The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has announced a new partnership with Teledyne Raymarine and its sister company Teledyne FLIR Marine for the provision of advanced navigation and thermal imaging technologies into elements of the RNLI fleet.
As part of the agreement; RNLI Lifeboats will soon be equipped with a wide range of advanced navigation technologies, including Teledyne Raymarine electronic chart systems (ECS) based on the Axiom chartplotters, Quantum or Cyclone Pro radar systems, and YachtSense ship control systems.
The move is hoped to ensure that the RNLI’s lifeboats are future-fit and able to meet changing coastal demand. Alongside a trial introduction of Teledyne FLIR Marine cameras, the new digital system will enable volunteer crews to have the most up-to-date equipment necessary to help save lives at sea.
Teledyne Raymarine systems were chosen following extensive feedback from RNLI volunteer crew members, who suggested what equipment may be necessary for the next generation of onboard systems. Where appropriate, the integration of Teledyne FLIR Marine thermal imaging technology will enable crews to detect vessels and people in the water more easily, despite weather conditions.
The project represents a major investment into the safety, capability and future resilience of the RNLI’s lifeboat fleet, with the Shannon all-weather lifeboat and the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat set to be the first vessels operating on the coast to benefit from the new digital systems, whilst the E class operating on the River Thames will also receive the upgrades before the technology is rolled out to the rest of the RNLI fleet.
RNLI Chief Engineer and Technical Director, Ross Barraclough, said:We’re delighted to be working with Teledyne Raymarine and FLIR Marine to provide our volunteers with a state-of-the-art lifeboat electronics system.
The new system will give our crews improved situational awareness, a simplified method of operation and a digital platform that can adapt as new technologies emerge.
The use of commercially available technology enables the RNLI to remain agile and ready to adopt future innovation as it emerges. It also provides our volunteers with market-leading navigation technology through Raymarine electronic chart systems.
All of this will help our dedicated volunteers continue to save lives at sea around the coast of the UK and Ireland, as they have been doing for more than two centuries.
Both Teledyne Raymarine and Teledyne FLIR Marine will also provide support for the RNLI through events, ongoing technical support, and awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of marine safety.
