PORTLAND LIFEBOAT

The Portland Lifeboat is a pulling (propelled by oars), self-righting, double ended, timber lifeboat commissioned by Chief Harbour Master Captain Ferguson and constructed in 1858 in Williamstown. It is a local modification of the English Royal National Lifeboat Institution ‘Peake’ design and has a U-shaped double hull made from Kauri planks laid diagonally and vertically, blue gum horizontal stringers; jute based paper between the inner and outer planking, and an iron keel. The ship has an Oregon rowing deck containing six 'Well's' patent lifeboat valves . The bow and stern air cases (air filled buoyancy tanks) are tightly sealed with Kauri pine resin. Much of the remainder of the hull is fitted with air chambers. It was initially steered with two sweep (steering) oars. The kauri rudder and iron mast partners (holders) are 1900 additions so that the lifeboat could also be propelled by sail. The whalebacks (convex cork slabs covered with canvas) on either end were also added in 1900 to increase the self-righting properties when under sail. It was retired from service in 1915 and installed in the Portland Botanic Gardens to serve as a memorial to the Admella shipwreck rescue. In 1998 it was relocated to the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre.

The Portland Lifeboat is of historical and technical significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criteria for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register: 

Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.

Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history.

Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects

Importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period.

 

The Portland Lifeboat is historically significant for its association with the establishment of the Victorian Lifeboat Service.  
The Portland Lifeboat is historically significant for its association with the movement to commemorate tragic shipwrecks and celebrate successful rescues.  

 

The Portland Lifeboat is rare as one of only two early Victorian lifeboats remaining that demonstrate the first design and construction of lifeboats in Victoria.  

The Portland Lifeboat is rare as the second oldest lifeboat vessel in Victoria and for being the oldest lifeboat vessel in Victoria in largely original condition and retaining original fabric. 

 

The Portland Lifeboat is significant as a fine and highly intact example of an early self-righting lifeboat . 

 

The Portland Lifeboat is technically significant for its use of a double diagonal hull construction and buoyancy tanks with fitted cork blocks and air chambers to create a strong self-righting lifeboat which was also modified for Victorian conditions.