Frequently asked questions

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Launch a Memory.

These FAQs are in addition and subject to the Launch a Memory 2022 T&Cs. If any contradiction exists between the contents of these FAQs and the contents of the Launch a Memory 2022 T&Cs, then the contents of the T&Cs shall take priority.

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  1. Adding a loved one's name
  2. After adding a loved one's name
  3. Launch a Memory locations
  4. Previous Launch a Memory lifeboats

Adding a loved one's name

Will I be able to change the name submitted if I have made an error?

Supporters are responsible for checking the name before submitting it to ensure that it is spelt correctly, contains the correct details, and is submitted as they wish the name to appear on the decal of the lifeboat. 

As a result of the revised form process and the extensive initial checks implemented, it is crucial to note that the name submitted on the form will be considered as the final name to be utilised and applied to the lifeboat decal. 

Can I add more than one name to the lifeboat?

You are welcome to add more than one name to the lifeboat and can do this now in one go.  

To make the process even smoother, we kindly ask you to avoid using joint names like "The Smiths" or "John and Joan Smith." While we truly appreciate your desire to show unity, we currently cannot accept such joint names. However, you can still express individual identities by adding each name separately. 

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We're here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring your contribution to the lifeboat is as personal and meaningful as possible.

If I submit more than one name, will they appear next to each other in the decal?

In general, names will be arranged in the order we receive them from supporters. However, the names will be arranged in a way that best fits the shape of the decal. 

Please feel free to email [email protected] and we will endeavour to keep them together, although we cannot guarantee this.

Can I add the name of someone who is still alive?

Absolutely.  Although Launch a Memory is aimed at those with a loved one who is no longer with us, we have lots of supporters who add the name of someone who is still with us. We have had supporters add someone's name for a birthday present, anniversary and even a wedding gift!

How will my loved one's name appear on the boat?

Your loved one’s name will appear alongside thousands of other beloved ones inside a decal making up the letters and numbers on the lifeboat.

Adding a loved one's name

You can include up to 10 names in a single form submission, and feel free to submit the form as many times as you'd like.

To make the process even smoother, we currently cannot accept joint names like 'The Smiths' or 'John and Joan Smith'. Please add each name separately. 

In general, names will be arranged in the order we receive them from supporters. However, the names will be arranged in a way that best fits the shape of the decal.  

Please feel free to email [email protected] and we will endeavour to keep them together, although we can't guarantee this.

Your loved one’s name will appear alongside thousands of other dearly missed loved ones within the decal that forms the letters and numbers on the lifeboat.

We can accept:

  • More than one name per form submission. The online form allows up to 10 names to be added in one submission. 
  • Middle names – e.g. 'John David Smith'
  • Titles – e.g. 'Captain John Smith'

We are unable to accept:

  • Joint names – e.g. 'The Smiths' or 'John and Joan Smith' or 'John & Joan Smith'. If your submission includes joint names we'll get in touch to arrange an alternative solution.
  • Names that include special characters – e.g. 'John Smith!'
  • Submissions that have additional information such as numbers and locations – e.g. 'John Smith Plymouth 1952'
  • The name of a group or company – e.g. 'Plymouth RNLI Swimmers'

Absolutely. Although Launch a Memory is aimed at those with a loved one who is no longer with us, we have lots of supporters who add the name of someone who is still with us. We have had supporters add someone's name for a birthday present, anniversary and even a wedding gift! 

It's important to note that all certificates are the same, and we cannot currently create bespoke versions for each scenario. So, whether commemorating a cherished memory or celebrating a joyous occasion, the certificates maintain a consistent format for all supporters.

Feel free to add:

  • Your name
  • A living family member or friend that you hold dearly
  • The names of a couple for an anniversary or wedding gift. Please add as two separate names (you will receive two separate certificates).
  • The name of a beloved pet.

We appreciate your willingness to donate! However, we are currently unable to accept online donations from individuals located outside the UK and Ireland.

To make your donation and add your name, please contact our Supporter Experience team on 0300 300 9905. 

As well as your loved one's name on the lifeboat, you'll receive:

  • A personalised digital certificate, per name submitted, to print and proudly display
  • Regular email updates
  • A link to an online 'name finder'
  • Access to a retail range specifically for your Launch a Memory lifeboat
  • A link to a special Exmouth lifeboat dedications page

The suggested donation of £50/€50 per name for Launch a Memory is based on careful consideration of the resources and costs required. This amount is typically determined based on various factors such as the RNLI’s funding needs, the average donation amount received, and the impact that a particular donation size can have in supporting the RNLI's mission. 

