About the Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC)

The RNLI constructs up to 60% of the lifeboats it needs in its own purpose-built manufacturing facility in Cowes.

The facility on the Isle of Wight is highly respected across the globe as a centre of excellence for the building and maintenance of inflatable and rigid inflatable lifeboats, including the Atlantic series, the D class and the Lifeguards' inshore rescue boat the Arancia. 

Not only does it make lifeboats for its own service, but it also constructs them for others. Recently craft have been supplied to the Dutch and Icelandic lifeboat services, the Police and HM Coastguard.

Gradually the site has grown and particularly with the latest addition of a large new building to house the production of the Atlantic 75 and Atlantic 85 rigid inflatable boats (RIB's). 

This now incorporates a dedicated laminating shop, spray booth, machine shop and welding bay. 
 
Click here to view a time-lapse video of the construction.

Visitors are always welcome to see the work of the Inshore Lifeboat Centre firsthand, but are asked to book beforehand by contacting us.