RNLI 'D' Class IB-1 Lifeboat Trá Mhór on exercise
RNLI crewmen manning their 'D' Class IB-1 Inshore Lifeboat D-615
come ashore at Tramore Cove after a search and rescue exercise
on the 18th March 2007.
The 'D' Class IB-1 lifeboat is 4.9m (16ft) long. With a crew of 2/3
it is powered by a 50hp engine and has an endurance of 3 hrs at
25 knots. It is a fully inflated craft built of Hypalon coated polyester
and fibre reinforced composite (FRC). The hull is divided into seven
separate compartments so that, should one become punctured, the
lifeboat will remain serviceable. The crew has the benefit of a soft
mattress which provides some protection from the pounding of the
waves and vibration as the lifeboat proceeds to the casualty at
speeds of up to 25 knots. Equipment includes VHF radio and direction
finder, fixed installation GPS, electronic chart plotter, flares, anchor,
rope, compass, First Aid kit, oxygen, knife and flexible fuel tanks.
A tractor and trailer are used to launch and recover the lifeboat.
The four wheel drive tractor, a New Holland TC45D 'Super Steer', is
equipped with towing hitch both front and rear as well as a strong
hydraulic winch which can be used to recover the boat and trailer
if required.
During its 110-year history the crews of Tramore RNLI Station,
County Waterford, Ireland have been honoured with 18 awards
for gallantry.
RNLI Tramore Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above)
