HERE ARE two mooring fittings for afloat lifeboats, developed in the RNLI design office from long experience. (Left) Stemhead fitting: designed for use on cold, dark nights, with good finger-holds and nothing 'fiddly' about it. Cast in corrosion-free gunmetal (BS1400- G.l.-C), it is trouble free, will last the boat's lifetime and rarely needs more than general maintenance. On each side is an opening fairlead. To close, the opening section (r.) hinges down, its rounded end engaging on the spindle of the flap (!•)• When the flap is hinged down on top, flush, the fairlead is locked. The central roller takes the mooring chain, which is made fast to the sampson post (right) with a slip link.

The slip hook is attached to the mooring band round the post's base with two long links, so that it is always held upright. When the boat is left on moorings, a preventer chain is shackled to the lug on the port side of the mooring band and to a long link further forward on the mooring chain. When the maroons go, this preventer chain is unshackled, the slip knocked off and the chain runs over the bow. This system has proved simple, reliable and quick..