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IB1 (Inshore Boat 1 - D Class) arrived on station 15th July 2004, over the coming weeks all ILB crew will come to terms with the new inshore lifeboat. To the untrained eye there aren't that many changes, to crew the improvements on a design which is now over 40 years old are impressive and will mean a significant change to the way they respond.

The new boat will mean faster response times to emergencies, the top speed has been increased from 20 Knots to 25 Knots.

This is the long term strategy of the RNLI to ensure that in future all stations around the UK will be able to respond to call at 25 Knots day or night.

The seating position on the new boat for the two crew has been changed. No longer is there such requirement to sit as far forward as possible when operating in rough sea, fin alterations to the engine mean the crew can sit towards the middle of the boat. In reality this means a smoother ride for the crew, which any ILB Crew Member will tell you is very important to reduce the physical fatigue faced during a service launch.

Navigation and sea working tools have been modernised, now IB1 is fitted with GPS navigation as a fixed unit, which can be used day or night improving accuracy of locating casualties. The anchor no longer needs to be removed from an anchor box and chain and rope flaked over the sponson. Now crew can deploy a delta anchor, ready rigged for faster veering.

Designers at Cowes and Poole in consultation with ILB crews around the UK have considered the location of vital equipment such as first aid kits, para-flares, oxygen supply and located these tools in the most appropriate positions in the boat to enable each member of the crew to effectively work as a team whilst on service.

We will keep you updated with comments from Crew, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and casualties, furthermore we will endeavour to add photographs as the year progresses.

The cost of IB1 is in excess of £20,000, without the support of donations from yourselves we would be unable to provide a emergency service that is truly world class at saving life at sea.