The 168th Annual General Meeting of the RNLI was held in what has become its traditional venue - the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London's South Bank - on the morning of Tuesday 19 May, 1992. The weather, however, was far from the traditional 'lifeboat weather7, being one of the hottest days of the year so far.As usual the AGM was followed by the Presentation of Awards in the nearby Festival Hall, when six Bronze Medals forGallantry were presented to lifeboatmen and 42 awards made to honorary workers.

In his opening remarks at the AGM for the Institution's Governors the Chairman, Michael Vernon, likened the Institution's financial situation to its all-weather operational ability. In reporting another year of progress he remarked that 1991 had been a year in which the economic barometer had dropped like a stone, yet despite the economic climate the RNLI had not been forced to alter course by a single degree. He added: The recession has, of course, affected us to some extent but our allweather finances, just like our lifeboats, contain sufficient inherent strength and reliability to alloic us to continue attaining targets and launching new projects,' A major strength of the RNLI, said the Chairman, is its ability to move with the times. This had enabled the Institution to maintain its effectiveness, with the introduction of inshore lifeboats in the 1960s justonegood example. Thequestforgreaterspeed illustrated the RNLI's dynamic nature, but before exploring these areas in detail Mr Vernon urged the meeting not to forget why everyone had gathered in London: 'Tfie RNU exists to preserve lives from disaster at sea. That end ivas admirably served in 1991 with 1308 men, women and children owing their Hit's to the lifeboat crews. A further 801 individuals were brought ashore from potentially dangerous situations and tfiere were 4,935 distress calls answered altogether,' ACHIEVEMENTS He went on to say lhat remarkable human achievements lay behind the bald statistics, and that the six Bronze Medal services described in the 1991 Annual Report proved that the crews' standards of skill, endurance and courage were as high as ever.

But, added the Chairman: 'There is also evidence that lifeboats are now capable of feats quite unimaginable only a few years ago. Thanks to the seamanship of her coxsuwn and the powerofthelifeboat Salcombe'sTyne class was able to hold a 1200-ton coaster off the rocks in the face of a near gale and rough seas. In addition Clacton's Atlantic 21 was able, in spite of steering difficulties, to enter 6ft seas breaking over a sandbank and tmv a grounded yacht to safety.' SURVEY From these incidents, and thousands more, it was obvious that the RNLI offered an unequalled service to professional seamen and pleasure sailors alike. But, continued Mr Vernon, the RNLI wanted to do still more. The Institution had commissioned a survey of lives lost each year in waters covered by the RNLI, and although every life lost was a tragedy the figures were relatively low, considering the high level of activity. On average 160 lives had been lost each year for the last ten years, said Mr Vemon, adding that it was a reflection on the efficiency of the lifeboat crews and their colleagues that the figure was no higher.

The Institution could not remain complacent about these deaths and was examining the causes. It was known that commercialfishermen were more at risk than any other group and that there is a steady increase in call-outs to smaller fishing vessels. On the recreational side more deaths occurred from powered craft than from sailing craft, though lifeboats were launched more often to sailing boats. If answers could be found to some of these questions perhaps still more lives will be saved, added Mr Vernon.

Returning to the Institution'spresent priorities Mr Vemon went on: '... we continually try to ensure that ice have the right distribution of lifeboat stations to match the spread of potential casualties around the coast. To nchieiv this there has been a recent increase in the number of stations. Currently uv have 209 with two more undergoing evaluation. Rapid response remains the key to our success and moves to provide supplementary D class cover at stations already operating all-weather lifeboats and the growing number of29-knot Atlantic 21s in the fleet all help to improve our ability to reach a casualty before it is too late.' TARGET TheChairman was able to report that the RNLI was on target for one of its most important goals - the provision of fast lifeboats at all stations by the end of 1993. Ten more Mersey class lifeboats had been built last year, he said, and 21 were now in operation around the coast.

The later Merseys have hulls of fibre reinforced composite (FRO, a sophisticated material which is already proving ideal.

The Chairman pointed out that this was a good example of why the Institution should explore new technology, as the knowledge gained had been invaluable in the design of two 25-knot allweather lifeboats. The prototypes of both new classes. Fast Afloat Boats (FAB) 3 and 4 were currently undergoing the most punishing tests that could bedevised, and progress wasgood, with plans to place orders for production boats during 1992.

Looking at the new designs in more detail Mr Vernon commented: '... these two new lifeboats are among the strongest ivssels of their size and power ever to have been built. It is the human frame and Usabilityto withstand the effects of falling off a 20ft wave at full speed which limits a lifeboat's capabilities as much as anything nowadays. ... the FAB 3 and FAB 4 prototypes have given us further opportunity to break new ground by evaluating a range of new equipment. FAB 3 has been fitted with a bow thruster to assist with manoeuvring and both new designs carry a comprehensive range of electronic navigational instruments including a highly advanced autopilot and chart plotting system..' Continuing with this theme the Chairman referred to progress with inshore lifeboats, saying that the advantages of introducing lifeboats at the threshold of design technology were amply demonstrated by the Atlantic 21, a pioneering rigid inflatable which first entered service 20 years ago.

