Meet the fleet: the lifeboat launchers

Big lifeboats need big launch equipment. Take a look at some of the monster vehicles that launch RNLI lifeboats. From tractors to tank tread

Behind every shout and training exercise, there is a dedicated group of RNLI volunteers who help prepare, launch and standby for the return of the lifeboat - our shore crews.

They operate some very special kit that launch our various lifeboat classes, varying from the 38-tonne Shannon Launch and Recovery System to your more traditional tractors. Even when the sea and surf is raging in front of them.

Thumbnail image | Nigel Millard

Music | Track 1: Elements, Track 2: Aspirate, Track 3: Movement by Red City Hero

#rnli #lifeboats #launch #tractor #tractorvideo #savinglivesatsea #rescue #lifeboatlaunch
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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland are ready to launch to help those in need. Whether you're stuck on a sinking ship, cut off by a rapidly rising tide, or in the water and close to drowning, RNLI crew members will drop everything to come to your rescue. 95% of RNLI lifeboat crews and station staff are volunteers.

But it’s not just lifeboats. RNLI lifeguards patrol 248 beaches, keeping people safe, providing safety advice and rescuing those in trouble. Education volunteers visit schools and swimming clubs to help teach the next generation how to enjoy the water safely. And volunteer fundraisers and shop workers give up their time to generate vital funds. The RNLI is also working to help communities around the world that are most at risk of drowning.

If you spot someone in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

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Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ

[JettisonTheSupreme]

The video quality is just getting higher and higher! Excellent work guys, maybe try monetising videos for a bit of extra funding - imagine a boat 100% funded by youtube vids and called 'The Spirit of the Channel' for use on the English Channel!
We won't mind - it's for the good of the people you save anyway!

[farmertyler]

Imagine applying to be a land equipment operator and getting put into the bobcat lol

[CrazyChrisYT]

They are all really amazing bits of kit and so cool. Keep up the amazing work

[welshskies]

Very impressive, the technology is amazing and the humans even more so.

[JamieSteam]

The corrosion and ongoing maintenance must be insane. Amazing machines.

[mikkelborg]

Im so jelous! Here in Denmark We “just” have regular commercial grade tractors to tow and recover 😄 Our tide is somewhat easier though. Love the video, great equipment you guys have

[goawaygoawaynow]

Interesting. Genuinely curious: Why go through all the trouble of launching and recovering those life boats? Why not simply have them moored in a harbor, like the DGzRS does?

[moopthemagmablock]

Amazing tractors and launchers! The SLARS is simply amazing, how it acts literally like a mobile slipway, it’s probably easier to use than a full on slipway!!

[skunkjobb]

Seems a bit over complicated and expensive but maybe it's worth it. Extremely cool equipment anyway.

[thecivvie]

Amazing back story which we never see.

[mervynsands]

Nice kit to suit each location.
Worth every penny.
24/7 by day or night, ready for action in any weather.
A great asset, a great service.
😉👍

[bernieekbergekberg]

Amazing precision with amazing vehicles, wonderful people who make it possible for so many to be rescued. Many thanks to everyone in the RNLI.

[christopherlovelock]

REMEMBER . . . THESE CHAPS . . . GO OUT... When everybody else . . . IS COMING IN . . . Irrespective of what Party is in Government, I feel they should be paid - I'm sorry if some people DISAGREE, - it's just my opinion.

[feathershed]

Is there a second hand market for these launch vehicles? What engineering 😀

[rskiller]

Very cool. I want to see the launching vehicle for the Severn class! ;-)

[hellaid]

I've seen the Sclars at the Exmouth station when they were out on training, was quite something to see the lifeboat hurtle towards and beach itself to be collected by the launch vehicle

[fastasfox]

I watched the slars (thunderbird) launch on Skegness beach....very Impressive.

[billyslaironair]

hi is there any positions for apprenticeships in the life boat force, im 16 turning 17 in july and want to have adventures and learn new skills potentially getting a job saving lives?

[anselmohuaman]

Excelente embarcación el sueño de todo marino que desearia tenerlo como herramienta de trabajo

[MrShed]

What an amazing video. The SLARS looks incredible. Keep up the great work.