Sea rescue: the importance of Zodiac RIBs
Introduction
Rescue operations at sea are of crucial importance in ensuring the safety of mariners and yachtsmen in the event of an emergency.
Unfortunately, statistics reveal that accidents at sea are frequent and often fatal.
In 2022, the Sauveteurs en Mer carried out more than 7 400 interventions for 26 000 people cared for, from the beach to the open sea, of whom 14 000 were treated at aid stations and nearly 10 000 rescued in the open sea (among them, migrants in difficulty in the Channel and Mayotte accounted for 15%).
Faced with this disturbing reality, Zodiac-type RIBs play an essential role in rescue operations at sea.
In this article, we'll look again at the typology of these interventions at sea, the advantages that RIB craft provide in these cases, and the role of sea rescue institutions: SNSM and CROSS.
Rescue operations, frequent motives and populations affected
Rescue operations at sea are varied and deal with a variety of emergency situations. According to the data, damage is the leading cause of interventions at sea, accounting for around 50% of cases. Such damage can include engine failures, electrical problems, rudder problems, engaged propellers, waterways or mooring failures. They can occur in both pleasure boaters and professional sailors.
Then, groundings are also a frequent cause of interventions at sea, accounting for around 12% of cases. These groundings are often due to a lack of knowledge of the geographical navigation area. These may be sailors who are unfamiliar with specific sea areas, or who have neglected charts and seabed information.
With regard to the populations affected by rescue operations at sea, around 75% of those rescued were engaged in motor or sail boating. These are amateur sailors who are faced with 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.
Water sports enthusiasts 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 stress 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 RIB boat models for sea rescues:
When it comes to conducting 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 benefits offered by RIB boat models:
Maniability and speed:
Zodiac-type RIBs are renowned for their exceptional maneuverability, enabling them to sail easily in choppy waters. Their light weight and powerful propulsion give them a remarkable speed of intervention, enabling them to reach rapidly the areas where help is needed. What's more, one of the major advantages of these boats is their ability to navigate in shallow waters and access cramped places, such as narrow coves, rocky coastal areas or sandbanks.
Robustness and buoyancy:
Zodiac-type RIBs are renowned for their robustness and ability to cope with tough sea conditions. These boats are made from high-quality materials and are designed to withstand shocks, waves and changing weather conditions. Whether facing rough waves, powerful currents or violent winds, Zodiac-type RIBs are capable of sailing with stability and resistance.
Moreover, the specific design of Zodiac-type RIBs guarantees high buoyancy. Even in the event of water leakage/infiltration, they are designed to stay atube, offering additional safety for rescuers and rescued persons. This feature is essential to ensure the boat's stability and safety in emergency situations.
Load capacity and storage space:
Zodiac-type RIBs offer generous load capacity, enabling rescue teams to carry all the equipment they need during rescue operations at sea. Exact specifications may vary depending on the specific boat model, but in general, Zodiac-type RIBs can handle 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 from 6 to 12 people, or even more, while others can have a higher capacity for emergency evacuation situations.
As far as onboard equipment is concerned, Zodiac-type RIBs for sea rescues are generally equipped with various essential equipment. This may include medical equipment for first aid, rescue buoys, lifejackets, cords, tracking and communication devices, extinguishers, distress flares, 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 specific design, Zodiac-type RIBs offer excellent stability at sea. Their side tubes ensure good course keeping and enhanced stability, making rescue operations easier, even in difficult weather conditions.
Furthermore, these boats are equipped with advanced safety systems, such asautomatic rollover devices, which 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 association 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 carries out 50% of France's sea rescues.
To this end, the SNSM has a fleet of over 785 craft and nautical equipment, including 41 all-weather boats, 35 1st-class launches, 75 2nd-class launches, 42 light launches, 90 personal watercraft (jet skis) and 473 inflatables, 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 responses cover a wide range of emergency situations, such as sinkings, pleasure craft 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 lifeboats, such as Zodiac type RIBs, which enable them to carry out their missions in a variety of maritime environments.
The SNSM is funded 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 awareness, training and educating the public.
Learn more about rescue at sea: the role of CROSS
CROSSs (Centres Régionaux Opérationnels de Surveillance et de Sauvetage) are key structures in France's sea rescue system. They are placed under the responsibility of the maritime prefecture of each region. CROSS coordinates and manages maritime rescue and surveillance operations in their area of responsibility.
The CROSS missions 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 vessels in distress, missing persons at sea or marine pollution. CROSSs centralize information and emergency calls, and deploy the appropriate rescue means, such as lifeboats, helicopters or other available resources.
CROSSs also play a key role in surveillance and management of maritime traffic. They keep a constant watch on maritime activities, using radar surveillance systems, cameras and other advanced technologies. This enables them to detect risky situations, monitor ship movements and prevent incidents at sea.
In addition to their operational role, CROSSs play an important part in the dissemination of 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 sea rescue stakeholders, 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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