What Is A Fast Rescue Boat?
A lifeboat is a floating craft used to rescue the crew and passengers of a ship in the event of an emergency. They can be either rigid or inflatable and vary in size and construction.
However, although lifeboats are used interchangeably, they are slightly different from rescue boats, which must be deployed immediately in an emergency.
While ships are equipped with lifeboats, life rafts and other rescue boats, it is equally important to provide other external means of evacuation and rescue if the situation permits.
This means that when a ship is in an emergency situation due to an accident or incident, and other nearby ships or vessels are equipped to deal with such problems, immediate evacuation should be given priority.
The most effective way to do this is to dispatch a vessel capable of acting as a rescue boat to quickly and accurately evacuate people in distress to a safer place, such as the shore or another nearby ship.
A fast rescue boat is a specialized, high-speed small craft that is widely used in water response and rescue operations. High speed is essential for reaching the scene of a disaster as quickly as possible, just as time is crucial for saving lives.
The main design requirements for fast rescue boats are:
Speed: This basic requirement is met by high-performance engines, efficient propulsion systems, and overall hull design. For practical purposes, most modern fast rescue boat designs prioritize speed and endurance.
Excellent maneuverability to navigate obstacles in challenging scenarios is a key requirement.
Good stability and seakeeping capabilities to facilitate rescue operations in all weather and sea conditions. These rescue boats have sufficient space to accommodate a large number of people simultaneously and carry the necessary equipment and systems for rescue operations.
Strength and durability to withstand all weather conditions.
Fast rescue boats are usually rigid or inflatable. Rigid boats are usually larger and can accommodate more people.
The Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention stipulates the following specific requirements for fast rescue boats:
The length of fast rescue boats should be between 6 and 8 meters.
Fast rescue boats should be able to cruise at a speed of 20 knots for at least 4 hours when lightly loaded (with a minimum crew) and at least 7-8 knots when fully loaded.
They should have high stability and be able to adjust their heading automatically.
The rudder controls should be away from the rudder (unlike many speedboats or motorboats).
An emergency steering system should be equipped.
When the vessel capsizes, the emergency release switch automatically stops the engine. After adjusting the vessel’s heading, the engine can be restarted, thus preventing fuel loss.
