Wells ILB Peter Wilcox, D-797
The D-class (IB1) lifeboats are inflatable boats serving in the RNLI inshore lifeboat (ILB) fleet as well as a number of Independent Lifeboats around the UK and Ireland. Although they are known as the 'IB1' at times, they are the latest development of the D-class lifeboat and as such are mainly referred to as a 'D-class'.
This class of lifeboat is one of the smallest operated by the RNLI. Unlike other members of the ILB fleet, the D-class does not have a rigid hull.
The D-class normally has a crew of three or four and is primarily used for surfer/swimmer incidents as well as assisting in cliff incidents where the casualty is near the water. The very nature of its work requires a swift response, and the D-class can normally be afloat very quickly.
With no wheelhouse on the D-class lifeboat, the crew are exposed to the elements at all times and rely on their protective kit to keep them safe and warm. Many rescues take place at night and can involve being close to dangerous cliffs and manmade structures, or searching caves and crevices. In addition to night vision equipment, the D-class lifeboat carries a searchlight and parachute illuminating flares to light up the surrounding area, helping to keep crew members safe as well as locate those in need of help. Medical equipment is stowed in the bow pod and includes oxygen and full resuscitation kit, responder bag and multi-purpose ambulance pouch. In the event of a capsize, the D-class lifeboat can be righted manually by the crew and her 50 hp outboard engine restarted.
Name: Peter Wilcox
Class: D-Class (IB1) inshore lifeboat (ILB)
Operations number: D-797
Station: Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk
On station: 2016 to present
Crew: 3 or 4
Survivor capacity: 5
Length: 16 ft. 3 in. (4.95 m)
Beam: 6 ft. 7 in. (2 m)
Draught: 20.5 in. (0.52 m)
Displacement: 745 lbs. (338 kg)
Engine: 1 x Mariner 50 hp 2-stroke outboard
Fuel capacity: 14.95 gal. (68 lt)
Max speed: 25 knots
Endurance: 3 hours (at top speed)
Builder: Inshore Lifeboat Centre, East Cowes, IOW
Construction: Hypalon coated polyester
Coat: £65,000
Wells ILB Peter Wilcox, D-797
The D-class (IB1) lifeboats are inflatable boats serving in the RNLI inshore lifeboat (ILB) fleet as well as a number of Independent Lifeboats around the UK and Ireland. Although they are known as the 'IB1' at times, they are the latest development of the D-class lifeboat and as such are mainly referred to as a 'D-class'.
This class of lifeboat is one of the smallest operated by the RNLI. Unlike other members of the ILB fleet, the D-class does not have a rigid hull.
The D-class normally has a crew of three or four and is primarily used for surfer/swimmer incidents as well as assisting in cliff incidents where the casualty is near the water. The very nature of its work requires a swift response, and the D-class can normally be afloat very quickly.
With no wheelhouse on the D-class lifeboat, the crew are exposed to the elements at all times and rely on their protective kit to keep them safe and warm. Many rescues take place at night and can involve being close to dangerous cliffs and manmade structures, or searching caves and crevices. In addition to night vision equipment, the D-class lifeboat carries a searchlight and parachute illuminating flares to light up the surrounding area, helping to keep crew members safe as well as locate those in need of help. Medical equipment is stowed in the bow pod and includes oxygen and full resuscitation kit, responder bag and multi-purpose ambulance pouch. In the event of a capsize, the D-class lifeboat can be righted manually by the crew and her 50 hp outboard engine restarted.
Name: Peter Wilcox
Class: D-Class (IB1) inshore lifeboat (ILB)
Operations number: D-797
Station: Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk
On station: 2016 to present
Crew: 3 or 4
Survivor capacity: 5
Length: 16 ft. 3 in. (4.95 m)
Beam: 6 ft. 7 in. (2 m)
Draught: 20.5 in. (0.52 m)
Displacement: 745 lbs. (338 kg)
Engine: 1 x Mariner 50 hp 2-stroke outboard
Fuel capacity: 14.95 gal. (68 lt)
Max speed: 25 knots
Endurance: 3 hours (at top speed)
Builder: Inshore Lifeboat Centre, East Cowes, IOW
Construction: Hypalon coated polyester
Coat: £65,000