This is one of several lifeboats in the relief fleet.Whenever one of the boats comes in for service there are two possibilities. During short overhauls a station is covered by adjoining stations, if a boat is away for longer one of the relief boats comes in. Furthermore, the relief fleet is called upon whenever there ís a regatta or an event like the Kiel Week to cover.
N.B. The bike on deck is standard issue, the larger units have living quarters aboard.Whenever the crew has to run errands or shops for vittles,a bike is the most convenient solution