List of RNLI stations

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.

Key

Lifeboat types

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:

Launch methods

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

Regions

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 2025 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.

List of stations by region

North & East Region

Station Location Lifeboat type(s) Launch method Name and Op.No.[1] Photo
Berwick-upon-Tweed
  • Slipway
  • Davit
  • Penny J (B-940)
  • Glenis Joan Felstead (D-900)
Seahouses
  • John and Elizabeth Allen (13-36)
  • Grace Darling (D-828)
Craster D-class (IB1) Carriage Skpr James Ballard RNVR DSC (D-839)
Amble
  • Moored afloat
  • Davit
  • Elizabeth and Leonard (13-16)
  • Alf and Dora Whiting (D-867)
Newbiggin Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Richard Wake Burdon (B-864)
Blyth
  • Aquadock
  • Davit
  • Patricia Southall (B-923)
  • Sally Forth (D-878)
Cullercoats Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Daddy's Girl (B-935)
Tynemouth
  • Moored afloat
  • Davit
  • Osier (17-34)
  • Little Susie (D-829)
Sunderland
  • Davit
  • Davit
  • Seagil (B-945)
  • Thee Andy Cantle (D-879)
Hartlepool
  • Moored afloat
  • Launchway
  • John Sharp (13-54)
  • Solihull (B-881)
Redcar
  • Leicester Challenge III (B-858)
  • Eileen May Loach-Thomas (D-786)
Staithes and Runswick Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Sheila & Dennis Tongue III (B-897)
Whitby
  • Moored afloat
  • Davit
  • Lois Ivan (13-49)
  • Warter Priory (D-810)
Scarborough
  • Frederick William Plaxton (13-15)
  • John Wesley Hillard IV (D-856)
Filey
  • Marjorie Shepherd (B-928)
  • The Rotarian (D-859)
Flamborough Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Elizabeth Jane Palmer (B-820)
Bridlington
  • Antony Patrick Jones (13-22)
  • Ernie Wellings (D-852)
Withernsea D-class (IB1) Carriage Mary Beal (D-837)
Humber Severn Moored afloat Pride of the Humber (17-05)
Cleethorpes
  • Loving You (B-942)
  • James and Deanna Adams (D-889)
Mablethorpe
  • Jacqueline Saville (B-887)
  • Stanley Whiteley Chadwick (D-790)
Skegness
  • Joel and April Grunhill (13-17)
  • The Holland Family (D-842)
Hunstanton
Wells-next-the-Sea
Sheringham Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage The Oddfellows (B-818)
Cromer
  • Slipway
  • Carriage
Happisburgh D-class (IB1) Carriage Russell Pickering (D-813)
Great Yarmouth and Gorleston
  • Moored afloat
  • Davit
  • Samarbeta (14-10)
  • John Rowntree (B-925)
Lowestoft Shannon Moored afloat Patsy Knight (13-05)
Southwold Atlantic 85 Davit Annie Tranmer (B-868)
Aldeburgh
  • Ralph (B-949)
  • Susan Scott (D-808)
Harwich
  • Moored afloat
  • Davit
  • Albert Brown (17-03)
  • Tierney Harvey and Sonny Reid (B-907)
Walton and Frinton D-class (IB1) Carriage John Wickens (D-798) (training)
Clacton-on-Sea
  • Chris and Jo West (13-52)
  • Damar's Pride (D-849)
West Mersea Atlantic 85 Carriage Just George (B-879)
Burnham-on-Crouch
  • Floating Boathouse
  • Floating Boathouse
  • Tony and Robert Pritt (B-849)
  • David and Barbara Chapman (D-807)

