Lt Cdr Brian Miles looks at the RNLI's plans for the future and at a busy and memorable 1993In any generation, improvements in the lifeboat service can always be achieved, and the recognition that tomorrow we should aim to be better than yesterday, constantly reminds us that proper forward planning is essential.

The RNLI has always tried to plan ahead, but a detailed five-year strategy dates back only to the mid 1980s. It is interesting to recall some of the targets in the 1988 Plan. The main operational target was to introduce fast lifeboats at all stations by 1993 - how satisfying that the allocation of the final Mersey class lifeboat to Aldeburgh at the end of 1993 completed this programme.

In 1988 reference was also made to the replacement of all non-inherently self-righting lifeboats by the early 1990s and the expansion of operational training.

The first target was achieved and training has indeed been expanded, from 260 lifeboat crew members on training courses in 1982 to 1,700 in 1992. This not only reflects an increase in activity, but also the enthusiasm and the willingness of crews to devote ever more time and energy to achieving the highest possible professional standards.

Targets were also identified in fundraising, finance, administration and staff numbers, and all have largely been achieved. Clearly, the fundraising targets were particularly significant and included the requirement to increase souvenir sales, through existing branch and guild outlets and to expand mail order. The vital importance of legacies was noted, as was the encouragement of more support from the corporate sector.

Inevitably high priority was given to the enhancement of branch and guild income, as the support we receive in these areas has always been a cornerstone of our success, not just in terms of income raised, but in encouraging support from the other areas referred to. Long may this continue to be the case.

STRATEGIC The main targets in the 1993 strategic plan included further improvement in our speed of response, with the introduction of the Severns, Trents and Atlantic 75s, and a review of the level of cover declared to the UK and Irish Governments.

The RNLI will also liaise more closely with other maritime organisations to improve safety at sea and be more active in this area generally.

Michael Vlasto, a former divisional inspector and training officer is developing these new initiatives from January 1994.

Another target identified in the 1993 plan is maintaining a sensible level of reserves. The justification for charities' reserves has caused some debate, and it is important that the Institution's policy is clearly understood.

The Committee of Management is responsible for our long-term commitment to provide an effective lifeboat service, which is entirely dependent upon voluntary funding.

This commitment represents a firm undertaking to governments, upon which they must rely to fulfil their obligations under international treaties and conventions. The Committee is also aware that our financial strength has ebbed and flowed to a remarkable extent - with reserves reaching a peak of almost seven years expenditure in the early part of this century, and as low as three months expenditure as recently as the late 1970s.

For all these reasons the Committee of Management believes it is essential that a long-term view should be taken in conducting the Institution's affairs. A sensible level of reserves helps underwrite future success, and a view over twenty years - the life expectancy of an all-weather lifeboat - is necessary to plan future lifeboat cover. Over the next 20 years capital spending on lifeboats and boathouses is likely to be around £400m at current prices, with £54m being spent in the next three years. We must take full advantage of opportunities to build reserves when possible, to provide for periods when they might have to be drawn upon. In this way we can ensure the service we provide is maintained to the highest possible standards.

BUSY YEAR Some of the highlights of another busy year included a memorable day at Ramsgate in July when our Patron, HM The Queen, accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh named a new relief Mersey class lifeboat. This lifeboat was funded from the Police Appeal, which raised over £300,000, and representatives from police forces all over the country were at the ceremony.

History was made in July when our President, HRH The Duke of Kent, visited seven lifeboat stations in the Republic of Ireland. For security reasons the President's visit had not been announced beforehand and there was great excitement at the various lifeboat stations when the identity of their unexpected visitor became known.

1993 saw an unusually large number of naming ceremonies, as the Mersey class lifeboat building programme drew to its close, and in June the prototype Trent class lifeboat was also named, by Countess Mountbatten of Burma. She spoke of her parents, Lord and Lady Mountbatten, and of the pleasure they would have derived from knowing that the first boat of a new class had been named in their honour.

In recent years the RNLI has developed ever-closer links with colleagues in lifesaving all over the world. A highlight of the year for me was a visit to the Estonian Rescue Service in August, where the former Port Erin Rother class lifeboat is already in service at Haapsalu on the west coast. It was a great pleasure to see the lifeboat being cared for by her new crew with great pride.

We are in contact with various overseas lifeboat organisations, including New Zealand, South Africa, Uruguay and Estonia, discussing the sale of ex-RNLI lifeboats, and I am delighted that these boats will be able to continue their lifesaving role so far from home.

Finally, I would like to mention once again the new procedures for financial branch and guild accounting, and to thank everyone concerned for their positive response. Almost 90% of branches and guilds are following the new procedures and this is so encouraging.

These changes are just one of the many ways we are trying to ensure that tomorrow we will be better than yesterday, but we remain aware we could not make any changes or effect any improvements unless we received the active support and encouragement of those directly concerned.

During 1993 I visited many lifeboat stations and RNLI functions and have enjoyed the usual friendly welcome on every occasion. To those I met in 1993: thank you again for your kindness and hospitality. To those I did not meet: I hope I will have the chance to put this right in the near future.

On behalf of everyone here at Poole headquarters I wish you and your families good health and happiness in the New Year, and I thank you once again for all you do on behalf of the RNLI..