Stromness RNLI Severn Class Lifeboat Violet, Dorothy and Kathleen
Stromness RNLI lifeboat Violet. Dorothy and Kathleen in the Stromness Harbour basin
Description
The Severn class lifeboat has been designed and developed to replace lifeboats that lie afloat either at deep water moorings or at a berth. The design requirement was for two lifeboats of different sizes, capable of greater speed and providing protected propellers and the ability to take the ground if required. The Severn and the Trent class lifeboats were the result. Both are capable of 25 knots, and like all new all-weather lifeboats are self righting.
The Severn class is constructed from fibre re-inforced composite (FRC) which combines strength with light weight. A sandwich form of construction is used for the topsides, deck and superstructure. Single skin construction is used for the hull bottom.
The hull is subdivided into seven compartments and the deckhouse contains permanent seating for six crew and a doctor, together with stretcher positions. There is provision for two additional stretchers in the lower survivor space. The Severn is fitted with a bow thruster and the electronics include radar, laser chart plotter, echo sounders, speed log, anemometer, GPS (Satellite navigation), MF radio transmitter and receiver, VHF radio telephone, VHF direction finder, an intercom system and closed circuit television.
Provision for survivors includes comprehensive first aid equipment including stretchers, oxygen and Entonox. They carry a portable salvage pump in a water-tight container, and can also carry out pumping and fire-fighting tasks using the engine-driven general service pump.
She also carries a Y class inflatable which can be launched and recovered by a lightweight framework and winch.
Specification
- Length: 17m (55ft 9in)
- Beam: 5.73m (18ft)
- Draught (max): 1 .8m (6ft)
- Displacement: 38.5 tonnes
- Engines: Twin Caterpillar Diesels approx 1,200 bhp each
- Fuel capacity: 5500 litres (1200 gallons)
- Crew: 6+1
- Speed: 25 knots
- Range: 250 nautical miles