Wednesday 20 August 2008

Specifications

Construction: fibre re-inforced composite (FRC) hull with aluminium wheelhouse
Crew: 6-7

The stations Severn class all weather lifeboat "Richard Cox Scott" (17-29) is moored alongside the stations pontoon berth allowing 24-hour access at any state of tide. The Richard Cox Scott was placed on service on at Falmouth on 18th December 2001. This lifeboat was funded from the generous bequests of Mrs Ruth Marygold Dix Scott who passed away in May 1998 together with other gifts. Mrs Scott had a love for the sea since her childhood and had lived in Cornwall for many years. The Lifeboat is named after her late Husband.

The lifeboat was named by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on 1st May 2002 during her Golden Jubile Tour. The Severn class lifeboat is the largest lifeboat in the fleet and is one of the latest designs of all-weather lifeboats with a top speed of 25 knots. Built of FRC (fibre reinforced composite), which has advantages of both strength and lightness, she is designed to lie afloat. She is powered by two 1250 HP V12 turbocharged diesels which burn 480 litres of fuel per hour and has a range of 250 nautical miles. The Severn is fitted with a bow thruster to improve manoeuvrability.

The Severn is fitted with a very sophisticated navigation system, which includes a Differential GPS satellite navigator, which interfaces with a Laser plotter chart system, which carries all the admiralty charts on computer for display on a monitor. This in turn interfaces with a Bridgemaster Radar. This system allows the boat's track to be superimposed onto the charts and the radar. It also allows radar targets to be plotted and superimposed onto the charts. As well as this, search patterns can be set up on the laser plot and superimposed onto the radar. The Differential GPS is the piece of the jigsaw that supplies the boats position to the system. Other electronics include VHF and MF/HF radios both with GMDSS fitted, VHF Direction finding equipment, speed log, anemometer and autopilot.

The Severn carries a small outboard power Y class inflatable, which can be launched over the stem for shallow water work. Closed circuit television is fitted to the Severn, this allows two cameras to monitor the engine room and a third camera to monitor the after deck.

All-weather lifeboats are usually named after the river where the prototypes are built. The Severn and Trent class boats were named after two of the country's main rivers to reflect the fact that much of the Institution's funding comes from inland areas.

When the Severn Class All Weather Lifeboat goes to sea it is essential that the crew of 7 are properly dressed and kitted out for what may be a long, cold and at times wet time.

The protective clothing required is, firstly, a thermal top, which is put on over their every day clothes, keeping the body heat in, and without it they would soon feel very cold and tired.

The crewman will put on his rubber boots, which include carbon fibre toecaps. Next goes on the Musto wet weather gear comprising a pair of leggings and coat, which provide a waterproof, layer when out on deck. Lastly, the self-inflating Lifejacket complete with light, whistle and recovery strop is put on and the crewman is ready for sea.

A crash helmet complete with visor to protect the head and face from the wind and sea, is also available on the lifeboat if required. This helmet also prevents the loss of body heat from the head. On returning all the equipment is cleaned, checked, and put away in warm air storage, ready for the next time.

© Falmouth Lifeboat & Silverquick Ltd. Web Site and Support Email