Rescue at sea: the importance of Zodiac-type rigid inflatable boats
Introduction
Sea rescue operations are of crucial importance to ensure the safety of sailors and boaters in case of emergency.
Unfortunately, statistics reveal that sea accidents are frequent and often fatal.
In 2022, the Sea Rescuers carried out more than 7,400 interventions for 26,000 people taken care of, from the beach to the open sea, of which 14,000 were treated in rescue stations and nearly 10,000 rescued in open sea (Among them, migrants in difficulty in the Channel and Mayotte account for 15%).
Faced with this troubling reality, semi-rigid boats like Zodiac play an essential role in sea rescue operations.
In this article, we will revisit the typology of these sea interventions, the advantages provided by semi-rigid boats in these cases, and the role of sea rescue institutions: SNSM and CROSS.
Rescue operations, frequent reasons, and affected populations
Sea rescue operations are varied and face various emergency situations. According to the data, breakdowns are the primary cause of sea interventions, representing about 50% of cases. These breakdowns can include engine failures, electrical problems, steering issues, engaged propellers, water ingress, or anchoring breaks. They can occur in both recreational boaters and sea professionals.
Next, groundings are also a frequent cause of sea interventions, representing about 12% of cases. These groundings are often related to a lack of knowledge of the specific geographical navigation area. It may involve sailors who are not familiar with specific maritime zones or who have neglected marine charts and information on seabeds.
Regarding the populations affected by sea rescue operations, about 75% of rescued individuals were engaged in motor or sail boating. These are amateur sailors who find themselves in emergency situations due to technical problems, poor weather conditions, or navigation errors. Sea professionals, such as fishing vessels, also represent a significant portion of rescue interventions.
Additionally, practitioners of nautical leisure activities such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and other similar activities are also concerned by sea rescue interventions. These practitioners may face emergency situations due to changing weather conditions, equipment problems, or difficulties returning to shore.
It is important to emphasize that sea rescue operations 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 conducting sea rescue operations, Zodiac-type rigid inflatable boats stand out for their many advantages. These vessels have been specially designed to withstand the harshest maritime conditions and meet the demands of sea rescue teams. Here are some of the key advantages offered by semi-rigid boat models:
Maneuverability and Speed:
Zodiac-type rigid inflatables are renowned for their exceptional maneuverability, allowing them to easily navigate in rough waters. Their lightness and powerful propulsion give them remarkable intervention speed, enabling them to quickly reach areas where rescue is needed. Additionally, 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-type rigid inflatables are known for their robustness and ability to handle difficult maritime conditions. These boats are made with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand impacts, waves, and changing weather conditions. Whether facing rough waves, strong currents, or violent winds, Zodiac-type rigid inflatables can navigate with stability and resilience.
Furthermore, the specific design of Zodiac-type rigid inflatables ensures high buoyancy. Even in the event of a leak/water infiltration, they are designed to stay afloat, providing additional safety for rescuers and rescued individuals. This feature is essential to ensure the stability and safety of the vessel in emergency situations.
Load Capacity and Storage Space:
Zodiac-type rigid inflatables offer generous load capacity, allowing rescue teams to carry all necessary equipment during sea rescue operations. The exact specifications may vary depending on the specific boat model, but generally, Zodiac-type rigid inflatables can support maximum loads ranging from several hundred to several thousand kilograms.
Regarding the maximum number of people, Zodiac-type rigid inflatables can generally accommodate several rescuers, in addition to rescued individuals. Again, this will depend on the size and specific configuration of the boat. Some models can accommodate 6 to 12 people, or even more, while others may have a higher capacity for emergency evacuation situations.
Regarding onboard equipment, semi-rigid boats like Zodiac for sea rescues are generally equipped with various essential equipment. This can include medical first aid equipment, life buoys, life jackets, ropes, tracking and communication devices, fire extinguishers, flares, survival kits, rescue ladders, and other safety and rescue equipment tailored to the specific needs of sea operations.
Stability and safety:
Thanks to their specific design, semi-rigid boats like Zodiac offer excellent stability at sea. Their lateral floats ensure good course holding and increased stability, which facilitates rescue operations, even in difficult weather conditions.
Moreover, these boats are equipped with advanced safety systems, such as automatic rollover devices, which ensure the safety of the occupants.
Learn more about sea rescue: the role of the SNSM
The SNSM (National Sea Rescue Society) is a French non-profit association whose main mission is to ensure safety and rescue at sea. It is recognized as a public utility and is composed of dedicated volunteers and professional rescuers. The SNSM carries out 50% of sea rescues in France.
To achieve this, the SNSM has a fleet of more than 785 boats and nautical equipment, including 41 all-weather lifeboats, 35 first-class lifeboats, 75 second-class lifeboats, 42 light lifeboats, 90 motorized watercraft (jet skis), and 473 inflatable boats, among which 192 are semi-rigid.
Key figures of the SNSM - 2020
The SNSM is present along the entire French coastline, as well as in overseas departments and territories. It operates both in coastal areas and offshore, carrying out rescue, life-saving, and assistance operations for people in distress at sea. Its interventions cover a wide range of emergency situations, such as shipwrecks, boating accidents, sea incidents, searches for missing persons, medical evacuations, and many others.
The rescuers of the SNSM are trained to intervene in often dangerous and demanding conditions. They are equipped with specially designed rescue boats, such as semi-rigid boats like Zodiac, which allow them to successfully carry out their missions in various maritime environments.
The SNSM is primarily funded by donations and public subsidies. It relies on the commitment of volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to ensure safety at sea.
In addition to its rescue missions, the SNSM also plays an essential role in preventing accidents at sea by conducting awareness, training, and public education activities.
Learn more about sea rescue: the role of CROSS
The CROSS (Regional Operational Centers for Surveillance and Rescue) are key structures in the sea rescue system in France. They are placed under the responsibility of the maritime prefecture of each region. The CROSS ensures the coordination and management of maritime rescue and surveillance operations within their area of competence.
The missions of the CROSS are varied and encompass different aspects related to safety and rescue at sea. They are responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations in emergencies, whether for ships in distress, missing persons at sea, or marine pollution situations. The CROSS centralizes information and emergency calls, and deploys appropriate rescue resources, such as rescue boats, helicopters, or other available resources.
The CROSS also plays a key role in surveillance and management of maritime traffic. They ensure continuous monitoring of maritime activities, using radar surveillance systems, cameras, and other advanced technologies. They can thus detect risky situations, monitor ship navigation, and prevent incidents at sea.
In addition to their operational role, the CROSS plays an important role in the dissemination of maritime and meteorological information to sailors and sea professionals. They provide weather bulletins, wind advisories, storm warnings, and other crucial information to ensure safety at sea.
The CROSS works closely with other sea rescue actors, such as the SNSM, the Navy, medical rescue services, and local authorities. This collaboration allows for better coordination of rescue operations and a quick and effective response in the event of an incident at sea.
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