yachtwerft meyer rescue boat

Frances and Michael Howorth

CAPTAIN MICHAEL HOWORTH EXPLAINS WHAT A SOLAS COMPLIANT RESCUE BOAT CAN AND CANNOT DO AND LOOKS AT SOME OF THE MAIN SUPPLIERS ON THE MARKET TODAY

It is hard to believe how quickly the role and the appearance of the SOLAS rescue boat as carried on board a superyacht has changed in the last decade or so. Gone is the ugly orange blob of an inflatable that together with its own dedicated launching gear cluttered up the foredeck of every superyacht required to carry one. Not only where they nasty to look at, but their very position on deck where they could be swept overboard in

exactly the same weather conditions as they were likely to be used, caused many Superyacht Captains to have nightmares. Yet Flag States seeking to impose commercial ship regulations on superyachts thought they knew better and it was only when threatened with the potential loss of income as yachts sought to reflag that they caved in and, hey voilà, we have the rescue boat as it exists today in all its glory.

Rescue boats built in the 21st century now come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours and can be rigid, inflatable or hybrid RIB type craft. The self explanatory name; rescue boat explains its ‘raison d’être’ and describes it’s innate ability to recover persons from the water when they are unable to do so unaided. Under SOLAS Rescue Boats must also be capable of marshalling and towing liferafts that would otherwise be left to drift helplessly.

Rescue boats must be between 3.8m and 8.5m overall and be capable of accommodating at least five persons all of who must have room to sit together with a casualty strapped into a standard SOLAS stretcher. Seats for those occupants except the helmsman can be on the deck or floor of the craft but cannot be on the buoyancy tubes, gunwhales or transom. Motive power can be provided by a fixed or outboard engine.

Under SOLAS rules boats must also be either self-righting or capable of being righted manually by two persons. Under the same regulations they can count towards any lifeboat carrying provision providing it meets the performance standards for both craft.

With safety regulations requiring a SOLAS rescue boat on many large yachts, boat manufacturers have sought out a number of ways to satisfy the legislative requirements whilst still producing a practical tender for transport and even sports boat purposes.

With traditional SOLAS rescue boats being somewhat agricultural in both looks and function a number of custom boat builders and specialist tender suppliers have worked hard to create rescue tenders that can double up as comfortable guest transport or water sports boats and also match the look of the mother ship.

There are a wide variety of options available depending on whether the main vessel is under or over 500 gross tonnes. White SOLAS tenders are available from a number of tender suppliers, that are certainly more acceptable than dayglow orange when considering superyacht and guest use in general. SOLAS compliant rescue boats can be supplied ex-VAT but only if solely used by the yacht for rescue purposes.

Yachts built to the passenger yacht code are obliged to carry two rescue boats, one on either side of the vessel but superyachts below this size need only carry one. Rescue boats must be equipped with certain items and stores needed for their rescue role. All you have to do is seek them out and our guide should help with that task.

HURRICANE 6.7M SOLAS HURRICANE was one of the first builders to recognize the need for luxury SOLAS approved custom tenders for Yachts over 500 tons and delivered its first MCA approved ECLIPSE™ in 2000. One of the main criteria in choosing a builder for a SOLAS yacht tender is the degree of engineering resources available to support a credible and properly documented effort. HURRICANE has a permanent staff of in-house engineers that provide the know-how of ensuring that your custom SOLAS tender will fit your requirements and stay within Class. HURRICANE is one of the few Yacht tender builders that

actively maintain a certificated Quality Assurance system compliant with ISO 9001-2015 which provides customers a level of comfort that technical issues are properly managed to ensure traceability throughout processes. For more details Tel: +1 604 940 7631 or visit www.hurricanetender.com

YACHTWERFT MEYER As one of the leading tender specialists over the past 20 years and having built over 100 tenders, many of them custom built, Yachtwerft Meyer has continuously developed its product portfolio to cover the complete range of full and semi-customs tenders and boats to serve the superyacht industry. Custom or semi-custom SOLAS tenders are versatile boats are designed to fulfil the SOLAS requirements, plus to act as a utility tender, with the maximum reliability and practicability as with all Yachtwerft Myer tenders. The fully custom SOLAS tenders are premium luxury tenders designed and crafted with direct

owner input at every stage of the process to fulfil every specification and desire, creating a sophisticated statement of personal style. For more details Tel: +49 (0) 421 98 50 39 50 or visit www.yachtwerft-meyer.com

