The Jimmie Cairncross

In this issue, let us introduce you to Queensferry RNLI’s B Class Atlantic Lifeboat, the ‘Jimmie Cairncross’. Our B class inshore lifeboat is one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The current generation of B class lifeboat is called the Atlantic 85 – named after Atlantic College in Wales where these rigid inflatable lifeboats (RIBs) were first developed. 85 represents its length – nearly 8.5m.

How do we launch? ‘Tipping in’

The pier was designed for the ferry therefore a gentle slope with a deep drop at the end. Launching off the side of the pier allows us to operate at any tidal state. The Tractor is of Italian design and unique to our station. The Hawes Pier is too narrow for the charity’s standard tractors.

Any intentional contact points are protected, and the drop is not as high as it looks! The trailer is lifted a little by the tractor and the crew give it a gentle nudge, so it slides off, you only need a couple of shoulders to push for literally a few seconds and gravity does the rest.

To recover the lifeboat, we drive straight onto the carriage, just like parking your car in a tight supermarket space! We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our lifeboat!

To enjoy your time off at the coast or on the water please follow these tips:

• Check the weather forecast and be prepared!

• Have a fully charged means of communication with you.

• Cramond SAFE CROSSING times:

• Text 8144

• http://rnli.org/find-mynearest/lifeboat-stations/ queensferry-lifeboat-station

To call for help: In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If using a VHF radio use channel 16.

Stay safe!

Atlantic 85 facts:

Year introduced to the RNLI fleet: 2005

Crew: 3-4

Survivor capacity: 20

Maximum speed: 35 knots

Range / endurance: 3 hours maximum

Length: 8.44 m

Beam / width: 2.85m

Draught / depth: 0.53m

Displacement / weight: 1.8 tonnes

Fuel capacity: 210 litres

Engines: 2 x Yamaha

4-cylinder, 4-stroke 115hp outboard petrol engines

Construction: Hull: carbon fibre and foam core laminate. Structure: includes epoxy glass and foam sandwich layup. Inflatable collar: hypalon-coated nylon.

Number in fleet: Currently 135 in total, 105 at stations, 5 in training fleet and 25 in build, repair or awaiting disposal.

Identification: All lifeboats have a unique identification number. The first part indicates the class so B class lifeboats start with B. The numbers after the dash refer to the build number. So the first B class Atlantic 85 was given the number B-801, our number is B-851.

Communications and navigation: Fitted and hand-held VHF (very high frequency) radio, intercom, onboard global positioning system (GPS), radar, VHF direction-finding (VDF) equipment, electronic chart.