LECTURE: An Overview of the RNLI and the latest Lifeboat Design and Technology

IMarEST TV recording by the Aberdeen Maritime Joint Branch on the 22nd February 2023. This webinar was presented by Michael Cowlam of the RNLI and Seacroft Marine Consultants.

This webinar provides an outline summary of the RNLI and how it operates presently. The presentation focusses on the latest lifeboat designs and some of the technology incorporated in the Tamar and Shannon classes.

Michael Cowlam provides a summary of the Severn Life Extension Project (SLEP), a major internal reconfiguration, refit and modernisation of the Severn class lifeboats, the largest in the RNLI fleet, to prolong the lifespan to 50 years and beyond. Michael's presentation looks at the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Composite materials used in the construction of the original hull and superstructures, which show almost no deterioration or degradation after well over 25 years of service.

About the Speaker

Michael Cowlam is a volunteer Second Coxswain aboard Aberdeen Lifeboat Station’s Severn class Lifeboat, with over 21 years of service performing over 250 search and rescue missions. He also crews the station’s Inshore Lifeboat, is a crew Trainer and Competency Assessor as well as part of the station’s Operations Management Team.

For his day job, Michael has been co-owner and Technical Director at Seacroft Marine Consultants Ltd since 2004, where he heads up the Marine Technical side of the business with an active involvement in marine assurance and consultancy services. Michael studied at the University of Aberdeen gaining a BSc Honours Degree in Marine Resource Management, is an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute and a member of the Marine Safety Forum Steering Group.

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