Delegates at the conference of voluntary life-boat organisations held at Malmoin Sweden, 28th-31st May, 1972, unanimously expressed their belief in the 'overwhelming advantages of the voluntary system' for the provision of an efficient and economical life-boat service. They accepted that in some countries there was a role for financial support from central and local governments.

This was the first conference of its kind and included delegates from Sweden, Aland Islands, Finland, the Federal Republic of Germany, Great Britain and Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain.

Admiration and gratitude was expressed for the voluntary work performed by women in different countries to raise funds for their lifeboat services..