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SMS launch alerts

Be notified on your mobile phone of RNLI lifeboat launches.

  • Keep informed of the latest lifeboat launches by mobile phone text alerts.

  • Choose which stations you would like to follow.

  • Choose how much you would like to be charged for each notification message received and choose a maximum amount you would like to spend each week.

Note: This service is available for UK billing networks only.

Disclaimer

The SMS launch alerts are directly linked to our crew pagers.  When the crew are mustered by a pager call, it triggers an SMS launch alert. However, there are occasions when lifeboats launch without being paged.  This could be because they are on exercise, are attending in support of another lifeboat or because the crew have been summoned by other means.

The SMS launch alerts can therefore best be taken as an indication of lifeboat activity rather than a definitive account of launches.

Due to operational reasons, the SMS launch alerts notifies you of launches after the launch has happened.  In some cases the delay in the notification can be more than half an hour. 

  1. To request and receive this service you must be the owner of the mobile phone or an authorised user of the phone, who is authorised to incur charges against the phone.

  2. The contract runs from the date mkodo (We) accept your registration until you or We cancel it. You can suspend the service at any time - log in to your account and choose 'Cancel service' button.  We can suspend or cancel the service if you fail to make payment or breach the conditions of use. We can also cancel the service on 2 days notice at our discretion without detailing a specific reason. In this event, notice will be given in writing on these Terms and Conditions.

  3. The RNLI SMS launch alert service is available on all UK mobile networks only.

  4. We are not liable for any error, delay or interruption to nor any inaccuracy or imcompleteness in the service, which is outside our control.  We do not guarantee that the service will be without delay or interruption not that the information supplied with be accurate or complete.


  5. The price of the service (displayed when you sign up for the service) is the price that is applicable to your mobile phone network. Unless stated otherwise, the price includes VAT. Messages are charged at the rate current at the time of transmission. You pay per message received. Charges are billed by and payable by you or the mobile phone owner to your mobile phone company.

  6. The total payment from the mobile gateway providers, in respect of the premium SMS will be received by the RNLI. The sum varies by the mobile network but in general in case of 25p SMS this is 10.5p and in the case of 50p SMS this is 26p.

  7. Any messages you respond to will be charged at your normal network rate.

  8. We reserve the right to alter charges and/or the conditions from time to time on 7 days notice . You have the right to cancel the service immediately by texting the word 'stop' to 07786204935 from the mobile phone number you used to sign up.  Alternatively you can log on to your account and choose 'Cancel service' button.

  9. By subscribing to the RNLI SMS launch alert service you are agreeing to receive occasional SMS messages from the RNLI informing you of promotions and events. You will not be charged for receiving these messages.

  10. Publication, copying or re-distribution of any information is prohibited. Information received by this service is for personal use only.

  11. Service provided by mkodo limited - 020 7729 4545

This service is run in accordance with the Regulator's (PhonePayPlus) 11th Code and implementation guidelines

What is the RNLI SMS launch alert service?

This service notifies you of lifeboats that have launched. The service is connected to the system that pages the lifeboat crew.

How do I sign up?

​Sign up for this service online. As part of the process, you will choose the lifeboat stations you want to follow, the amount you want to be charged for each notification and the maximum amount you want to be charged each week. Once you have chosen your preferences and given your mobile phone number and details, you will receive an SMS, to which you need to reply. This confirms the telephone number is correct and the phone is in your possession.

Do I need a special phone to receive alerts?

No, this service will work on any phone that is used for SMS messaging.

How do I stop receiving launch alerts?

You can stop receiving launch alerts in two ways:

  1. Reply to a launch alert with a message saying 'stop'.

  2. On this website, you can log in and choose to stop receiving notifications.

How much do the alerts cost to receive?

You can choose how much you will be charged for each SMS received - either 25p or 50p. As part of the sign-up process you will choose the maximum amount you want to be charged each week, which you can change whenever you like.

How do I log in to manage my alerts?

Log in with your mobile phone number and PIN. If you have forgotten your PIN you can ask for a new one to be sent.

Do I receive an alert as soon as the lifeboat hits the water?

For operational reasons, there is currently a 20-minute delay on the alerts you receive. Delays beyond our control can sometimes occur with the mobile phone service.

What are the terms and conditions of the service?

​View the terms and conditions of this service. Note that this service is only available to UK mobile phones.

Why must I verify my phone number?

To make sure that only you set up alerts for your mobile phone, we ask you to verify your mobile telephone number.​

If I go on holiday, can I pause the alerts for a period of time?

Yes, you can pause the service for a specified period of time. Log in with your mobile phone number and PIN and choose 'Pause service'.

How do I check which stations I'm watching?

Log in with your mobile phone number and PIN. Your chosen stations will show on the 'My settings' page.​

Can I choose which days of the week I receive alerts?

No. You can only choose the time of day.​

How much of the alert cost does the RNLI receive?

This depends on the mobile phone service provider you use:

  • 25p alert - the RNLI will receive between 7p and 10.5p.

  • 50p alert - the RNLI will receive between 20p and 26p.

The rest of the money goes to the network service provider.​

What happens when I reach my maximum weekly cost limit?

Once you reach your maximum spend you will receive no more alerts, regardless of launches, until the following week.​

Can I sign up on my friend's behalf?

​No. You need to be the owner of the mobile phone or have the permission of the mobile phone owner. As part of the sign-up process you will receive an SMS, to which you will need to respond.

Does a week run from the day I sign up?

​No, a week run from Monday to Sunday.

What should I do if I change my mobile phone number?

Log in with your old number and choose to "Cancel service". You will then have to sign up again on the new phone. It is necessary for you to confirm the subscription on the new phone number.


Out on a shout

Our lifeboat crews launch 24 times a day on average. Find out which station has launched near you around the UK and Republic of Ireland. View shouts.

Shouts

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Fund Raising Standards Board Logo The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland | RNLI (Trading) Ltd - 01073377, RNLI (Sales) Ltd - 2202240, RNLI (Enterprises) Ltd - 1784500 and RNLI College Ltd - 7705470 are all companies registered at West Quay Road, Poole BH15 1HZ. Images & copyright © RNLI 2012.