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Two crewed lifeboats out on the sea

Our lifeboat fleet

Across the UK and Ireland, a fleet of over 400 lifeboats are waiting for the call to rescue. Powered by our brave volunteers and your support, these lifeboats have saved countless lives across the years. From large all-weather lifeboats to smaller inshore vessels, each has been designed and refined to be highly capable rescue craft.

RNLI lifeboats are divided into two categories: all-weather lifeboats and inshore lifeboats. The different classes of lifeboat within these categories mean we can reach people in all kinds of situations and locations.

The type of lifeboat a station has depends on geographical features, the kind of rescues the station is involved in and the cover provided by neighbouring lifeboat stations.

All-weather lifeboats

All-weather lifeboats (ALBs) are capable of high speed and can be operated safely in all weather conditions. They are inherently self-righting after a capsize and fitted with navigation, location and communication equipment. Big and bright, the sight of one of our all-weather lifeboats on the horizon has given hope to many.

The all-weather fleet currently consists of the Shannon, Severn, Trent, Tamar and Mersey class lifeboats.

Inshore lifeboats

Inshore lifeboats (ILBs) usually operate closer to shore, in shallower water, near cliffs, rocks and even in caves. They are designed to be quick and manoeuvrable, allowing our crews to get as close as possible to those in trouble.

The inshore lifeboat fleet consists of the B and D class lifeboats, as well as the E class lifeboats on the River Thames.

A toy lifeboat on the shore by the sea

Own your own lifeboat

Help us keep our lifeboats launching by buying your own model version

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Hovercraft

We also have inshore rescue hovercraft for areas that are inaccessible to conventional RNLI lifeboats such as mud flats and river estuaries. The hovercraft allows us to fly across dangerous terrain, enabling our lifesavers to quickly get to those who need us most.

Hovercraft are on station at Hoylake, Hunstanton, Morecambe, and Southend lifeboat stations.

Powering our fleet

Our lifeboats couldn’t run without your support. Every launch is only possible thanks to donations from people like you.

RNLI lifeboats are always ready to save lives at sea thanks to the care and attention given to them by station mechanics and our maintenance teams out on the coast and at our all-weather and inshore lifeboat centres. When they require longer repairs or planned services, refits and modifications, they are temporarily replaced by the same class of lifeboat from our relief fleet.

Explore our lifeboats

Illustration of the RNLI Shannon class all-weather lifeboat
Shannon class lifeboat
Our most agile and manoeuvrable all-weather lifeboat yet.
More on the Shannon
Illustration of the RNLI Tamar class all-weather lifeboat
Tamar class lifeboat
Fitted with pioneering crew safety features.
More on the Tamar
Illustration of the RNLI Severn class all-weather lifeboat
Severn class lifeboat
The largest lifeboat in our fleet.
More on the Severn
Illustration of the RNLI Trent class all-weather lifeboat
Trent class lifeboat
Our first all-weather lifeboat capable of 25 knots.
More on the Trent
Illustration of the RNLI Mersey class all-weather lifeboat
Mersey class lifeboat
Our first fast carriage-launched lifeboat.
More on the Mersey
Illustration of the RNLI D class inshore lifeboat
D class lifeboat
The workhorse of the RNLI with over 50 years' service.
More on the D class
Illustration of the RNLI B class inshore lifeboat
B class lifeboat
One of the fastest in the fleet with a top speed of 35 knots.
More on the B class
Illustration of the RNLI E class inshore lifeboat
E class lifeboat
Specially designed for London's busy River Thames.
More on the E class
Illustration of the RNLI inshore rescue hovercraft
Rescue hovercraft
Ideal for mud flats, soft sand and shallow water.
More on the hovercraft
Illustration of the RNLI inshore rescue boat
Inshore rescue boat
Reaches casualties in the surf, fast.
More on this boat

Celebrate your loved one on the top of the Wells-next-the-Sea lifeboat

Due to the unprecedented success of Launch a Memory, you can now for the first time add your loved one’s name in the letters and numbers on the top of the new all-weather Shannon class which will save lives at sea for years to come.