Twelve months ago we predicted another busy, challenging year for the RNLI. and our predictions have certainly proved correct.

The launchings of the prototype FABs 3 and 4 were keenly anticipated as so many of our future hopes rest with the successful introduction of these boats into our fleet.

Both prototypes are now undergoing technical trials until later this year when they commence a comprehensive programme of operational trials and coast evaluation.

Although early problems with the hull construction of FAB 3 delayed the progress of the technical trials by several weeks, they were soon overcome and we remain confident that these two boats will meet all our expectations, including the most vital one of winning the confidence of coxswains and crew who must depend on them in the future.

Last year, I made reference to the detailed review in 1990 of the RNLl's Search and Rescue policy to assess casualty potential around the coasts of the British Isles. It proved of considerable benefit in helping us to determine more effectively what level of lifeboat cover will be needed in the future and what types of lifeboat will be best able to provide it.

We carried this process a further step forward in 1991 when we commissioned research into the reasons why lives continue to be lost in water-related incidents despite the efforts of the RNLI and of other organisations concerned with the safety of life at sea. This research has given us much food for thought.

It has also given us the welcome opportunity to discuss problems of mutual interest with other organisations and to establish whether any action can be taken, either on our own account or jointly, to reduce the number of persons at risk and hopefully the number who lose their lives.

The RNLI's role as defined in our Charter is to preserve life from disaster at sea, and our contribution to this humanitarian task is the provision and operation of lifeboats at over 200 locations. But we can also put our experience and knowledge to good use by cooperating with organisations with similar aims and, together, help to preserve life at sea.

Exchange of ideas An event which more than met our expectations during 1991 was the 16th International Lifeboat Conference in Oslo in June. It was arranged by the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue, and the RNLI. as the Permanent Secretariat for the International Lifeboat Federation, was pleased to give practical assistance.

Representatives from 27 countries attended, and there was the usual useful exchange of information and ideas. Lifeboats from various European countries were present, including the RNLI's Arun class Duke ofAtho/l and Mersey class Marine Engineer. The crews represented lifeboat stations in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and, as ever, proved marvellous ambassadors for the Institution.

Other highlights in 1991 included the numerous engagements undertaken on the RNLI's behalf by both our President HRH The Duke of Kent and by HRH The Duchess ofKent. In 1991, they carried out five lifeboat naming ceremonies between them, in addition to other engagements. The President also attended the Annual Presentation of Awards meeting at the Royal Festival Hall and, for the first time ever, a regional fund raising conference held, on this occasion, in York.

The close interest and active participation by Their Royal Highnesses in RNLI affairs is.

I know, a tremendous encouragement to us all and they are always warmly welcomed wherever they go.

At Ballyglass, County Mayo in May, the President of Ireland, Mrs Mary Robinson, named the Arun class lifeboat recently allocated to this new station. As is usual in Ireland, the ceremony was attended by lifeboat people representing virtually every station in the country. The President spoke with great feeling of the proud role carried out by the RNLI in Ireland and of its ability to draw together the talents and enthusiasms of persons from every sector of the community.

The President's most generous comments can so easily be applied to the RNLI as a whole.

Timeless qualities In June, I was invited formally to re-open the boathouse at Teignmouth lifeboat station.

It was an occasion which illustrated perfectly the timeless qualities of the RNLI.

The boathouse was in use when the Teignmouth lifeboat station was closed in 1940 and the pulling and sailing lifeboat withdrawn.

Thanks to the considerable efforts of the chairman of the station branch committee and others concerned locally this striking and historic old boathouse has been re-acquired by the RNLI and refurbished and modernised to accommodate the new Atlantic 21 lifeboat.

That was just one practical link with the past. Even more poignant was the presence as guests of honour at the opening ceremony of the surviving relatives of the crew of the pulling and sailing lifeboat withdrawn from Teignmouth 50 years ago. It was such a pleasure to meet them and to share their pride in the past and in the rebirth of their station.

Finally, in expressing thanks for the help and practical support we receive at all times, I would emphasise that it is particularly encouraging when our supporters show they are prepared to accept change, provided the reasons for that change are fully explained and our supporters are satisfied it is to the overall benefit of the RNLI.

I believe the Institution must constantly look for new ways to be more efficient or effective, whether it be in operations, technical development, in the introduction of new means of fund raising or in administrative efficiency generally. We must always work and plan hard to ensure the Institution's high standards are maintained and, even more importantly, improved in the future.

One practical example in 1991 was the introduction of a new system of station branch accounting, allowing returns to be made to Headquarters on a monthly basis.

Among other benefits, the Institution can now invest the substantial sums concerned centrally, thus earning more interest than if the funds remained dispersed. Our head of finance and his colleagues visited as many areas of the country as possible to explain directly to those concerned why this change was felt necessary. At the end of last year, it was tremendously encouraging to learn that over 90% of our lifeboat station branches were already complying with the new procedures.

Thank you all again for all that you do for the RNLI in so many different ways.

On behalf of all the staff at Headquarters, I wish you and your families good health and happiness in the New Year, and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the future.

Lt Cdr Brian Miles, Director of the RNLI, reviews a successful year.