RNLI plans to move lifeboat production from island

The Inshore Lifeboat Centre has a team of up to 70 workers and spans three buildings in East Cowes

The RNLI is looking to move from its Isle of Wight site where its builds and maintains its inshore lifeboat fleet after more than 60 years.

The Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC) in East Cowes supplies and maintains over half of the charity's inflatable B class and D class lifeboats, as well as lifeguards' inshore rescue boats (IRBs).

The RNLI said it was looking to move production under one roof to Poole in Dorset, where its all-weather lifeboats are currently built, from the end of 2027.

There are up to 70 staff who build and maintain up to 80 boats each year at the island site opened in 1963. It said staff at both sites had been informed of the plans.

The RNLI's inshore lifeboat fleet are built and maintained in Cowes

The RNLI said the older and smaller facility on the island was estimated to need about £5m of capital investment to remain compliant.

It said having its manufacturing in a single location would ensure the charity "can remain sustainable and fit for the future".

It added a notable change in sea use around the UK and Ireland had been seen with more people using the coast for recreational purposes such as open water swimming and paddleboarding with the vast majority of rescues closer to shore.

Ross Barraclough, RNLI chief engineer and technical director, said: "For us to continue delivering our core purpose of saving lives at sea, the charity needs to evolve and respond to the changing demand on our service.

"I fully recognise the dedication and commitment of our Inshore Lifeboat Centre team and understand the impact of this proposal on not only themselves but the wider RNLI family on the Isle of Wight.

"We will be working closely with them over the next few months to discuss options within this proposal and support individuals."

A final proposal is expected in 2026 followed by a formal consultation process.