The club boat is called the Admiral Douglas, and is used regularly by the club.
Originally the boat was an RNLI Lifeboat called THE BROTHERS O.N 147551. It was a 43 ft Watson class lifeboat and was built in 1922. During the vessel's RNLI service, she was stationed at Falmouth and Penlee, and was ‘Pulling and Sailing’ class vessel, relying on her mast and sails. If you want to dive from the Douglas you will need to be able to row. No seriously these pictures are of the Penlee lifeboat crew.
She was sold by the RNLI in 1956 to the Dover Harbour Board, who converted her to a survey vessel, adding an engine, wheelhouse and cabin. This picture shows The Admiral Douglas before her refit.
The Dover Sub Aqua Club has owned the boat since October 1999 after the Dover Harbour Board lent it to them for 5 years.
During 2002 the Admiral Douglas has been completely refitted the old wheelhouse and cabins have been removed and the deck opened out to provide a more diver friendly boat. The engine box features a stainless steel bottle rack with a central section to hold spare dive cylinders, and seating for twelve divers. At the rear of the boat there is room for two extra divers.
The wheelhouse has some seating for those wimps - rather like me - who like to get get out of the sun, and steps leading down into the forepeak where the toilet is situated along with storage for diving bags.
Below are some of the pictures of the boat through it's refit. Click on them to see the larger picture
Week 3 - everything is stripped down
Week 4 - the boards get put in
Week 6 - the wheelhouse and the box get put in. (Instead of a cabin at the back like before, divers will now be able to sit down, and put their equipment down).
Week 9 - more work on the wheelhouse, the steering gets connected, and a new lick of paint
After re-launching the clubs carpenters and mechanics finished the refit and a multitude of club members descended on the boat to apply final touches. Finally here is the Admiral Douglas ready to go diving. Cylinders and stabs racked and just a few dive bags still to be stowed in the dry.
And of course what goes out must come in.
For those among you that like to look at lifeboats please feel free to contact the secretary and arrange to come for a look.