South East Region

Station Location Lifeboat type(s) Launch method Name and Op.No.[1] Photo
Southend-on-Sea
  • Davit
  • Davit
  • Launchway
  • Launchway
  • Julia & Angus Wright (B-885)
  • Sue Sorotos (D-904)
  • Len Thorne GM MBE (D-818)
  • Vera Ravine (H-004)
Tower
  • Moored afloat
  • Moored afloat
  • Hurley Burley (E-07)
  • Hearn Medicine Chest (E-10)
Chiswick
  • Moored afloat
  • Moored afloat
  • Dougie and Donna B (E-08)
  • Brawn Challenge (E-09)
Teddington
  • Launchway
  • Carriage
  • Peter Saw (D-785)
  • Alderman Penny Shelton (D-874)
Gravesend Atlantic 85 Aquadock Olive Laura Deare II (B-827)
Sheerness
  • Moored afloat
  • Davit
  • Judith Copping Joyce (13-38)
  • Buster (D-799)
Whitstable Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Lewisco (B-877)
Margate
  • Colonel Stock (B-930)
  • Alfred Alexander Staden (D-841)
Ramsgate
  • Moored afloat
  • Davit
  • Diamond Jubilee (16-23)
  • Claire and David Delves (B-878)
Walmer
  • Hounslow Branch (B-950)
  • Duggie Rodbard II (D-794)
Dover Severn Moored afloat City of London III (17-09)
Littlestone-on-Sea Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Jean McIvor (B-922)
Dungeness Shannon SLARS The Morrell (13-02)
Rye Harbour Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Hello Herbie II (B-900)
Hastings
  • Richard and Caroline Colton (13-28)
  • Richard Francis (D-835)
Eastbourne
  • Moored afloat
  • Carriage
  • Esme Anderson (14-02)
  • The David H (D-876)
Newhaven
  • Moored afloat
  • Aquadock
  • David & Elizabeth Acland (17-21)
  • Elaine McLeod Scott (D-812)
Brighton Atlantic 85 Floating Boathouse Random Harvest (B-852)
Shoreham Harbour
  • Slipway
  • Carriage
  • Enid Collett (16-15)
  • Joan Woodland (D-784)
Littlehampton
  • Carriage
  • Carriage
  • Renée Sherman (B-891)
  • Spirit of Fidelity (D-902)
Selsey
  • Denise and Eric (13-20)
  • Flt Lt John Buckley RAF (D-827)
Hayling Island
  • Derrick Battle (B-829)
  • Jacob (D-779)
Portsmouth
  • Carriage
  • Launchway
  • Norma T (B-846)
  • The Dennis Faro (D-850)
Bembridge
  • Slipway
  • Launchway
  • Alfred Albert Williams (16-17)
  • Norman Harvey (D-778)
Cowes Atlantic 85 Slipway Sheena Louise (B-859)
Yarmouth Severn Moored afloat Eric & Susan Hiscock (17-25)
Calshot
  • Carriage
  • Carriage
  • Max Walls (B-860)
  • David Radcliffe (D-880)
Lymington Atlantic 85 Carriage David Bradley (B-882)
Mudeford Atlantic 85 Carriage Henrietta H (B-948)
Poole
  • Floating Boathouse
  • Floating Boathouse
Swanage
  • Slipway
  • Launchway
  • George Thomas Lacy (13-13)
  • Roy Norgrove (D-884)

South West Region

Station Location Lifeboat type(s) Launch method Name and Op.No.[1] Photo
Weymouth
  • Moored afloat
  • Launchway
  • Ernest & Mabel (17-32)
  • Jack and Phyl Cleare (B-917)
Lyme Regis Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Spirit of Loch Fyne (B-857)
Alderney Trent Moored afloat Inner Wheel II (14-29)
St Helier
  • Moored afloat
  • Versadock
  • George Sullivan (16-12)
  • The Spirit of St Helier (B-934)
St Catherine Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Eric W Wilson (B-841)
St Peter Port
  • Moored afloat
  • Tetradock
  • Spirit of Guernsey (17-04)
  • Harold Hobbs (B-943)
Exmouth
  • R. and J. Welburn (13-03)
  • George Bearman II (D-805)
Teignmouth
  • Carriage
  • Carriage
  • Claude and Kath (B-947)
  • Malcolm Hawkesford I (A-67)
Torbay
  • Moored afloat
  • Launchway
  • Alec & Christina Dykes (17-28)
  • Leslie and Mary Daws (D-788)
Dart
  • Aquadock
  • Carriage
  • Frank C. Samworth (B-931)
  • Dudley Jane (D-838)
Salcombe
  • Moored afloat
  • Launchway
  • The Baltic Exchange III (16-09)
  • Gladys Hilda Mustoe (B-905)
Plymouth
  • Moored afloat
  • Aquadock
  • Sybil Mullen Glover (17-35)
  • Annabel E Jones (B-908)
Looe
  • Sheila & Dennis Tongue II (B-894)
  • Ollie Naismith II (D-872)
Fowey
  • Aquadock
  • Davit
  • James Dugdale (B-845)
  • Olive Three (D-817)
Falmouth
  • Moored afloat
  • Launchway
  • Decibel Too (13-56)
  • Robina Nixon Chard (B-916)
The Lizard Tamar Slipway Rose (16-20)
Penlee
  • Moored afloat
  • Versadock
  • Ivan Ellen (17-36)
  • Mollie and Ivor Dent (B-893)
St Mary's Severn Moored afloat The Whiteheads (17-11)
Sennen Cove
  • Slipway
  • Slipway
  • City of London III (16-14)
  • Arangy (D-896)
St Ives
  • Nora Stachura (13-11)
  • Donald Dean (D-803)
St Agnes D-class (IB1) Carriage XKalibur (D-787)
Newquay
  • Uncle Johnny (B-936)
  • Enid Mary (D-773)
Padstow Tamar Slipway Spirit of Padstow (16-04)
Rock D-class (IB1) Carriage PJS (D-905)
Port Isaac D-class (IB1) Carriage
  • Pride of Port Isaac
  • (Goeth Porthusek) (D-843)
Bude D-class (IB1) Carriage Relief fleet Lifeboat
Clovelly Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Toby Rundle (B-872)
Appledore
  • Mollie Hunt (16-16)
  • Glaneley (B-861)
Ilfracombe
  • The Barry and Peggy High Foundation (13-09)
  • Deborah Brown III (D-863)
Minehead
  • Penny J II (B-939)
  • Exmoor Belle (D-847)
Burnham-on-Sea
  • Doris Day and Brian (B-914)
  • Burnham Reach (D-801)
Weston-super-Mare
  • Alexander (B-875)
  • The Adrian Beaumont (D-832)
Portishead Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage My Lady Anne (B-884)

