Parceria RNLI & Raymarine
RNLI & Raymarine Partnership
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has partnered with Teledyne Raymarine and Teledyne FLIR Marine, to deliver advanced navigation and thermal imaging technologies to the RNLI fleet; enhancing the charity’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively in life-saving operations.
A Strategic Partnership to Help Save Lives at Sea
The integration of Teledyne Raymarine navigation and digital switching systems into the RNLI’s lifeboats supports their long-term fleet strategy, which aims to ensure its lifeboats are future-fit and able to meet changing coastal demands.
Advanced Navigation and Digital Control from Teledyne Raymarine
RNLI Lifeboats are equipped with a suite of advanced navigation technologies, including Raymarine electronic chart systems (ECS) based on the award-winning Raymarine Axiom chartplotters, Quantum or Cyclone Pro radar systems and YachtSense ship control systems.
The Teledyne Raymarine systems were chosen following extensive feedback from the charity’s volunteer crew members, who gave insights into what was needed from the next generation of onboard systems, and how Raymarine could provide the training and support for crew members to get the most from the updated equipment.
The partnership with Teledyne Raymarine has provided the RNLI with a digital eco-system designed to evolve and adapt to the challenging and changing demands of the volunteer lifesavers.
Teledyne FLIR Marine Thermal Imaging
The integration of Teledyne FLIR Marine’s thermal imaging technology, both fixed mount and handheld, will allow crews to detect vessels and people in the water more easily, even in complete darkness or fog.
The Teledyne FLIR Marine partnership represents a major investment in the safety, capability and future resilience of the RNLI’s lifeboat fleet. The technology and innovation will make a real difference to the RNLI mission of saving lives at sea.
Delivering a Next‑Generation Refit for the RNLI Shannon Class
Teledyne Raymarine have been working in partnership with the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) to equip their Shannon Class Lifeboats with the latest navigational technologies; ensuring the RNLI's volunteers are best equipped for saving lives at sea.
First Vessel To Benefit in Raymarine and RNLI Partnership
RNLI vessels have historically used a system known as SIMS (Systems and Information Management System); this electronic integrated bridge system allows lifeboat crew to monitor, operate, and control various functions directly from their seats, including navigation, radio communications and engine management.
Following the RNLI’s announcement that Teledyne Raymarine were successful in their tender for the SIMS replacement program, both parties wanted to make a positive start, and the first project was to initiate the Raymarine refit on the Shannon class (AWL) All Weather Lifeboat.
The Shannon is the RNLI’s latest all-weather lifeboat with a top-speed of 25 knots and a survivor capacity of 61. The fleet of 68 vessels around the UK and Ireland is highly versatile for undertaking SAR (Search and Rescue) operations in any conditions.
The RNLI had the Shannon relief vessel 'ON1333' available, so this would be the first vessel for the refit campaign.
A Full Electronics Refit
The scope of the SIMS system replacement is for a full uplift of navigation electronics to adopt and embrace the capabilities offered by the latest generation of Teledyne Raymarine equipment. To support this program, Raymarine has fitted products from the Teledyne Raymarine, FLIR Marine, and Raymarine Commercial product lines.
Teledyne Raymarine
Axiom 2 XL Multifunction Displays with high‑resolution HydroTough touchscreens with search and rescue navigation and built‑in SAR patterns in First Responder Mode.
Cyclone Pro 4ft Marine Radar for precise identification of radar targets of interest.
YachtSense Ship Control System to replace the existing Powerplex system.
Teledyne FLIR Marine Thermal Cameras
M364C LR Fixed Mount Thermal Camera for long range thermal detection capabilities in day, night, and low-light environments.
Teledyne Raymarine Commercial
SV-ECS Electronic Chart System - this electronic chart system was specifically developed in line with RNLI specifications to incorporate search and rescue patterns, radar overlay, auto-routing, split-screen capabilities, and directional rangefinder integration, whilst remaining compliant to MCA regulations.
The Shannon class is designed to withstand the worst conditions, and this new system fit out took time to design and install, but the process was completed in April 2026.
Following the successful sea trials on ON1333, Teledyne Raymarine will now be moving forwards to initiate the full refit campaign for the Shannon class and are expecting for all vessels to be completed by autumn 2029.
The integration of Raymarine navigation and digital switching systems into the RNLI’s lifeboats supports their long‑term fleet strategy to keep vessels future‑fit for changing coastal demands. See how this approach extends across the programme in our RNLI Atlantic 85 refit case study.
