Home News Services Boats Crew Station History Links Videos Visits Contacts			The D class inshore lifeboat has been in service since the early 60's. It can work in extremely shallow drafts, up rivers or on beaches. During floods at Lewes and Uckfield a few years ago, ours was deployed to the town centre.
			The ILB is powered by a 40hp Mariner outboard and has a maximum speed of 20 knots (23 mph). Her range, which is measured in time, is 3 hours at full speed.
			In many cases the safest way to effect a rescue is by towing the vessel to safety. The D class has a good towing capability and is quite able to tow the ALB, which is something the crew practice on exercise.
			For casualties, the boat carries an extensive first aid kit, Oxygen, a stretcher, spare lifejackets and clothing, stiff necks for spinal injuries and thermal hoods to prevent heat loss.
			In addition the ILB carries searchlights, binoculars, night vision, a GPS navigator and 2 VHF radios. Under the canopy are the anchor, sea anchor, flares, spare prop and a fire extinguisher.
			The ILB has its own slipway which is useable at most tidal states other than very low water. She is manually launched on a wheeled trolly, and then recovered using a capstan to haul her back up the slipway.
			When the tide is very low the ILB can be launched down the main slipway. The launching of the ILB is very quick. We aim to be in the water no less than 5 minutes after the pagers go off, and often it is quicker than that.
			Incidentally many of the pictures you see here were taken when 'Forest Row Choir' was away having her bi-annual re-fit. Therefore the boat in most of these shots is the relief boat 'Mabel'.
			This is the ILB shed, where the boat and all the kit is kept. Hanging on the wall are the ILB lifejackets which, unlike the ALB ones, are permanent buoyancy. Behind them are the dry suits worn by the crew, as well as helmets, gloves and balaclavas.