Part two of our definitive guide to all operational RNLI lifeboat classes. This issue we bring you the inshore fleet and the Institution's only intermediate class… Brede Introduced In 1982, the Brede, although an Intermediate class lifeboat rather than allweather, 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.

Length: 10m (32ft Gin) Beam: 3.7m (12ft 2in) Displacement: approx. 9 tonnes Speed: 18.6 knots Range: 140n. miles Crew: 4 Construction: Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) Atlantic 21 The Atlantic 21, which takes its name from Atlantic College in Wales where it was first developed, has a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) hull with Inflatable sponsons and a rollbar assembly above the two outboard engines on the stem.

The class was first introduced to the RNLI fleet in 1972.

Length: 6.9m (22ft 9in) Beam: 2.44m (8ft) Displacement approx. 2,750lb Speed: 29 knots Endurance: 3 hours at maximum speed Crew: 3 Construction: GRP hull with hypalon-coated nylon tube Atlantic 75 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', and her name is derived from her length of nearly 7.5m.

Her twin 70hp outboard engines make her the fastest in the fleet but her hull design provides a softer ride than her predecessor. Atlantic 75s can be differentiated from the 21 by their operational number - 75s are over 700 and 21s under for example 6710 and 6595.

Length: 7.3m (24ft) Beam: 2.64m (8ft din) Displacement: approx. 3,200lb Speed: 32 knots Endurance: 3 hours at maximum speed Crew: 3 Construction: GRP hull with hypalon-coated nylon tube O class The P class is the most numerous of the Inshore fleet and was introduced in 1963 as the first inflatable lifeboat. It is ideal for rescues close to shore where larger lifeboat cannot operate. The P class can only operate in daylight and can be righted manually by the crew after a capsize.

Identifying features include a single 40hp outboard engine, operational number on side tube and prominent orange spray canopy.

Length: 4.95m (16ft Sin) Beam: 2m (6ft Tin) Displacement approx. 745lb Speed: 20 knots Endurance: 3 hours at maximum speed Crew: 2 or 3 Construction: Nylon coated with hypalon Soon to be spotted...

Lifeboats are continually evolving and as each generation succeeds the previous one there is inevitably an overlap. This explains why there is usually more than one class of, for example, afloat boats in service at any time.

The RNLI allows its all-weather lifeboats a working life of around 20-25 years, so hardly has one of the classes been developed and proven, it is time for the designers and engineers to begin looking at a replacement for another class.

At the moment they are working on a new fast slipway boat, which will eventually replace the Tyne. The first Tynes started work in 1982 and will therefore be 20 years old in 2002. It takes time to design, develop and prove a new lifeboat and work is already well under way to have new, faster boats ready to replace them.

Still looking into the future, the RNLI recently carried out a major review to try and anticipate the kind of lifeboats which will be required for the changing times and technologies of the 21st century. These are broad brush strokes at the moment, but types have been identified and some trials carried out.

There »re likely to be changes before the Fast Slipway Boats appetr on the coast.

but this drawing gives an indication of what they may took like..