For about 20 early lifeboats which have been fitted with air bags to give them a self-righting capability, there has been the possibility, in the event of a capsize, that water could enter the mast and find its way through the exhaust system into the engines, thus perhaps preventing the lifeboat from continuing her service after righting.

Four students from the Royal Naval Engineering College, Manadon, Plymouth, took up the challenge of this technical problem as a practical way of helping the RNLI and have nowworked out an answer. Seen in the photograph below, the students were (1. to r.) Acting Sub-Lts George Raoke, Patrick Tiller, Tim Roberts and John O'Connell Davidson.

Having assessed the amount of water that could be taken in through the mast, they designed wing-tanks to trap the water and keep it clear of the machinery; the water can be drained away when the engines have been restarted.

The system was installed in a 52ft Barnett lifeboat and tested in a controlled capsize at HM Naval Base, Devonport, last November under the supervision of Symington Macdonald, RNLI chief staff officer (technical), and Lt-Cdr H. E. Over, staff officer (technical).

The test proved the system a complete success and its simplicity compared with previous methods used should save the RNLI many thousands of pounds.

Crosby Model Boat Club's third National Model Lifeboat Rally, June 14 on the Marine Lake, Southport. Details from Des Newton, 29 Westminster Avenue, Netherton, Bootle, Merseyside; please send s.a.e..