In 1964/65 a new concept of an inflatable rescue boat was evaluated by the RNLI. Ray Wood the Chairman of Harwich Lifeboat Committee participated in the boats trials.

On 28th May 1965 Inshore Rescue Boat No 71 arrived at Harwich

Following tests and crew training the boat was operational on the 11th June

Her first service was on the 18th June to a man drifting out to sea in a dinghy

The last service in 1965 was to the Scimitar which was disabled and being pounded against the breakwater.

The first lifeboat call in 1966 was to 6 school children and teacher, whose sailing dinghy had over-turned off Wrabness

Tragedy can occur at any time, a local boy cycling along the promenade fell into the water and was trapped under his bicycle. His body was recovered at low water

On 21st May 1967 4 teenagers were rescued, after they dingy over-turned and after hanging onto a mooring buoy were recovered by the ILB.

On the 10th January 1972 the inshore lifeboat rescued 8 people, from a yacht which had broken it's rudder and taking water.

A larger and faster inshore lifeboat was stationed at Harwich on the 30th January 1971 named D-201

Shortly after she arrived at Harwich, she towed in the local customs boat which had suffered engine failure