Rescue Boats

What a rescue boat does on the unit

The MODU Code calls for at least one rescue boat on each unit. It launches from a single-fall davit with the crew aboard, recovers a person from the water and returns to be hoisted with them. During an abandonment it tows and marshals liferafts. SOLAS lets a lifeboat that also meets the rescue boat section of the LSA Code serve as the rescue boat, which some units do to save a station.

Rescue boat or fast rescue boat

A fast rescue boat must be self-righting or readily righted by its crew. It needs specially trained crew and a davit designed for its launch and recovery loads. Choose one when your emergency response plan relies on reaching people quickly in open water or towing rafts clear of the unit.

Hull and propulsion options

• Rigid GRP hulls are durable and easy to maintain, but heavier on the davit
• Inflated boats are light, with buoyancy tubes that need yearly station servicing
• Rigid hulls with an inflated or foam collar combine a stiff hull with fendering
• Outboard petrol engines are common on smaller boats, subject to flag acceptance of petrol on board
• Inboard diesel with a propeller or a waterjet suits fast rescue boats, and a waterjet removes the propeller hazard near people in the water

Key specifications

Standards and servicing

MSC.402(96) covers rescue boats, fast rescue boats, their davits and their release gear. An authorised provider does the annual thorough examination and the five-yearly overhaul and load tests. SOLAS chapter III regulation 1.5 and MSC.320(89) set the hook replacement rules for lifeboat on-load release gear. If a rescue boat has an on-load hook, ask your flag whether it applies the same evaluation. Inflated boats and inflated collars go to an approved station at intervals not over 12 months under SOLAS chapter III regulation 20.

Failure modes and survey points

• Collar and tube seams, valves and patch repairs, checked by pressure test
• Hull damage at the keel and transom from launching and recovery alongside
• Waterjet impeller and wear ring clearance, intake grille and steering nozzle
• Engine hours, cold starting and the kill-cord or emergency stop
• Self-righting bag condition and its gas cylinder test date
• Davit slewing gear, shock absorber, winch brake and hook wear

Documentation

• Type approval certificate for the boat and for the davit
• MSC.402(96) annual and five-yearly reports from an authorised provider
• Station service certificates for inflated parts
• Engine hours and service records, and any repower or modification approvals
• Davit load test certificate and hook make and model

Integration and compatibility

A heavier boat or a switch to a fast rescue boat usually needs a new davit. Check the hook, painter release and davit working load against the boat's fully loaded mass. Check the stowage space for collar clearance and the shore supply for battery charging and engine heating in cold climates. A fast rescue boat davit also needs a launching position where the boat can reach the water clear of the unit's structure.

Recertification and choosing used or new

A used rescue boat with an unbroken service file is a sound like-for-like replacement. Collars and tubes wear out and are often renewed at overhaul. Recertification after a gap means the full MSC.402(96) five-yearly scope, a station service of any inflated parts and an engine overhaul if hours warrant it. Naventr can arrange an inspection of the boat and davit on request. Viking Norsafe, Palfinger Marine and Fassmer build both rescue boats and fast rescue boats. For the primary escape craft, see lifeboats and davits.