Rescue at sea: the importance of Zodiac RIBs
Introduction
Rescue operations at sea are of crucial importance in ensuring the safety of mariners and recreational boaters 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 in first-aid posts 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 will review the typology of these interventions at sea, the advantages provided by semi-rigid craft in these cases, and the role of the sea rescue institutions: SNSM and CROSS.
Rescue operations, common 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 linked to a lack of knowledge of the geographical navigation sector. 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 motor or sailing yachtsmen. These are amateur sailors who are faced with emergency situations due to technical problems, bad weather conditions or navigational errors. Sea professionals, such as fishing vessels, also account for a significant proportion of rescue operations.
In addition, water-based leisure activities such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking and other similar activities are also affected by 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 only 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 carrying out rescue operations at sea, Zodiac-type RIBs stand out for their many advantages. These boats have been specially designed to cope with the most difficult sea conditions and to meet the requirements of rescue teams at sea. Here are some of the key benefits offered by semi-rigid boat models:
Maniability and speed:
Zodiac-type RIBs are renowned for their exceptional manoeuvrability, enabling them to sail easily in choppy waters. Their light weight and powerful propulsion give them remarkable speed of response, enabling them to reach rapidly the areas where help is needed. In addition, one of the major advantages of these boats is their ability to navigate in shallow waters and to access cramped places, such as narrow coves, rocky coastal areas or sandbanks.
Robustness and buoyancy:
Zodiac RIBs are renowned for their robustness and ability to cope with difficult 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.
In addition, the specific design of Zodiac-type RIBs guarantees high 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 sea rescue operations. Exact specifications may vary depending on the specific model of boat, but in general, Zodiac-type RIBs can handle maximum loads ranging from several hundred to several thousand kilograms.
With regard to the maximum number of people, Zodiac-type RIBs can generally 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 first aid medical equipment, rescue buoys, rescue vests, 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 floats ensure good heading and increased stability, making rescue operations easier, even in difficult weather conditions.
In addition, these boats are equipped with advanced safety systems, such as automatic rollover devices, which guarantee the safety of the occupants.
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 recognised as being of public benefit and is made up of committed volunteers and professional rescuers. The SNSM carries out 50% of all sea rescues in France.
To do this, the SNSM has a fleet of more than 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 the 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 conditions that are often dangerous and demanding. 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 sea rescue: the role of CROSS
The CROSSs (Centres Régionaux Opérationnels de Surveillance et de Sauvetage) are key structures in the sea rescue system in France. 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 in their area of responsibility.
The missions of 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. CROSSs centralise 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 the monitoring 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 risk situations, monitor the navigation of ships 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 closely with other sea rescue stakeholders, such as the SNSM, the French Navy, medical rescue services and local authorities. This collaboration means better coordination of rescue operations and a rapid, effective response in the event of an incident at sea.
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