[1] The first prototype boat entered service at St Peter Port in 1972 but moved on to Barry Dock where it was stationed until 1997.

While a few have found new uses around the coast of Great Britain, the majority have been sold to other lifeboat operators around the world, predominantly in China, Finland and Iceland[2] and some further boats were built new for service in Canada and Greece.

[3] Those travelling long distances go as deck cargo on larger ships but those going to closer harbours are generally sailed across under their own power.

The first boat to go to Iceland, Richard Evans, was loaded as deck cargo on a container ship but was washed overboard during the passage – the only Arun to have been lost at sea.

The final external change came with 52-11 which had flush sided forward wheelhouse windows and this was a feature of all subsequent boats.

The boats had the coloured layer stripped off and replaced by a new one made with clear gel which reduced the amount of water absorbed.

There is also a flying bridge above the main cabin with an auxiliary steering position which can be used when additional height or visibility is required during an operation.

[6] Operated by the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, later Marine Rescue NSW Ten 15.77-metre (51.7 ft) boats were built for the Canadian Coast Guard[3] between 1989 and 1996.

[13] The remaining 9 boats were all built in Canada by Industrie Raymond Ltée of Sept-Iles, Quebec; East Isle Shipyard Ltd. of Georgetown, Prince Edward Island; and Hike Metals & Shipbuilding Ltd. of Wheatley, Ontario, all with aluminium hulls.

The Slysavarnafélagið Landsbjörg (ICE-SAR) is divided into both land and sea rescue teams and with main office in Reykjavík.