Rescue Boat (Fast)
critical
IMO Required
11 models total
A fast rescue boat is built to reach a person overboard quickly, not to carry the whole crew in an abandon-ship scenario, and SOLAS sets a stricter launch time and speed requirement for it than for an ordinary lifeboat.
Read more — Rescue Boat (Fast) explained ▾
What Sets the Fast Rescue Boat Apart
Ordinary lifeboats and rescue boats both exist to get people off the ship, but a fast rescue boat has one specific job: get to a person in the water quickly, before hypothermia or drowning becomes the deciding factor. SOLAS distinguishes it from a standard rescue boat by requiring a minimum speed, faster launch, and dedicated davit arrangement built for repeated man-overboard drills rather than a single abandon-ship launch. Passenger ships and many offshore support vessels carry a fast rescue boat in addition to, not instead of, the ship's lifeboats.
Main Components
Hull
Most fast rescue boats are rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB), combining a solid fibreglass or aluminium hull for structural strength with inflatable collar tubes for buoyancy and a forgiving fender against the ship's side during recovery.
Propulsion
A diesel or petrol outboard, or an inboard diesel with waterjet on larger craft, is sized to reach the minimum required speed fully loaded and to hold that speed in a moderate sea state, since the boat is launched in conditions the ship itself may still be moving through.
Davit and Launching Appliance
A single-arm or radial davit purpose-built for rapid deployment, fitted with a quick-release hook system that lets the boat crew slip the falls the instant the boat is waterborne, without waiting for the davit wire to be manually unhooked.
Recovery Strop and Sling
A dedicated recovery arrangement, often a hydraulically operated painter or single-point lifting sling, allows the boat to be hooked on and hoisted back aboard quickly, including in a seaway with the ship rolling.
Selection and Sizing
Capacity is set by the crew needed to carry out a rescue, typically a coxswain plus one or two crew, not by passenger numbers. Speed requirement and davit swing radius against the ship's freeboard and hull form are the two figures that most often force a design choice between a smaller, quicker RHIB and a larger, more stable but slower craft.
Regulations and Class
- SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 17.1 requires passenger ships to carry at least one fast rescue boat, launchable and manoeuvrable within five minutes of the order to abandon or rescue.
- The LSA Code sets construction and performance standards, including a minimum speed requirement in calm water and stability criteria specific to fast rescue boats rather than ordinary rescue boats.
- Class and flag state surveys require a launch drill at defined intervals, and the boat's engine, davit and release gear all fall under planned maintenance and periodic load testing.
Typical Faults
| Fault | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Outboard or inboard engine not run regularly between drills | Fails to start on demand, delaying launch past the five-minute requirement |
| Inflatable collar tube punctured or slow leak undetected | Reduced buoyancy and stability, especially dangerous fully loaded in a seaway |
| Quick-release hook mechanism corroded or misadjusted | Hook fails to release cleanly, or worse, releases prematurely during lowering |
| Davit wire or fall not inspected for wear | Wire failure during launch or recovery, a leading cause of fatal davit accidents |
What to Look for in a Supplier
- Type approval documentation confirming the hull and engine combination meets the LSA Code speed requirement fully loaded, not just with a light crew.
- Spare parts and service network reach for the specific outboard or inboard engine model, since a rescue boat left unserviceable is a non-conformity.
- Davit compatibility confirmed against the ship's existing deck fittings and freeboard, particularly on a retrofit rather than a newbuild.
Run the launch drill with the boat actually loaded to its rated crew number at least occasionally, not always light; a davit and release gear that behaves perfectly empty can bind or overload differently under full weight.
4000h
Service Interval
Typical Manufacturers
Norsafe
Watercraft
Palfinger
5 manufacturers · 11 models
VIKING Life-Saving
4
VIKING NORSAFE FastRescue Rescue Boat
unverified
6 persons
Equipment Type
rescue_boat
Capacity (persons)
6
Solas type
SOLAS
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Material, hull or container deterioration caused by weather, ultraviolet exposure, impact or aging, resulting in cracks, tears, corrosion or visible deformation
- Release, securing or launching-component wear caused by drills, corrosion or misalignment, resulting in stiff operation, abnormal play or failed readiness checks
- Battery, light or communication-equipment failure caused by aging, charging faults or water ingress, resulting in failed self-test or missing emergency indication
- Engine, steering or inflation-system failure where applicable caused by fuel, mechanical, pneumatic or seal problems, resulting in inability to maneuver or deploy the appliance
- Incorrect stowage, identification or service status caused by inventory or maintenance errors, resulting in delayed use or an appliance that is not ready
Service: Inspect condition, securing, markings, release or launching interfaces and all accessible emergency equipment appropriate to the appliance. Function-test only those features permitted by the approved onboard procedure and avoid unintended distress transmissions or unsafe release. Check service dates, batteries, hydrostatic releases, engines, lights and inventories where applicable. Keep embarkation, launch and access areas unobstructed. Replace expired, damaged or suspect certified components through the approved service route. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the exact figure for inspection, servicing, load-test and replacement criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep only approved replacement batteries, lights, seals, securing parts, engine consumables, release components or complete replacement appliances appropriate to the certified equipment. Critical launching and survival components must remain within the approved configuration.