FASSMER Fassmer is a world market leader in the design and construction of SOLAS approved tenders for the superyacht industry. Their product range covers customised standard designs, completely tailor-made high-end tenders, and even beach landing craft. Luxurious, elegant, safe and SOLAS approved, Fassmer’s designs benefit from the company’s longstanding experience in this field. The TL Limo 1100: An individual, stylish and luxurious tender, with a full portfolio of design and comfort assets, spot-on functionality and a joy to handle. The SEL-RT 7.5 or SEL-RT 8.5: A partially enclosed life

and rescue boat with exquisite ergonomics, sure to satisfy the most demanding requirements. The RIR 625 ID: A small but nippy, sophisticated rescue boat with a streamlined hull and dynamic drive characteristics, enjoyable to handle and highly functional. The BLC 10.5: Both comfortable, high-speed excursion tender and yacht support tender, this custom craft is ideal for short tours like diving trips or fishing excursions, and its combined guest seating concept with crew area and loading bay is a pleasant experience for you, your crew and your guests. For more details Tel: +49 4406 942-0 or visit www.fassmer.de

NARWHAL The NARWHAL FRB-700 SOLAS Rigid Inflatable Boat is designed for rescue operations on high seas with a maximum capacity of 7 + 1 people under a MED (SOLAS) Type Approval issued by Lloyd’s Register. The console is wide and protects the pilot against the wind and spray with sufficient space to install state of the art electronic equipment. It is connected to the single point hoisting system with a Henriksen quick release mechanism. It is equipped with a 220hp VOLVO Inboard Diesel Engine and a Hamilton waterjet propulsion system. Fuel is supplied via a 200lt fuel tank located under the deck

and offering an autonomy of 4 hours and maximum speed of 32kt depending on sea state. The A Frame located at the rear has a self-righting system, radar reflector, life buoy and navigation lights. The deep V Hull allows smooth sailing and great manoeuvrability in turns with a reinforced structure offering greater resistance and durability. The deck is made of a reinforced glass fibreboard and a non-slip and fireproof covering. For more details Tel: +44 (0)1244 504 500 or visit www.star-international.co.uk

RIBEYE The goal of the Ribeye SOLAS Tender range is to create a collection of flexible tenders that truly contribute to your yacht and tender fleet rather than being stowed away and never used. Every Ribeye tender is based upon an offshore hull with a deep V and sizeable bow sheer meaning each tender will By combining these core characteristics of the Ribeye with the SOLAS specifications means that the Ribeye sets a new standard in the yacht tender market. Ribeye SOLAS Tenders are available from 6 – 9m with either outboard or inboard propulsion systems. For more details Tel: +44 (01)1803 832060 or visit www.ribeye.co.uk

CASTOLDI Presently Castoldi manufacture N. 3 SOLAS rescue tenders: JT 14 RB, JT 18 RB and JT 19 RB. They all have the Type Approval Certificate in acc. to IMO res. MSC 81(79) and are suitable to equip yachts over 500 GT, built under the LY3 code. JT 18 RB and JT 19 RB have also the MED Type Approval Certificate. While JT 14 RB, being small, can be righted easily by the operator using the special straps located on one side, JT 18 RB and JT 19 RB are equipped with a patented recessed self righting system (called RI.SE.R.) consisting in a balloon and

tank, stored in a dedicated stern peak. We’ve adopted this solution so to not install unaesthetic and bulky arch; basically the SOLAS versions of JT 18 and JT 19 are looking the same of the non SOLAS versions. For more details Tel: +39 029401881 or visit www.castoldijet.it

