decision we need to consider proposals that will reduce our future footprint and cost base.

'I fully recognise the dedication and commitment of our Inshore Lifeboat Centre team and understand the impact of this proposal on not only themselves but the wider RNLI family on the Isle of Wight. We will be working closely with them over the next few months to discuss options within this proposal and support individuals.'

A final proposal is expected in 2026 which will be followed by a formal consultation process.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.