Wales, West & Isle of Man Region

Station Location Lifeboat type(s) Launch method Name and Op.No.[1] Photo
Penarth
  • Maureen Lilian (B-839)
  • Spirit of Penarth II (D-822)
Barry Dock
  • Moored afloat
  • Aquadock
  • Richard and Caroline Colton II (13-51)
  • Frances Mary Corscaden (D-820)
Porthcawl
  • Rose Of The Shires (B-832)
  • Hugo Missen (D-861)
Port Talbot D-class (IB1) Carriage Craig Morris (D-848)
The Mumbles
  • Slipway
  • Carriage
  • Roy Barker IV (16-27)
  • Hugh, Maureen and Heather Pope (D-895)
Horton and Port Eynon D-class (IB1) Carriage Barbara Jane (D-824)
Burry Port
  • The Missus Barrie (B-915)
  • Williams and Cole (D-882)
Tenby
  • Slipway
  • Carriage
  • Haydn Miller (16-02)
  • Kathleen Ann (D-858)
Angle Tamar Slipway Mark Mason (16-11)
Little and Broad Haven D-class (IB1) Carriage Swaine-Legane (D-899)
St Davids
  • Slipway
  • Carriage
  • Norah Wortley (16-26)
  • Marian and Alan Clayton (D-840)
Fishguard
  • Moored afloat
  • Launchway
  • Blue Peter VII (14-03)
  • Edward Arthur Richardson (D-789)
Cardigan
  • Albatross (B-871)
  • John Darbyshire (D-845)
New Quay
  • Roy Barker V (13-48)
  • Will Morgan (D-886)
Aberystwyth
  • Florence and Ernest Bowles (B-937)
  • Wren (A-78)
Borth D-class (IB1) Carriage Annie Lizzie (D-893)
Aberdovey Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Hugh Miles (B-896)
Barmouth
  • Ella Larsen (13-30)
  • Craig Steadman (D-814)
Criccieth
  • Frank Townley (B-938)
  • Margaret and Nantw (A-76)
Pwllheli
  • Smith Brothers (13-39)
  • Robert J. Wright (D-811)
Abersoch Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Peter and Ann Setten (B-886)
Porthdinllaen Tamar Slipway John D. Spicer (16-24)
Trearddur Bay
  • Hereford Endeavour (B-847)
  • Clive and Imelda Rawlings II (D-885)
Holyhead
  • Moored afloat
  • Carriage
  • Frederick Storey Cockburn (14-07)
  • Mary & Archie Hooper (D-791)
Moelfre
  • Slipway
  • Carriage
  • Kiwi (16-25)
  • Enfys 2 (D-825)
Beaumaris Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Annette Mary Liddington (B-838)
Conwy D-class (IB1) Carriage Enid and John Hislop (D-898)
Llandudno
  • William F. Yates (13-18)
  • Dr Barbara Saunderson (D-793)
Rhyl
  • Anthony Kenneth Heard (13-34)
  • Geoff Pearce (D-903)
Flint D-class (IB1) Carriage The Lady Barbara (D-795)
Ramsey Shannon SLARS Anne and James Ritchie II (13-42)
Douglas
Port St Mary
  • Moored afloat
  • Carriage
  • Henry Heys Duckworth (14-15)
  • Frank Martin (D-873)
Port Erin Atlantic 85 Slipway Neil Crowe (B-951)
Peel Shannon SLARS Frank and Brenda Winter (13-35)
West Kirby D-class (IB1) Carriage Leonard Pownall (D-883)
Hoylake
  • Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood (13-06)
  • Hurley Spirit (H-005)
New Brighton Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage
  • Charles Dibdin
  • (Civil Service No.51) (B-837)
Lytham St Annes
  • Barbara Anne (13-24)
  • Moam (D-800)
Blackpool
  • William and Eleanor (B-867)
  • Phyllis Rowan (D-862)
  • Blackpool Endeavour (D-864)
Fleetwood
  • Moored afloat
  • Davit
  • Kenneth James Pierpoint (13-14)
  • Harbet (D-853)
Morecambe
  • Transporter
  • Carriage
  • The Hurley Flyer (H-002)
  • Brenda Raworth (D-855)
Barrow
  • Slipway
  • Davit
  • Grace Dixon (16-08)
    Raymond and Dorothy Billingham (D-866)
St Bees Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Joy Morris MBE (B-831)
Workington
  • Davit
  • Davit
  • Dorothy May White (13-19)
  • James R Allen (D-901)
Silloth Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Elaine and Don Wilkinson (B-828)

