Co.Ltd of Gadalming, Surrey, a company founded by engineer Reginald Foster Dagnall.

Over time, RFD became a synonym for "Rapid Flotation Devices".

For more than 60 years the D-class has served as the workhorse of the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) fleet.

The D-class is one of the few RNLI types not to feature a rigid hull.

The D-class was specifically designed as a light and highly manoeuvrable rapid response craft, especially suited to close shore work.