VESSEL REVIEW | SRB 86 – Versatile fast boat for German sea rescue organisation

The German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger; DGzRS) has expanded its fleet with the recent acquisition of a new rescue boat built by Arctic Airboats of Finland.

Designated SRB 86, it will be operated out of the DGzRS’ Schilksee rescue station near the western entrance to the Kiel Fjord, an area through which many large ferries and small yachts pass regularly.

The vessel is a rigid buoyant boat with a hull made of welded HDPE and possessing semi-self-righting capability as well as greater space and fewer maintenance requirements compared to a rigid inflatable boat (RIB). It has an LOA of 8.9 metres, a beam of 3.1 metres, a maximum draught of only 0.88 metre (0.65 metre with the outboards tilted upwards), a displacement of 3.2 tonnes, and space for two crewmembers plus rescued survivors.

Two Yamaha F200G four-stroke outboards that each produce 149 kW propel the boat to a maximum speed of 38 knots, and a range of 250 nautical miles can be achieved at a cruising speed of 27 knots. The DGzRS said the vessel’s manoeuvrability is comparable to that of a RIB, while wave action is minimal and towing behaviour and stability are satisfactory.

The semi-self-righting ability is made possible through the installation of an inflatable bag at the stern. Capsizing tests showed it is capable of rolling the vessel upright after being dropped from an overhead position.

The wheelhouse electronics includes a Raymarine radar, an AIS, a SART, fixed and handheld FM radios, and electronic and magnetic compasses. Space is also available on board for emergency equipment such as first aid kids, stretchers, and portable fire extinguishers.