Scotland Region

Station Location Lifeboat type(s) Launch method Name and Op.No.[1] Photo
Kippford D-class (IB1) Carriage Ronnie Sinclair (D-854)
Kirkcudbright Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Sheila Stenhouse (B-814)
Portpatrick Shannon Moored afloat Stella and Humfrey Berkeley (13-25)
Stranraer D-class (IB1) Carriage Sheila MacDonald (D-833)
Girvan Shannon Moored afloat Elizabeth and Gertrude Allan (13-23)
Troon
  • Moored afloat
  • Carriage
  • Roy Barker VI (13-55)
  • Sheena (D-821)
Largs Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage R. A. Wilson (B-854)
Helensburgh Atlantic 85 Launchway Angus and Muriel Mackay (B-903)
Tighnabruaich Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage James and Helen Mason (B-862)
Campbeltown
  • Moored afloat
  • Carriage
  • Ernest and Mary Shaw (17-19)
  • Leonard Mills (D-870)
Arran Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Rachael Hedderwick (B-876)
Oban Shannon Moored afloat The Campbell-Watson (13-50)
Tobermory Severn Moored afloat Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsay (17-39)
Islay Severn Moored afloat Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II (17-08)
Mallaig Severn Moored afloat Henry Alston Hewat (17-26)
Barra Island Severn Moored afloat Edna Windsor (17-12)
Kyle of Lochalsh Atlantic 85 Carriage The Spirit of Fred Olsen (B-856)
Portree Trent Moored afloat Stanley Watson Barker (14-16)
Lochinver Severn Moored afloat Julian and Margaret Leonard (17-40)
Stornoway Severn Moored afloat Tom Sanderson (17-18)
Thurso Severn Moored afloat The Taylors (17-42)
Longhope Tamar Moored afloat Helen Comrie (16-05)
Kirkwall Severn Moored afloat Margaret Foster (17-13)
Stromness Severn Moored afloat Violet, Dorothy and Kathleen (17-16)
Lerwick Severn Moored afloat Michael and Jane Vernon (17-10)
Aith Severn Moored afloat Charles Lidbury (17-14)
Wick Trent Moored afloat Roy Barker II (14-20)
Invergordon Shannon Moored afloat Agnes A. P. Barr (13-37)
Kessock Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Robert and Isobel Mowat (B-873)
Loch Ness Atlantic 85 Floating cradle Sheila & Dennis Tongue IV (B-902)
Buckie Severn Moored afloat William Blannin (17-37)
Macduff Atlantic 85 Lorry-mounted davit Skipasund (B-933)
Fraserburgh Trent Moored afloat Willie & May Gall (14-34)
Peterhead Tamar Moored afloat The Misses Robertson of Kintail (16-03)
Aberdeen
  • Moored afloat
  • Davit
  • Bon Accord (17-24)
  • Buoy Woodie - 85N (D-830)
Stonehaven Atlantic 85 Carriage Jamie Hunter (B-919)
Montrose
  • Moored afloat
  • Davit
  • Ian Grant Smith (13-10)
  • Ken Brown (D-897)
Arbroath
  • Carriage
  • Launchway
  • June Marshall (B-954)
  • Mintybell (D-892)
Broughty Ferry
  • Moored afloat
  • Slipway
  • Elizabeth of Glamis (14-31)
  • Oor Lifesaver (D-834)
Anstruther
  • Robert and Catherine Steen (13-47)
  • Akira (D-802)
Kinghorn Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Tommy Niven (B-836)
Queensferry Atlantic 85 Carriage Jimmy Cairncross (B-851)
North Berwick D-class (IB1) Carriage Sunijo (D-891)
Dunbar
  • Moored afloat
  • Davit
  • John Neville Taylor (14-35)
  • David Lauder (D-844)
Eyemouth
  • Moored afloat
  • Versadock
  • Helen Hastings (13-29)
  • Sheila (D-877)

