The lifesaving charity says the branding had led to confusion among people who believe the JLA now operate the all-weather lifeboat.
The JLA is currently refurbishing a former RNLI lifeboat, the Sir Max Aitken III, that it is buying with a view to it undergoing sea trials before being eventually approved as a search and rescue asset.
That process, which could take until at least next year, could then see it added to the 80+ vessels the coastguard calls on in the event of an emergency.
For now, the RNLI’s boat, the George Sullivan, which is based in St Helier, is the Island’s sole all-weather lifeboat.
There remains uncertainty about whether there is a covenant on the JLA’s boat which gives the RNLI the right to veto its use as a lifeboat. The JLA’s Ben Shenton says the previous owner of their boat has assured them there is no covenant but the RNLI say they’re gathering evidence and considering their options.
The RNLI’s regional lifesaving manager Glen Mallen says: ‘We are aware that there has been comment made around the covenant which accompanies the sale of old RNLI lifeboats and their use in a search and rescue environment.
‘We are also aware that there are issues with people potentially being misled because of similarities of logos and branding. We are currently collecting and considering evidence before making a final decision with regard to our legal options.’
The RNLI have called on their supporters to get in touch with examples of confusion, adding they are ‘keeping an eye on the situation’.
Jersey’s RNLI-operated lifeboats, based in St Helier and St Catherine’s, have launched 72 times this year and assisted 138 people.
The charity says that this, in turn, had saved three lives.
Earlier this year, the RNLI said it was likely to waive the covenant so long as the JLA repainted their boat to avoid any visual confusion.
The JLA declined to comment.