A prototype Atlantic 22 was undergoing trials, and Mr Vernon added: "T} e project has already proivd that we can get greater speed and even better seakeepingout of a rigid inflatable lifeboat. Meanwhile we are also in the process of narrounng doivn design options for an inshore lifeboat capable of up to 40 knots.' While talking about the Institution's hardware the Chairman stressed that fast, efficient lifeboats were only part of the equation, and that the RNLI had been ensuring that station buildings met the needs of modern lifeboats and their crews.

The last twelve months had seen some remarkable progress said Mr Vernon and he singled out some examples- a completely new slipway station at Angle, new Mersey boathouses at North Sunderland, Filey, Peel and New Quay with major adaptations made at Anstruther, Swanage and Sennen Cove. The first davitlaunched all-weather lifeboat was now operational at Workington.

ENVIRONMENT At this point the Chairman touched on the RNLI's concern with other than purely operational matters: 7 should like to add how conscious we are that any new construction should be carried out ii'ith utmost sensitivity... we aim to design buildings that are pleasing to the eye, sympathetic to the surroundings and, where possible, interesting places to visit. Many of our new buildings show considerable architectural merit as well as being highly practical and the new yacht club at Aberdovey which incorporates our new lifeboat station «ns recently granted an award by the Snowdonia National Park for a building in harmony with theenvironment.' While the Institution strives to make lifeboats and equipment ever more efficient Mr Vemon stressed that it was vital not to overlook the most valuable asset of all - the lifeboat crews. Crew protection and safety is a preoccupation in designing lifeboats but there have been developments elsewhere, aimed at reducing risks and increasing the comfort of crews. A new lifejacket for allweather lifeboat crews had been developed, with much less bulk, and is being evaluated and should be in use in the near future.

The importance of items like this were highlighted by Mr Vernon, who went on to give just one example: 'During the Bronze Medal service at Clacton, to be recognised this afternoon, an Atlantic 21 crew member would surely have been lost had it not been first for his crash Iwlmet and then for the reflective stripon his lifejacket which hiscoinrades spotted in the darkness after he had been hurled overboard. Just one incident like that justifies the countless times man overboard drill is rehearsed by RNLI crews.' TRAINING Having touched on the training needsof a modern Hfeboatman, the Chairman moved on to the need to spend time learning to make hill use of the high-tech equipment carried aboard their boat. In 1991 the five mobile training units visited 95 stations and twelve stations had sent crews to Poole Headquarters for familiarisation with new classes of lifeboat. At the Inshore Lifeboat Centre at Cowes a new D class course had been introduced following the success of the Atlantic 21 courses already held.

The Chairman then paid his own tribute to the volunteer crews: 7 am always impressed with the enthusiasm of our crews to top up their skills and keep conversant with the latest in technology. It disproves the theory tfiat you cannot teach an old sea dog new tricks.

It also demonstrates how totally dedicated our crews are, not just being available for the call-out, but giving up time for training and exercises so that when the actual call comes, the rescue will be carried out at maximum efficiency. The sacrifice in time each makes is matched almost invariably by tlwt of their employer. We quite rightly take trouble to recognise generosity in terms of financial support but we should never overlook the contribution made by lifeboatmen's employers who are prepared to bear the cost and consequences of a crew member downing tools and heading for the boathouse at a moment's notice...' Mr Vernon then moved on to the fundraising aspects of the RNLI, praising its success in the face of economic adversity. Many leading charities, he said, had found it impossible to maintain previous levels of fundraising, but the RNLI's branches and guilds had increased their contribution to the Institution's income by more than the rate of inflation.

However, there was one area where the recession has taken its toll, the Chairman explained: 'Our legacy income is down. A large proportion of what we receive from wills is money realised from the sale of property; as you mil all know, house prices are down and so, consequently, is the value of the legacies uv received last year. I am most encouraged, though, by the fact that the actual number of legacies received in 1991 has once again gone up to an all-time high.' There were, continued the Chairman, other very hopeful signs.

The public were still reacting well to fundraising initiatives; the quarterly lottery raised a record £170,000 last January and thanks toGift Aid an extra £150,000 tax had been recovered on donations.

The drive for new members and supporters had continued to produce results. Advertising had recruited 40,000 members and the first experiment with direct mail had brought double theexpected response.

