The Design and Development of Modern Lifeboats

Abstract

Well-established operational practices have determined the evolution of RNLI lifeboats throughout their history. The RNLI's requirement/or an all-fast offshore fleet of the self-righting type by 1993, however, motivated the need to re-examine basic design parameters of boats and launching equipment. More recent requirements to improve lifeboat performance further have demanded even closer evaluation of design requirements of hull form, machinery installation and construction materials. This paper outlines the history of the development of RNLI craft and describes the procedures for the design and development of its newest classes of lifeboat (FAB 3 and FAB 4), for which extensive model testing of differing hull forms was evaluated, various types of machinery were reviewed and construction, although in composite materials, was carefully designed to accommodate high hydrodynamic and impact loads. Technical trials and operational evaluation procedures are also discussed.