The RNLI has signed a new deal with the ChinaRescue and Salvage Bureau (CRS).

The deal builds on the agreement that has been in place between the two organisations for the past 5 years, which saw 20 ex-RNLI lifeboats make their way to China, Chinese crews trained at the Lifeboat College and at their home stations, as well as regular technical inspections.

RNLI Chief Executive Paul Boissier travelled to China and signed a new memorandum of understanding, including improved technical support for CRS’s fleet of Aruns and Tynes, helping the Chinese develop a volunteer crew concept, and help from China to investigate commercial deals with other Asian countries 

Paul says: ‘Both CRS and the RNLI are highly professional organisations, working in difficult but very different sea conditions on opposite sides of the world. My visit convinced me that there is much that we can learn from them, and they believe that there is much that they can learn from us. At the end of the day, however, both organisations are committed to one single thing – saving lives at sea – so I am very pleased that the relationship with CRS remains positive, energetic and productive.’

RNLI Corporate Services Director James Vaughan adds: ‘The RNLI’s evolving international strategy is based on a desire to save more lives at sea by sharing our knowledge and skills with developing SAR organisations around the world, particularly those with little resources and starting from a low base. We'll fund this investment through a programme of international activity (consultancy, training and boat sales) to countries that have financial resources, such as China.

‘Our Charter allows us to work overseas, but we are not planning to fund this from money raised in the UK and RoI.’