Gravesend's station history

A new search and rescue service for the Thames was announced on Monday 22 January 2001.  The Institution was asked by the Government to provide lifeboat cover, this is the first time the Institution has set up lifeboat stations to specifically cover a river rather than estuarial waters, and will come into effect in 2002.

An E class Tiger Marine fast response boat was placed on service at 1200 Wednesday 2 January 2002, when the new search and rescue arrangements for the tidal reaches of the River Thames came into operation.

Conversion of PLA building to provide permanent facilities completed in May at no cost to the Institution.

A new lifeboat B-827 Olive Laura Deare II placed on service. The lifeboat was funded buy the legacy of Mrs Olive Laura Deare.