RNLI LIFEBOATS

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 neighboring 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, and near cliffs, rocks and 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.

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.

B class lifeboat illustration with crew.
Orange RNLI D class lifeboat illustration.
E class lifeboat illustration with crew.
Inshore rescue boat with two crew members.
Mersey class lifeboat illustration with description.
Orange rescue hovercraft illustration and description.
Severn class lifeboat illustration with text.
Shannon class lifeboat illustration with description.
Tamar class lifeboat illustration with text.
Trent class lifeboat illustration and description.
Shannon class lifeboat illustration with description.
Orange rescue hovercraft illustration and description.

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) operates 238 lifeboat stations across the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands, providing a "ring of safety" with various lifeboat types (Shannon, Atlantic, D-class) and launch methods (slipway, afloat, carriage) suited to local needs, from busy river stations like Tower on the Thames to remote locations like Aith in Shetland. You can find specific station details and locations via the official RNLI website's "Find Your Nearest" tool or on Wikipedia's list, which categorizes them by region. 

How to Find Specific Stations:

Examples of Stations & Locations:

  • Tower (London): Busiest station, on the River Thames.

  • St Davids (Wales): UK's smallest city, uses a slipway launch.

  • Amble (Northumberland): Operates Shannon and D-class lifeboats.

  • Aith (Shetland): The RNLI's most northerly station.

  • Sunderland: The oldest station, operating for over 200 years. 

Key Points:

  • 238 Stations: A network covering UK & Ireland coasts.

  • Diverse Locations: From busy harbours to cliffs, lochs, and rivers.

  • Varying Equipment: Stations have All-Weather Lifeboats (ALBs) and/or Inshore Lifeboats (ILBs). 

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Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) stations are the bases for the RNLI's fleet of search and rescue lifeboats that cover the coastal waters around the entire British Isles, as well as major inland waterways.

The service was established in 1824 and is operated largely by volunteers. Its headquarters are at Poole, Dorset and it is a registered charity in both the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

The types of boats provided at each station and the launching methods vary depending on local needs. If more than one boat is provided they are sometimes stationed in separate buildings at different locations in the same town. Current RNLI boats fall into three broad groups:

The principal launching methods are:

  • Shannon Launch and Recovery System (SLARS) – tractor/track based mobile slipway

  • Carriage – an ALB or ILB is pushed into the water on a carriage by a tractor

  • Davit – an ALB or ILB is lowered into the water by a crane

  • Launchway – an ILB is pushed into the water on a carriage by hand

  • Moored afloat – an ALB or ILB is kept in the water alongside the lifeboat station or nearby, in which case a small boarding boat is provided so that the crew can reach it

  • Slipway – an ALB slides down a slipway straight into the water

  • Transporter – hovercraft are kept on the rear of trucks that can transport and offload them anywhere

  • Versadock / Aquadock – a floating 'drive-on' pontoon

The following lists do not include the lifeguard patrolled beaches which also have their own equipment including inflatable boats and jetskis. The information is correct with reference to the Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2026 unless noted otherwise,[1] and is set out like the RNLI's regional model. As far as possible it follows a clockwise route around the coast.