It's important to note that the suggested donation amount is not mandatory or binding. You have the freedom to contribute any amount you feel comfortable with and can afford. 

Unfortunately not. You are responsible for checking the name before submitting it to ensure that it is spelled correctly, contains the correct details, and is submitted as you wish the name to appear on the decal of the lifeboat. Once the submission is made, changes cannot be accommodated, so it's crucial to review the information thoroughly before finalising the entry. Please take the time to verify all details to avoid any potential discrepancies on the lifeboat decal. 

After adding a loved one's name

You should receive your confirmation email to the email address you provided to us within 24 hours, although usually you'll receive it within a few hours. 

If you haven’t received a confirmation email within 24 hours and have checked your junk/spam please contact us by emailing [email protected] or phone our Supporter Experience team on 0300 300 9905 (UK) / 01 511 9871 (Ireland) / (+)44 1202 336395 (from any other country). 

You will only receive a certificate if you provided us with your email address when submitting your loved one's name. The certificate email will arrive separately to the confirmation email. 

We aim to send out all certificates within 48 hours of the submission. We send these certificates out by email, as a PDF attachment when this is completed through the online form. These often end up in spam/junk folders.

If you still have not received your certificate after 48 hours, please contact us by emailing [email protected] or phone our Supporter Experience team on 0300 300 9905 (UK) / 01 511 9871 (Ireland) / (+)44 1202 336395 (from any other country).

The numbers and letters that will be made up of your loved one's names are called the 'decals'. We are hopeful to have onsite decal replicas that will allow you to see your loved one’s name although we can’t guarantee this at this stage. If you gave us your email address when sharing your loved one’s name, we will let you know about any updates - including the opportunity to search and see your loved one's name on an online version of the decal. 

Once you've made your donation and submitted your chosen name(s) and the campaign closes, we'll keep you informed about the possibility of attending an event in Poole to visit the lifeboat. But this is yet to be confirmed and subject to availability. 

We will also let you know about any opportunities to see the lifeboat In Exmouth in the future too. We kindly ask that you don't contact the station directly about Launch a Memory or arrive hoping to see the lifeboat.

If you have any questions about your lifeboat, please contact [email protected].

Unfortunately, no. We anticipate there will be more supporters wishing to attend a viewing event than we can cater for, so we have to limit the number of tickets available. If we could give tickets to all of you, we would. But to be able to run the event successfully and safely, we are bound by venue capacity and health and safety considerations.

When the window for ticket applications opens, tickets will be available for timed slots on a first come, first served basis. You will be able to apply for up to two tickets. There are so many supporters, like you, who want to see the lifeboat that we think a maximum of two tickets per supporter is reasonable, and we hope you do to.

There may be other opportunities to see your loved one’s name on the lifeboat in future, although we can’t make any promises about that because it depends on various factors.

Thank you for your support and understanding. You’ll find more information about Launch a Memory viewing events in our T&Cs.


Exmouth Launch a Memory

Your Launch a Memory donation will be used to help save lives wherever the need is greatest. From educating children about water safety, to the equipment that lifeguards use to save lives. From the lifeboats that provide beacons of hope to people in distress, to the training that brings their volunteer crews safely home. So whether it’s at Exmouth or Eyemouth, you can be proud of the lives your donation to Launch a Memory is helping to save.

The Shannon lifeboat at Exmouth is an essential lifesaver, having saved 11 lives, aided 128 individuals, spent 350 hours at sea, and launched 167 times. The unwavering support of our community is deeply appreciated in making this possible.

*correct as of Feb 2024

Other Launch a Memory lifeboats

The selection of LAM boats is determined through a process involving the asset allocation team, which considers operational requirements. Consequently, when the lifespan of an ILB or ALB nears its conclusion, a thorough evaluation is conducted by the team. This evaluation entails multiple iterations with asset allocation, considering factors such as the operational demands of various locations.

Whilst we cannot guarantee anything yet, we anticipate the upcoming Launch a Memory boat arriving next year. Stay tuned for forthcoming announcements.

We have webpages dedicated to the updates of each of the previous Launch a Memory lifeboats - Invergordon, Clifden, Wells, Anstruther, Whitby and Eric's Legend 13-40.