Dartmouth is a small port on the west side of the natural harbour formed by the River Dart.

In the 1860s the Dartmouth and Torbay Railway established more quays on the opposite bank at Kingswear.

During the summer the lifeboat was kept in a boat house at Sand Quay, but during the winter it was kept afloat in Warfleet Creek where it was quicker to respond to any ships in distress.

It would prove difficult for the rowing lifeboat to leave the estuary of the Dart if the wind was blowing from the sea unless a tug was able to help.

A temporary building with five years planning agreement was erected in Coronation Park.