XTENDERS Xtenders supplies custom carbon SOLAS rescue tenders from 5.6 up to 8.5m in length. SOLAS stands for ‘Safety of Life at Sea’. Besides rescue craft, these tenders are rugged, versatile boats capable of fulfilling a variety of roles including day-to-day operations and expeditions as well as guest transfers or rescue missions. Reliability is essential for a rescue tender. Building in full carbon fibre allows us to keep weight to a minimum whilst maximising the durability of your vessel. This brings the boat into the realm of many yachts constrained by crane capabilities that in the past would have had to opt for a

smaller vessel. Aesthetically, our ability to customise every component enables you to align your tender to the mothership if required, but more importantly also allows you to assemble a suitable solution in terms of functionality. Each custom tender is tested for SOLAS certification and remains fully functional for delivery, which is part of our unique approach. Hence, our client can be sure he or she gets a physically tested product and not a “type-approved” design. Xtenders SOLAS tenders, more than certified rescue vessels. For more details Tel: +31 36 760 14 93 or visit www.xtenders.com

RIB-X Rib-X International offer a range of British designed and British built SOLAS tenders from 5.0 to 8.5 metres, together with a Custom range of SOLAS tenders for the Yacht looking for something a little different. The SOLAS Rescue Boat is designed to act as a man-over-board recovery boat and provide a marshalling vessel for life rafts in the event of abandoning the mother ship. All rescue craft are engineered to comply with the most stringent requirements for a SOLAS tender, that said they are built to the same finish and offer the same functionality as the regular Rib-X Superyacht tenders,

effectively offering the yacht the capability of carrying less tenders yet still fully complying with safety regulations. Rib-X International is 9001 approved meaning there is assurance of quality and control throughout the entire build process. For more details Tel: +44 (0)116 247 7017 or visit www.rib-x.co.uk

MARITIME SAFETY EQUIPMENT SERVICING Repforn is an approved local service and repair station for Zodiac SOLAS approved rescue boats and also official sales agent. They are located in Bijela, Bay of Boka, Montenegro. The trained and certified technicians have accumulated wide experience in both servicing and supplying these special RIBs. Annual services are performed at the service station in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. They can thoroughly pressure test your boat and undertake professional repairs foranything from pin hole leaks to significant damage and tears. The indoor, ventilated, temperature and humidity controlled repair area ensures the repair will last and, they back all of the repairs with a one year warranty. Although founded primarily as an inflatable life raft service station, the company offers other services such as; Annual and 5 yearly inspection of lifeboats, davits and winches, Inspection and supply of immersion suits, Service and supply of inflatable life rafts (leisure and commercial), plus Service and supply of self-contained breathing apparatus. The companies team act in a responsible way, basing their activities on a firm set of values and business principles. Quality problems are not acceptable as they are directly connected with safety. No compromise with safety, no compromise with quality, is the company mantra. They strive to achieve operational excellence day after day. For more details Tel: +382 (0) 68 008 758 or visit www.repforn.com

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YACHTWERFT MEYER SERVICES

As highly qualified boatbuilders with the ability to solve the most intractable problems, our customers receive personalised support worldwide.

We are future-oriented and are therefore constantly looking for new forms, concepts and possibilities that can be developed in series.

Engineering

Focused on using the production processes available to achieve specified outcomes. Our engineers work on-site and are involved at every project stage.

Our services include: 

• fibre composite engineering
• 3D parametric modelling
• lamination schedules
• weight reduction engineering
• production process planning
• mould generation
• series production optimisation
• technology development
• development of bespoke composites for fire protection
• ballistic protection

We can handle everything, from tiny repairs to complex large-scale projects. Our yard is easily accessed direct from the River Weser, and offers cranage for vessels up to 15 tonnes.

We offer partial refits, complete overhauls, technical maintenance and painting services in our own paint shop.

Engine technology

We are able and equipped to service, inspect, overhaul and re-deliver Yanmar, Volvo, Steyer, Honda and other engines. With in-house specialists and a professional engine test bed.

Global Support

As highly qualified boatbuilders with the ability to solve the most intractable problems, our customers receive personalised support worldwide. It’s our way of building long-term relationships.

Technical support, repair, refit and spare parts delivery are all part of our global support.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Bespoke boats.

Vanguard Marine develops boats for special projects with different companies and organizations from the design phase to turnkey delivery:

TX-12.00 AMBULANCE

The new TX-12.00 ambulance, designed for rescue, assistance, and medical transport operations. This boat measures 12.00 meters in length and is equipped with state-of-the-art systems and devices necessary to carry out these tasks efficiently and safely.

It stands out for its advanced manufacturing technique, using Productive Modularization tools that ensure maximum quality in boat construction.

