View from the crew: Atlantic 85 Mk4

Rather than completely redesigning the boat, the A85 will receive a modernised upgrade to improve safety and systems, and support our lifeboat crew to meet the lifesaving demand. 

Lifeboat crew have been integral in the design and modifications for the A85 Mk4 to ensure it meets their needs, as well as the casualties they rescue. 

Jane Hier, volunteer crew at Kessock RNLI for the past nine years, has been involved in the project from the beginning.

‘In the first workshop we discussed different ideas, reviewed our current setup and then went through hundreds of different points, discussing their merits in depth and ranking how important they were to us. Since then, we have regularly reviewed ideas and plans for the boat.

‘At every step, the project team have been taking on board our feedback and redesigning. Our thoughts have been used to rework the design or, if it wasn’t possible to accommodate, we were given the reasoning why, which allowed us then to consider alternative ideas. Every single aspect of the design has been modified by the volunteer feedback in some way, from the location handles on the console, to how we tow with the Mk4.

‘It has been a fantastic experience seeing how the whole process takes place and the real attention to detail from everyone involved. There has been so much passion and enthusiasm about making the best boat possible.'

Dan Sinclair, who has been a volunteer at Walmer for 18 years, since he was 18 years old, said:

‘We have discussed everything from the initial design plan, boat layout, console positions, seat formations, stowage – to hand rail positions, casualty working, survivor capacity etc. One part of the new Mk4 that I feel will be a game changer for casualty recovery from the water is the drop away sponson.

‘I’m so glad that lots of volunteers have all had their say on how they think the new Mk4 should be, and to see this implemented from initial designs – right through to build – also shows the RNLI has confidence and trust in us. 

'One of the Mk4 prototypes is actually our old station boat from Walmer B808. This boat carries a lot of happy memories and sentimental value to me as it’s a boat that I passed out as a helm on in my early 20s.’

Tom Stuart is celebrating his 30th year of being lifeboat crew at RNLI Lytham St Anne. The station will be one of the first to receive an Atlantic Mk4.

‘I have enjoyed being given the opportunity to be part of this working group. It is reassuring to know that the RNLI are involving those people that use the kit and taking on board suggestions as well as concerns.

‘There have been a number of suggestions from the working group that have been implemented, one of the ones I particularly remember is the stowage for the anchor warp. The current boats use a drum to stow the warp which takes time to re-stow, the group suggested a flaking locker which has been added.

‘I think the Mk4 will be a good boat and I hope that the end users think so too.’

What next?

The first built Atlantic Mk4 has undergone capsize drills in the Sea Survival Pool and at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre at the Isle of Wight. Following a review of this exercise and any changes to the boat required, it will look to undergo sea trials in the coming months.

Engineering and Supply webinar

You can get a closer look at the A85 Mk4 and see the modifications to the boat during the Engineering and Supply webinar at 7pm on Tuesday 30 June. 

The team is excited to bring you the latest on a number of projects being delivered in the RNLI's 5-Year Plan to support our crew in their lifesaving role. The session will be recorded for those who cannot attend and will be made available on the Source afterwards.

• Date and time: 7pm, Tuesday 30 June
• Link to join: Join online