Founded in 1824 as the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, the RNLI is a charity in the UK and Republic of Ireland. It’s principally funded by legacies and donations with most lifeboat crew members being unpaid volunteers.
We got to take a look around an RNLI Boat this week. The RNLB Duke of Kent has just arrived in Dun Laoghaire in Dublin after duty along the southwest of Ireland and was based at Valentia Island.
It was a real treat to see inside these incredibly durable and important craft. Let’s take a look!

Peacefully moored in Dun Laoghaire
This boat is more use to the choppy open water and is built to endure.

The RNLI Life Saver
Ships and their crew in distress must feel immense relief when they see this craft coming toward them.

Cleaning Duty
The boat was back after duty in off Valentia Island, Kerry. A good wash with fresh water is important and a check of all the systems is required.

Safety First
Seat belts are necessary on a craft that encounters the fiercest the ocean has to offer.

Technical Details
One of the interfaces the crew of the ship use to navigate. In the dark of night the lit up console provides vital information to the crew.

Heart of the ship
The room where the engine that powers this craft through thick and thin.

Closed Sections
All the interior doors can be bolted shut.

Necessary equipment
Arriving on the scene, this equipment becomes important.

Ship shape
The RNLI operate around the rugged and unpredicatable coasts of Ireland and Britain.

There when you need them – And hopefully you never need them!
Thanks for the tour RNLI, keep up the great work! Check out their website to find out how you can help support this vital service.