Additionally, its spacious cabin and rescue equipment make it perfect for any emergency situation.

USV INDUSTRIAS FERRI (Unmanned Surface Vehicles)

Vanguard Marine has been selected as the supplier for the manufacture of the 12 meter long RIB Work Boat that has “D” floats developed specially as a support structure for the rollout of the USV system (Unmanned Surface Vehicle), developed and manufactured by Industrias Ferri https://ferri-sa.es/es/ This boat can be driven remotely from (on) shore or from a mother ship, it has automatic navigation functions for surveillance, defence or rescue, and it can also be used as a traditional crew boat. Thanks to the combination of its propulsion, control and navigation system located in the cabin developed by FERRI, the vessel can be controlled safely via mixed UHF/VHF, 4G and VSAT systems.

TL-620 LUXURY TENDER – Luxury and Safety

With the close cooperation of the prestigious German boatbuilders Yachtwerft Meyer GmbH www.yachtwerft-meyer.de this boat has been developed to be an auxiliary to mega yachts over 80 m and 500TRB. Strong and safe, it meets the strictest marine regulations for very demanding tasks, complemented with excellent design, comfort and functionality values. Designed and manufactured individually to each customer’s specifications, the high quality of the materials and build together with complete fitting out and attention to detail satisfy even the most stringent demands, providing an excellent safety and comfort solution for their tender tasks.

Powered by an inboard 230 HP Yanmar engine and a Hamilton HJ 213 Jet-drive, it reaches 35 knots, with its console and navigation and safety arch being collapsible, making it possible to directly and easily store it in the mother vessel’s stern garage.

OPEN ARMS RESCUE BOATS

Vanguard Marine, in accordance with the request and requirements of NGO Open Arms www.proactivaopenarms.org has developed and supplied a series of high performance models for offshore rescue tasks. These boats have been developing their operations aboard the NGO’s tugboats, being subjected to the hardest working conditions, overloading, countless approaches to large wooden boats and manoeuvres to get close to and provide support for the transfer of hundreds of people onto military vessels. In addition, they support continuous towage operations under all kinds of sea conditions including at night, when the operating of the frequent rescues makes it impossible to recuperate and hoist on board the mother ship.

SALVAMENTO MARÍTIMO TXA-750 D

For the State Sea Rescue Society, Vanguard Marine builds a series of boats to cover rescue, surveillance and salvage tasks with a deep V-shaped hull and storage compartments made of naval aluminium, equipped with a “D” design float which increases the surface area of the self-bailing deck. The hybrid style float is made up of five independent interior inflatable chambers that are encapsulated in a nucleus of closed cell foam protected by a high resistance polyurethane-reinforced CSM on the highest friction points that are exposed to wear and tear and impacts.

Their variable modular configuration provides the greatest possible versatility because it allows for the moving, exchange, reduction or increase in the number of seats mounted on a system of rails, adjusting the configuration to the service needs. Their ergonomic jockey seats with a suspension system reduce the impacts from travelling at high speed or from poor sea conditions, increasing the safety and working comfort of the crew.

These are complemented with a self-righting safety system, rescue door on the starboard side and they are fully equipped for navigation, communication and safety. They are prepared for the most adverse conditions, propelled by two 150 HP contra-rotation outboard engines that allow them to achieve 45 knots.

KITE BOARDING

In close cooperation with Costablanca Kiteschool https://www.costablancakiteschool.com/es/ , Vanguard Marine has developed a series of boats adapted to the needs of KITEBOARDING professionals, also known as KITESURF. This sport is a form of sailing that is usually practised on the beach, but that due to coastal regulations and the large numbers of people on beaches is prevented from being practised on the shore. Kiteboarding schools teach out at sea, training pupils without them having to ‘step on the shore’. Trainer and pupils go out to sea beyond the 200 m line from the coast, where they prepare the kite and proceed to do the activity.

These kiteboarding boats have a platform for raising and lowering kites, as well as an easy access watertight locker for dry stowage of boards and kites. The area for transporting people is at the bow of the boat, which prevents there being any contact with the lines during kite raising maneuvers. All models have watertight chests to be able to store the kite inflating compressors required to prepare the kites at sea. The handling and layout of all their features are designed to be able to operate completely safely under demanding wind and sea conditions.

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