(Left) The final product, the first Severn - in prototype form at least. Four hectic years have passed from the first Operational Requirements, through concept, design, testing, modification, development and operational trials .

Now, there are only the modifications for the production boats to finalise, the detailed building drawings to up-date and modify, the production to oversee, the....

The first batches of Trents and Severns have already been ordered, but it will be mid 1994 before the first production boats complete their builders and acceptance trials and enter service as operational lifeboats..