The importance of membership of the RNLI was a theme which the Chairman expanded upon, remarking that the number of governors attending the meeting bore out how much the status of governor was valued. Subscription rates had been under review and the Chairman announced that from September 1992 Life Governorship would cost £500, with an annual rate of £30.

It was obvious that income had been down on the previous year by some £700,000 and this could not be overlooked. It was, said Mr Vernon: '...something we are not used to seeing. But, as I have already explained, the drop has been caused almost entirely by the effect of the economic climate on legacy income. It does however come as a timely warning against complacency. The lower than anticipated balance between income and expenditure in 1991 has had the effect merely to maintain the spending power of our reserves, not to bring them any nearer the target of providing three years' running costs.' More encouraging still, he added, was that the fundraisers had surpassed the projected expenditure figure by more than £8m, while total expenditure was exactly on budget at £43m.

Summing up his address Mr Vernon reiterated that 1991 had been a thoroughly constructive year for the Institution on both a global and a local scale. The trail blazing would continue in 1992 but he added a cautionary note: 'I fear the effects of the recession will be felt for some while yet. So much will again depend on the dedication of voluntary workers and their ability to persuade the public that ours is a cause which cannot be neglected. We all want to be sure that when the next call comes at any one of our stations the crew have the best lifeboat and the best equipment to rely upon. It is up to us, moreover, to see to it that such standards are maintained well into the next century. I know we can count on you, the governors, to give the RNLI your continuing and much appreciated support.' The meeting concluded with questions from various governors which touched on subjects as diverse as the new membership rates and the time of arrival of the Atlantic 22 prototype at Blackpool. The Chairman replied or called upon the specialised knowledge of members of the Committee of Management and staff on the platform.

The Annual Presentation of Awards In opening the Presentation of Awards for 1991 during the afternoon at the Festival Hall the Chairman first extended a warm welcome to HM King Constantine of The Hellenes, who was to present the awards for gallantry and long service.

Recapping on the figures he had given to the governors earlier in the day Mr Vernon went on to add that as the years seemed to pass ever more quickly so the Institution was in perpetual motion, its work not punctuated by the calendar or even by normal working hours. It was, he said, a 24-hour service with a lifeboat and her crew putting out from somewhere on the coast perhaps even as he spoke, and on average every 100 minutes - day and night.

The volunteer fundraisers showed similar dedication, remarked the Chairman, devoting countless hours to the Institution seven days a week.

He went on to remind his audience that there was an overall mission for the RNLI which extended much further than just from one annual meeting to the next. The Institution was following a carefully considered and detailed plan, he said, which will allow it to evolve and retain its relevance well into the next century. The efforts of everyone in the hall are as much for the RNLI ten years hence as they are for the lives needing to be saved in 1992.

He went on: 'But let me talk first about lives saved. We will hear from the medal citations how outstanding courage above all prevented the loss of life. But our highly trained crews have other qualities too which can make the difference between life and death. In a recent incident at Torbay the lifeboat launched to a fishing vessel last seen 6 miles off the coast and taking water. Without hesitation the coxswain steered straight to where he thought the casualty would be. The fishing boat had sunk but, sure enough, there they found the sole occupant justafloat and with barely a minute of life left in him. He was hauled unconscious aboard the lifeboat and thanks to resuscitation administered by the crew, one a doctor, the man survived.

'Then there are the human situations where a lifeboat man or woman can turn a casualty's despair into hope and eventual survival. How might we have coped with the scene encountered last November by crew members David Pascall and Rodney Goldsack of Dover lifeboat when they were put aboard a crippled Belgian yacht to secure a tow in mid-Channel in a severe gale and 20ft waves? They had to deal with a man, a woman and a child who had seen three other shipmates washed overboard and lost. The man had a broken.collar-bone and a broken wrist, the woman was entering a diabetic coma and the 12-year-old boy was terrified out of his wits.

That these two lifeboatmen managed to give these people some physical and mental comfort as well as help to save their lives is beyond what many could achieve. And yet similar acts are repeated time and again by our crews. We have a tremendous amount to be grateful for.' CEREMONY The Chairman referred again to the survey of lives lost which had been carried out during 1991 and reiterated the RNLI's aim to look into the future to prevent these losses, interjecting a personal viewpoint of an example of the spirit shown by the RNLI's fundraisers: 'Last month I had the privilege to attend a lifeboat naming ceremony at Sennen Cove in Cornwall in the company of our President, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent. It was a very moving occasion and one which showed that even when four young lives are lost, the sea shall not have the final say. The parents of four schoolboys swept from the rocks at Land's End seven years ago showed enormous courage by raising a substantial part of the cost of a new Mersey class for theadjacent lifeboat station. They helped to ensure, along with a very successful local appeal, that a lifeboat twice the speed of her predecessor would take up station on that part of the coast.' For the benefit of those who had not been at the morning meeting Mr Vernon recapped on the progress towards an allfast fleet by the end of 1993 and the progress with the new Fast Afloat Boat and Atlantic 22 prototypes before looking at other ways in which speed of response could be improved: 'For some years electronic pagers have been in operation and thesebring crews to the boathouse faster than by any other means. Many of you, I know, miss hearing the sound of maroons which are only used now as an emergency measure if the pagers have failed. But all pyrotechnics have an element of risk attached and we have had some extremely near escapes recently where the firing has gone wrong. To jeopardise public safety unnecessarily is alien to all that we stand for and we must therefore limit the use of these signals.

