The RNLI could close the Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC) in East Cowes, which employs 70 people, it was announced today.
The charity’s Five-Year Plan and 2040 Lifeboat Fleet Strategy proposes the consolidation of its lifeboat manufacturing into one location.
This proposal, which was communicated to teams at both East Cowes and Poole manufacturing sites this week, would see the production of its inshore lifeboats move from East Cowes to Poole in Dorset, from the end of 2027.
Opened in 1963, the ILC currently builds and maintains up to 80 boats each year including the inflatable B class and D class lifeboats, and lifeguards’ inshore rescue boats (IRBs) whilst the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, which was built in 2015, brings every stage of the all-weather lifeboat building process in-house and under one roof.
The RNLI said it has seen a notable change in sea use with more people using the coast for recreational purposes such as open water swimming and paddleboarding and the vast majority of rescues closer to shore compared to years ago when demand was further offshore.
They say demand for production is falling by a third and the charity will not have enough work to justify two facilities.
Being an older, smaller facility, it is estimated that East Cowes will require around £5 million of capital investment to remain compliant, while Poole is a newer, larger and more capable site.
RNLI chief engineer and technical director, Ross Barraclough, said: "Use of the sea around the UK is changing - our data shows 98 per cent of all RNLI rescues now are within ten nautical miles of the shore compared to years ago when demand was for commercial fishing further offshore.
"For us to continue delivering our core purpose of saving lives at sea, the charity needs to evolve and respond to the changing demand on our service.
"Our 2040 Lifeboat Fleet Strategy determines what is needed to ensure we have the right lifeboats in the right locations to continue saving lives into our third century.
"In response, we need to ensure we can build these boats in the most efficient way, adapting our production delivery to make sure we continue to use our supporters' money wisely and operate sustainably.
"'This change in need represents a major shift in demand for our production teams, with an anticipated reduction of around 82,000 production hours and whilst it is a difficult decision we need to consider proposals that will reduce our future footprint and cost base.
"I fully recognise the dedication and commitment of our Inshore Lifeboat Centre team and understand the impact of this proposal on not only themselves but the wider RNLI family on the Isle of Wight.
"We will be working closely with them over the next few months to discuss options within this proposal and support individuals."
A final proposal is expected in 2026 which will be followed by a formal consultation process.
If it goes ahead, the East Cowes site will close in 2027.
West Wight MP Richard Quigley said today: “This is disappointing news. Any jobs leaving the Island is a concern but especially considering RNLI’s operating history in the area.
"The CEO has been in touch, and I will work with him to see what can be done to keep the RNLI on the Island.
"I know that many on the Island who support both the RNLI financially and with their time will also be disappointed – I’m working to do all I can to mitigate the impact of job losses."
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