In the Winter 96/97 issue, spotter's guide to lifeboat classes looked at the lifeboats of the Institution's all-weather fleet. In this issue, we bring you the inshore lifeboats and the only intermediate class in the fleet, the Brede.Introduced in 1982, the Brede, although an intermediate class rather than all-weather, can generally operate in any conditions experienced at the stations to which it is allocated. Designed to lie afloat, the Brede is based on a commercial hull design giving it a 'pilot boat' appearance. It is of a relatively small size with a fairly bulky wheelhouse and a shallow, reversed sheerline. Propellers are not protected.Maintaining standards All RNLI lifeboats are subject to a regular maintenance schedule to keep them in top condition and give them a long operational life. Lifeboats are launched at least once every two weeks to test all systems.

If routine inspections reveal no problems, housed lifeboats undergo complete surveys every four years. Surveys last several weeks and include opening up the boat for detailed examination and a complete overhaul where necessary. For boats kept afloat or on open beaches, however, there are complete surveys every two years in addition to routine inspections.

Backup staff of marine engineers, mechanics, electronics engineers, and surveyors deal with specialised repairs at the station but if a lifeboat is badly damaged and has to be sent to a boatyard, a relief lifeboat is sent to the station.Atlantic or B class lifeboats are rigid inflatables which can operate in both daylight and darkness. In the event of a capsize, a gas bottle can be activated to inflate the righting bag - turning the lifeboat upright in seconds.

The engines are inversion-proofed and can restart after a capsize.

The Atlantic 21, which takes its name from Atlantic College in Wales where it was first developed, features a GRP hull with inflatable sponsons, a rollbar assembly above the engines on the stern and can be identified by the operational number on side tube. The class was first introduced to the RNLI fleet in 1972.The Atlantic 75 is based on the Atlantic 21, which she is gradually replacing.

Developed at the RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat Centre at Cowes in 1992, she is slightly longer and broader than the '21' - the '75' part of her name is derived from her length of nearly 7.5m. Even though her twin outboard engines make her the fastest lifeboat in the fleet, her hull design provides a softer ride than her predecessor for the three man crew and survivors.

Atlantic 75's can be differentiated from the Atlantic 21 by their operational numbers - Atlantic 75's are over 700 and Atlantic 21 's under.The D class is the most numerous of the inshore fleet and was introduced in 1963 as the first inflatable lifeboat. It has a single outboard engine and is ideal for rescues close to shore where larger lifeboat cannot operate. The D class can only operate in daylight and can be righted manually by the crew after a capsize.

Identifying features include a single outboard engine, operational number on side tube and prominent orange spray canopy.The C class was developed to operate all year round, day and night in locations where larger lifeboats cannot operate. Introduced in 1979, the C class is visually very similar to the D class but larger and with twin engines to give night capability. She can be manually righted after capsize as with the D class. Identifying features include twin outboard engine and operational number on side tube..