"The benefits of an audible alert notifying the public, if not the crew, that the lifeboat is launching are clear, however, and we are actively exploring alternative but 100% safe methods of achieving the same result.' MODERN Safety, along with speeding up response times, was another reason why it was so important to make sure that boathouses and launching equipment were modern and efficient, added Mr Vernon. Getting a lifeboat to sea, especially in bad weather, was often one of the most difficult moments of a service for crew and launchers alike and in 1991 the Institution had probably accomplished more than ever before in boathouse rebuilding and refurbishment.

The Chairman gave the audience a similar review of the year's finances as he had provided for the governors and summed up by saying: 'The way that you the fundraisers continue to supply the drivebehind our mission even in the worst possible economic climate brings to mind the lifeboat in Sir Winston Churchill's famous 1924 speech: 'Great waves may thunder on the shore, winds may drive and beat with their utmost fury, the boat goes out, thrusts its way ahead to the wreck, it is twisted and turned by the convulsions of the sea, it is swamped with water, it is driven back, again and again it returns, it pursues and perseveres on its mission... to those who are in peril...' 'Ladies and gentlemen, we are all part of the crew of that lifeboat, its mission has been accomplished for another year and in the words of every lifeboat service report, I trust that you will now return to station, reinvigorated and ready again for service during the next twelve months.' The Chairman then formally introduced HM King Constantine, adding that his distinguishedKing Constantine, adding that his distinguished career as an international yachtsman would no doubt provide a perspective on the RNLI about which those present would be anxious to hear.

THE PRESENTATIONS Thanking the Chairman for his kind words of introduction His Majesty remarked on his privilege at being invited to present the awards.

The RNLI represents to perfection the great seafaring tradition that exists in Britain and Ireland, added the King. No countryor organisation had a monopoly on courage or life-saving, but the way in which the RNLI harnessed the nation's support for a lifeboat crew to help their fellow seafarers is unique.

He went on: 'As a yachtsman I know only too well how much money and time it takes to keep just one boat ready to go to sea, let alone the 268 you maintain at station prepared for all seasons and all weather conditions. lam also fully aware of the efficient seamanlike qualities of their crews and the invaluable service they provide... It is only when you learn in stark detail about the acts of supreme courage and determination performed by the medallists that you begin to understand what moves you all to give your lifeboat crews the boats and equipment they deserve.' His Majesty also made reference to the tolerance and courage of the families of those who put to sea to save life. Quoting Milton in saying 'They also serve who only stand and wait,' he added, the medals are for them as well, surely? INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Before rounding off a well-received speech and moving on to the presentation of awards the King moved on to the Institution's role in international affairs. In providing the permanent secretariat for the International Lifeboat Federation the Institution played a crucial part in promoting sea rescue throughout the world, he said. Lifeboat technology and rescue techniques are freely shared and many countries, both large and small, have benefited as a result.

'I only hope that the influence of the RNLI continues to spread in this rapidly changing world and that the noble cause of saving life at sea extends wherever seafarers are at risk.' With renewed thanks for his invitation His Majesty moved the traditional concluding resolution: 'That this meeting, fully recognising the important services of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in its national work of lifesaving, desires to record its hearty appreciation of the gallantry of the coxswains and crews of the Institution's lifeboats, and its deep obligation to the local committees, honorary secretaries and honorary treasurers of all station branches; to all other voluntary committees and supporters and to the honorary officers and thousands of voluntary members of the financial branches and the ladies lifeboat guilds in the work of raising funds to maintain the service'.

The presentation of awards to voluntary workers then followed, five honorary life governorships, six Bars to the Gold Badge and 31 Gold Badges having been awarded since the last Annual Presentation of Awards. All but five of the awardees were able to be present in person to receive their honour.

Moving on to the Awards for Gallantry His Majesty then presented five lifeboatmen and one ex-lifeboatman with their Bronze Medals which had been awarded since the last meeting.

Full details of the awardees are given elsewhere on this page.

THANKS To conclude the meeting Robin Aisher, a member of the RNLI's Committee of Management, proposed a vote of thanks to HM King Constantine in an amusing speech which drew on their shared yachting experience over very many years..