Sea rescue: the importance of Zodiac RIBs
Introduction
Rescue operations at sea are of crucial importance to ensure the safety of sailors and yachtsmen in the event of an emergency.
Unfortunately, statistics show that accidents at sea are frequent and often fatal.
In 2022, Sauveteurs en Mer carried out more than 7,400 interventions for 26,000 people, from the beach to the open sea, of whom 14,000 were cared for in rescue stations and almost 10,000 rescued in the open sea (of these, 15% were migrants in difficulty in the Channel and Mayotte).
Faced with this disturbing reality, Zodiac-type RIBs play an essential role in rescue operations at sea.
In this article, we'll look at the typology of these interventions at sea, the advantages of RIBs in these cases, and the role of the sea rescue institutions: SNSM and CROSS.
Rescue operations, frequent reasons and populations affected
Rescue operations at sea are varied and deal with a wide range of emergency situations. According to the data, damage is the primary cause of interventions at sea, accounting for around 50% of cases. Damage can include engine failure, electrical problems, rudder problems, fouled propellers, water ingress or anchor failure. They can occur to both pleasure boaters and professional sailors.
Groundings are also a frequent cause of interventions at sea, accounting for around 12% of cases. These groundings are often linked to a lack of knowledge of the geographical navigation area. They may involve sailors who are unfamiliar with specific sea areas, or who have neglected nautical charts and seabed information.
In terms of the populations affected by rescue operations at sea, around 75% of those rescued were motor or sailing yachtsmen. These are amateur sailors who face emergency situations due to technical problems, bad weather or navigational errors. Sea professionals, such as fishing vessels, also account for a significant proportion of rescue operations.
In addition, people involved in water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking and similar activities are also involved in sea rescue operations. They may be faced with emergency situations due to changing weather conditions, equipment problems or difficulties getting back to shore.
It is important to emphasize that rescue operations at sea are not limited to these frequent reasons, but can also involve other emergency situations such as accidents, injuries, shipwrecks or distress situations at sea.
The advantages of semi-rigid boat models for sea rescues :
When it comes to rescue operations at sea, Zodiac-type RIBs stand out for their many advantages. These boats have been specially designed to cope with the toughest sea conditions and to meet the requirements of sea rescue teams. Here are some of the key advantages offered by semi-rigid boat models:
Handling and speed:
Zodiac RIBs are renowned for their exceptional maneuverability, enabling them to navigate easily in rough waters. Their light weight and powerful propulsion make them remarkably fast, enabling them to reach areas where help is needed quickly. In addition, one of the major advantages of these boats is their ability to navigate in shallow waters and access tight spots, such as narrow creeks, rocky coastal areas or sandbanks.
Robustness and buoyancy :
Zodiac RIBs are renowned for their ruggedness and ability to cope with difficult sea conditions. Made from high-quality materials, these boats are designed to withstand shocks, waves and changing weather conditions. Whether faced with rough waves, powerful currents or strong winds, Zodiac RIBs are capable of sailing with stability and strength.
What's more, the specific design of Zodiac RIBs guarantees a high level of buoyancy. Even in the event of water leakage/infiltration, they are designed to stay afloat, offering additional safety for rescuers and those being rescued. This feature is essential to ensure the boat's stability and safety in emergency situations.
Load capacity and storage space :
Zodiac RIBs offer a generous load capacity, enabling rescue teams to carry all the equipment they need during rescue operations at sea. Exact specifications may vary according to the specific boat model, but in general, Zodiac RIBs can support maximum loads ranging from several hundred to several thousand kilograms.
As far as the maximum number of people is concerned, Zodiac-type RIBs can usually accommodate several rescuers, in addition to the people being rescued. Again, this will depend on the size and specific configuration of the boat. Some models can accommodate 6 to 12 people or more, while others may have a higher capacity for emergency evacuation situations.
When it comes to onboard equipment, Zodiac-type RIBs for sea rescues are generally fitted with a variety of essential equipment. This can include first-aid medical equipment, lifebuoys, lifejackets, ropes, locating and communication devices, fire extinguishers, distress lights, survival kits, rescue ladders, and other safety and rescue equipment adapted to the specific needs of interventions at sea.
Stability and safety :
Thanks to their special design, Zodiac RIBs offer excellent stability at sea. Their side floats ensure good course keeping and enhanced stability, making rescue operations easier, even in difficult weather conditions.
What's more, these boats are equipped with advanced safety systems, such as automatic turning devices, to guarantee occupant safety.
Learn more about sea rescue: the role of the SNSM
The SNSM (Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer) is a French non-profit organization whose main mission is to ensure safety and rescue at sea. It is recognized as a public utility and is made up of committed volunteers and professional rescuers. The SNSM is responsible for 50% of all sea rescues in France.
To achieve this, the SNSM has a fleet of over 785 boats and nautical equipment, including 41 all-weather boats, 35 1st class launches, 75 2nd class launches, 42 light launches, 90 motorized watercraft (scooters) and 473 inflatable boats, including 192 RIBs.
Key figures for SNSM - 2020
The SNSM is present all along the French coastline, as well as in French overseas departments and territories. It operates both inshore and offshore, providing rescue, salvage and assistance to people in distress at sea. Its interventions cover a wide range of emergency situations, such as shipwrecks, boating accidents, incidents at sea, searches for missing persons, medical evacuations and many others.
SNSM lifeguards are trained to intervene in often dangerous and demanding conditions. They are equipped with specially designed rescue boats, such as Zodiac-type RIBs, which enable them to carry out their missions in a wide variety of maritime environments.
The SNSM is financed mainly by donations and public subsidies. It relies on the commitment of volunteers who devote their time and skills to ensuring safety at sea.
In addition to its rescue missions, the SNSM also plays an essential role in preventing accidents at sea by raising public awareness, training and educating the public.
Find out more about sea rescue: the role of CROSS
CROSS (Centres Régionaux Opérationnels de Surveillance et de Sauvetage) are key structures in the French sea rescue system. They are placed under the responsibility of the maritime prefecture of each region. CROSS are responsible for coordinating and managing maritime rescue and surveillance operations within their area of competence.
CROSS missions are varied and encompass different aspects of safety and rescue at sea. They are responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations in emergencies, whether for vessels in distress, missing persons at sea or marine pollution. CROSSs centralize information and emergency calls, and deploy the appropriate rescue resources, such as lifeboats, helicopters or other available resources.
CROSSs also play a key role in monitoring and managing maritime traffic. They keep a constant watch on maritime activities, using radar surveillance systems, cameras and other advanced technologies. This enables them to detect high-risk situations, monitor ship movements and prevent incidents at sea.
In addition to their operational role, CROSSs play an important role in disseminating maritime and meteorological information to mariners and maritime professionals. They provide weather reports, wind warnings, storm warnings and other information crucial to safety at sea.
CROSSs work in close collaboration with other rescue organizations at sea, such as SNSM, the French Navy, medical rescue services and local authorities. This collaboration ensures better coordination of rescue operations and a rapid, effective response to incidents at sea.
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