In 2004, Finning Power Systems (Finning) was chosen as the sole supplier of the Cat C18 diesel marine engines for the new Tamar class lifeboat, the RNLI’s most advanced vessel to date.

Now, with a number of vessels in service and to promote the vital work that the charity carries out to save lives at sea, Finning has teamed up with the RNLI to give boat owners practical advice on basic engine checks to help them stay safe at sea.

About the Tamar Class

When the RNLI began developing the replacement for its existing, all weather Tyne class slipway boat, it required a larger vessel that could reach those in danger at sea faster.

The propulsion system requirement was to deliver a top service speed of 25 knots. In addition, as the Tamar class is designed to self-right automatically if capsized in extreme weather conditions, the engines must remain operational after righting.

The RNLI found Finning’s proposal of twin C18 diesel engines to offer the required performance, with the ability to operate in capsize conditions.

Finning Power Systems has since supplied and commissioned the engines in ten Tamar class lifeboats, which are in service at stations across the UK, from Padstow in Cornwall to Longhope in the Orkney Isles, with other boats presently in build. The company also has a nationwide team of dedicated engineers that provide a full engine maintenance, repair and emergency callout service to the RNLI.

About Sea Safety

With studies proving that engine failure is responsible for a significant number of lifeboat callouts, Finning Power Systems is joining with the RNLI’s Sea Safety team to highlight some simple tips for safe boating. These include a practical pocket guide on the basics of starting, running and maintaining engines, an online video demonstrating simple maintenance procedures and advice via the Finning website – www.finning.co.uk.