Ireland Region

Station Location Lifeboat type(s) Launch method Name and Op.No.[1] Photo
Portrush
  • Moored afloat
  • Slipway
  • William Gordon Burr (17-30)
  • The Ken Blair (D-871)
Red Bay
  • Corinne Whiteley (14-32)
  • Geoffrey Charles (B-843)
Larne
  • Moored afloat
  • Carriage
  • Dr. John McSparran (14-30)
  • Terry (D-783)
Bangor Atlantic 85 Carriage Ruby Robinson (B-944)
Donaghadee Trent Moored afloat Macquarie (14-21)
Portaferry Atlantic 85 Carriage Blue Peter V (B-833)
Newcastle
  • Carriage
  • Carriage
  • Berylium (B-955)
  • Cameronian (D-908)
Kilkeel Atlantic 85 Davit Frank William Walton (B-812)
Clogherhead Shannon SLARS Michael O'Brien (13-31)
Skerries Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Louis Simson (B-866)
Howth
  • Moored afloat
  • Launchway
  • Roy Barker III (14-33)
  • Aideen Cresswell (D-796)
Dún Laoghaire
  • Moored afloat
  • Launchway
  • Anna Livia (14-05)
  • Joval (D-865)
Wicklow
  • Moored afloat
  • Carriage
  • Joanna and Henry Williams (13-27)
  • Dennis-Audrey (D-806)
Arklow Shannon Moored afloat Roy Holloway (13-53)
Courtown D-class (IB1) Carriage Frank (D-846)
Wexford D-class (IB1) Carriage Alfred William Newman (D-782)
Rosslare Harbour Severn Moored afloat Donald and Barbara Broadhead (17-43)
Kilmore Quay Tamar Moored afloat Killarney (16-18)
Fethard D-class (IB1) Carriage Naomh Dubhan (D-819)
Dunmore East Shannon Moored afloat William and Agnes Wray (13-41)
Tramore D-class (IB1) Carriage Isabella Purchase (D-781)
Helvick Head Atlantic 85 Launchway Robert Armstrong (B-874)
Youghal Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Gordon and Phil (B-890)
Ballycotton Trent Moored afloat Austin Lidbury (14-25)
Crosshaven Atlantic 85 Davit John and Janet (B-892)
Kinsale Atlantic 85 Carriage
  • Miss Sally Anne (Baggy) II
  • Never Fear Baggy's Here (B-909)
Courtmacsherry Harbour Shannon Moored afloat Val Adnams (13-45)
Union Hall Atlantic 85 Carriage Christine and Raymond Fielding (B-924)
Baltimore
  • Alan Massey (16-22)
  • Rita Daphne Smyth (B-910)
Castletownbere Severn Moored afloat Annette Hutton (17-44)
Valentia Severn Moored afloat John and Margaret Doig (17-07)
Fenit
  • Moored afloat
  • Floating Boathouse
  • Robert Hywell Jones Williams (14-27)
  • Lizzie (D-860)
Kilrush Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage Edith Louise Eastwick (B-844)
Lough Derg Atlantic 85 Versadock Jean Spier (B-911)
Aran Islands Severn Moored afloat David Kirkaldy (17-06)
Lough Ree Atlantic 85 Carriage Tara Scogall (B-920)
Galway Atlantic 85 Davit Binny (B-853)
Clifden
  • St Christopher (13-43)
  • Joyce King (B-869)
Achill Island Trent Moored afloat Sam and Ada Moody (14-28)
Ballyglass
  • Moored afloat
  • Carriage
  • Bryan and Gordon (17-15)
  • Clann Lir (D-823)
Sligo Bay Atlantic 85 Carriage Sheila & Dennis Tongue (B-888)
Carrybridge Atlantic 85 Carriage Douglas, Euan and Kay Richards (B-904)
Enniskillen Atlantic 85 Carriage John and Jean Lewis (B-912)
Bundoran Atlantic 85 A85 Carriage William Henry Liddington (B-834)
Arranmore Severn Moored afloat Myrtle Maud (17-22)
Lough Swilly
  • Derek Bullivant (13-08)
  • Minnie and Ernest George Barry (B-819)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2025). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2025. Lifeboats Enthusiasts Society. pp. 127–133.