RNLI's Atlantic 85 MK4 Upgrade Will Enable More Cohesive and Efficient Searches

11th August 2026

Tom MacSweeney

The RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Ruby Robinson powers through heavy seas during a training exercise. The Atlantic 85 Mk4 will introduce upgraded crew seating, improved casualty recovery and new onboard technology Credit: RNLI

The RNLI has published details about the upgrading of the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat to the Atlantic 85 MK4.

“The Atlantic 85 is the third generation of B-class lifeboat. Its predecessors were the Atlantic 21 and Atlantic 75. With over 50 years of service under its belt, the B class lifeboat has already seen a number of upgrades, “ the RNLI says.

“The upgrades will enable the crew to work more cohesively and efficiently on search and rescue missions, with more connected technologies, in a more functional layout, “ according to Nathan Evans, RNLI Maritime Standards Lead for Lifeboats.

Details are contained in the Summer edition of the RNLI’s ‘LIFEBOAT’ magazine.

Next Generation: An infographic from the RNLI's LIFEBOAT magazine highlights the key upgrades planned for the Atlantic 85 Mk4, including redesigned sponsons, a new crew seating layout, suspension seats with active stabilisation, and upgraded Raymarine navigation and communications systems

They show that the MK4 will have modified sponsons to assist with recovering casualties into the boat; a two-by-two seating arrangement for the crew, with two extra seats creating more room aboard. There will be suspension seats and an active stabilisation system reducing whole-body vibration. There will also be new Raymarine navigation and communications systems.

“RNLI engineers and crews are taking this much-loved lifeboat to the next level. While the Atlantic 85 will continue as the current generation, a talented team are working on an exciting retrofit upgrade – the Mark 4,” according to the magazine.

The Atlantic 85 MK4 will be on display at the Southampton International Boat Show from 18 – 27.

Published in RNLI Lifeboats

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About The Author

Tom MacSweeney

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Tom MacSweeney writes a column for Afloat.ie. He is former RTE Marine Correspondent/Presenter of Seascapes and has a monthly Seascapes Podcast on the Community Radio Network and Podcast services

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Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) in Ireland Information

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a charity to save lives at sea in the waters of UK and Ireland. Funded principally by legacies and donations, the RNLI operates a fleet of lifeboats, crewed by volunteers, based at a range of coastal and inland waters stations. Working closely with UK and Ireland Coastguards, RNLI crews are available to launch at short notice to assist people and vessels in difficulties.

RNLI was founded in 1824 and is based in Poole, Dorset. The organisation raised €210m in funds in 2019, spending €200m on lifesaving activities and water safety education. RNLI also provides a beach lifeguard service in the UK and has recently developed an International drowning prevention strategy, partnering with other organisations and governments to make drowning prevention a global priority.

Famous Irish Lifeboat Rescues

Irish Lifeboats have participated in many rescues, perhaps the most famous of which was the rescue of the crew of the Daunt Rock lightship off Cork Harbour by the Ballycotton lifeboat in 1936. Spending almost 50 hours at sea, the lifeboat stood by the drifting lightship until the proximity to the Daunt Rock forced the coxswain to get alongside and successfully rescue the lightship's crew.

32 Irish lifeboat crew have been lost in rescue missions, including the 15 crew of the Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) lifeboat which capsized while attempting to rescue the crew of the SS Palme on Christmas Eve 1895.

FAQs

Which is Ireland's busiest lifeboat station?

While the number of callouts to lifeboat stations varies from year to year, Howth Lifeboat station has aggregated more 'shouts' in recent years than other stations, averaging just over 60 a year.

Do the RNLI get paid?

Stations with an offshore lifeboat have a full-time mechanic, while some have a full-time coxswain. However, most lifeboat crews are volunteers.

How many RNLI Lifeboat stations in Ireland?

There are 46 lifeboat stations on the island of Ireland

How many lifeboat crew have been lost in rescue missions?

How many people are rescued by the RNLI?

In 2019, 8,941 lifeboat launches saved 342 lives across the RNLI fleet.

What type of boats does the RNLI have?

The Irish fleet is a mixture of inshore and all-weather (offshore) craft. The offshore lifeboats, which range from 17m to 12m in length are either moored afloat, launched down a slipway or are towed into the sea on a trailer and launched. The inshore boats are either rigid or non-rigid inflatables.

How are lifeboats called out?

The Irish Coast Guard in the Republic of Ireland or the UK Coastguard in Northern Ireland task lifeboats when an emergency call is received, through any of the recognised systems. These include 999/112 phone calls, Mayday/PanPan calls on VHF, a signal from an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or distress signals.

What is the relationship between the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI in Ireland?

The Irish Coast Guard is the government agency responsible for the response to, and co-ordination of, maritime accidents which require search and rescue operations. To carry out their task the Coast Guard calls on their own resources – Coast Guard units manned by volunteers and contracted helicopters, as well as "declared resources" - RNLI lifeboats and crews. While lifeboats conduct the operation, the coordination is provided by the Coast Guard.

What is a coxswain?

A lifeboat coxswain (pronounced cox'n) is the skipper or master of the lifeboat.

What training do RNLI lifeboat crews get?

RNLI Lifeboat crews are required to follow a particular development plan that covers a pre-agreed range of skills necessary to complete particular tasks. These skills and tasks form part of the competence-based training that is delivered both locally and at the RNLI's Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset

How can one support the RNLI?

While the RNLI is dependent on donations and legacies for funding, they also need volunteer crew and fund-raisers.

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