The opportunity is also taken to complete repairs or modifications to what is otherwise an inaccessible part of the boat.

Ramsgate is one of the A&P Group’s eight UK locations and one of several

repair yards and marinas around the coastline that have the facilities available

to carry out this important work The Ramsgate facility has three external slipways capable of taking vessels up to 60m in length and 700 tons displacement.

The yard had a busy spell this summer when over successive days two of Kent’s local lifeboats, the 14m Trent class boats from Ramsgate and Sheerness were slipped for their twice yearly spruce up.A rapid turnaround is essential to minimise the period that they may be off service and as soon as the boat emerges from the water the process of pressure cleaning and repainting the hull begins. The work is carried out by the station’s full time crew members together with visiting RNLI technical staff. Usually the station’s volunteer crew will be on hand to assist as well. The yards own professional services and facilities are on hand if required.

Ian Cannon is the full time coxswain of the Ramsgate Lifeboat and recognises the importance of this facility. He said, We depend on local services such as A&P in helping us to ensure the smooth running of a busy lifeboat station. They provide a flexible and efficient service and are understanding in allowing both our own full-time and volunteer crews to carry out the work involved. We are able to remain on service as they can quickly have us back in the water if required. We are grateful for this support for what is an essential part of the local marine community.’

MJ Information No: 22328