Use Cases: It is used for personal survival and rescue on merchant ships, passenger vessels, offshore units or other vessel types where this equipment category is fitted.
NORSAFE FastRescue fast rescue boat
VIKING VIKING S15 Rescue Boat
unverified
15 persons
Equipment Type
rescue_boat
Capacity (persons)
15
Solas type
SOLAS
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Material or seam deterioration caused by age, ultraviolet exposure or poor storage, resulting in cracks, tears or loss of flexibility
- Fastener, buckle or closure damage caused by corrosion, impact or repeated drills, resulting in inability to secure the appliance correctly
- Buoyancy or thermal-protection degradation caused by compression, water ingress or physical damage, resulting in reduced protective function
- Light, whistle or attached accessory failure caused by expiry, battery depletion or loss, resulting in incomplete emergency readiness
- Incorrect sizing, stowage or marking caused by replacement or inventory error, resulting in poor fit or inability to identify the approved item quickly
Service: Inspect condition, markings, straps, closures, lights and attached accessories without damaging sealed components. Keep the appliance dry, accessible and protected from contamination or ultraviolet exposure where required. Verify size and quantity against the vessel's approved safety-equipment plan. Replace expired, damaged or contaminated items through the approved route. Ensure crew can locate and don or deploy the equipment correctly during drills. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the exact figure for service life, inspection and replacement criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep approved lights, batteries where replaceable, straps or approved accessories and complete replacement appliances in sizes required by the vessel inventory. Do not improvise repairs to certified buoyancy or thermal-protection elements. Preserve approval markings and traceability.
Use Cases: Personal survival, abandonment and rescue support on merchant ships, offshore units and passenger vessels.
VIKING S15 fast rescue boat
VIKING VIKING S20 Rescue Boat
unverified
20 persons
Equipment Type
rescue_boat
Capacity (persons)
20
Solas type
SOLAS
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Material or seam deterioration caused by age, ultraviolet exposure or poor storage, resulting in cracks, tears or loss of flexibility
- Fastener, buckle or closure damage caused by corrosion, impact or repeated drills, resulting in inability to secure the appliance correctly
- Buoyancy or thermal-protection degradation caused by compression, water ingress or physical damage, resulting in reduced protective function
- Light, whistle or attached accessory failure caused by expiry, battery depletion or loss, resulting in incomplete emergency readiness
- Incorrect sizing, stowage or marking caused by replacement or inventory error, resulting in poor fit or inability to identify the approved item quickly
Service: Inspect condition, markings, straps, closures, lights and attached accessories without damaging sealed components. Keep the appliance dry, accessible and protected from contamination or ultraviolet exposure where required. Verify size and quantity against the vessel's approved safety-equipment plan. Replace expired, damaged or contaminated items through the approved route. Ensure crew can locate and don or deploy the equipment correctly during drills. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the exact figure for service life, inspection and replacement criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep approved lights, batteries where replaceable, straps or approved accessories and complete replacement appliances in sizes required by the vessel inventory. Do not improvise repairs to certified buoyancy or thermal-protection elements. Preserve approval markings and traceability.
Use Cases: Personal survival, abandonment and rescue support on merchant ships, offshore units and passenger vessels.
VIKING S20 fast rescue boat
VIKING VIKING S25 Rescue Boat
unverified
25 persons
Equipment Type
rescue_boat
Capacity (persons)
25
Solas type
SOLAS
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Material or seam deterioration caused by age, ultraviolet exposure or poor storage, resulting in cracks, tears or loss of flexibility
- Fastener, buckle or closure damage caused by corrosion, impact or repeated drills, resulting in inability to secure the appliance correctly
- Buoyancy or thermal-protection degradation caused by compression, water ingress or physical damage, resulting in reduced protective function
- Light, whistle or attached accessory failure caused by expiry, battery depletion or loss, resulting in incomplete emergency readiness
- Incorrect sizing, stowage or marking caused by replacement or inventory error, resulting in poor fit or inability to identify the approved item quickly
Service: Inspect condition, markings, straps, closures, lights and attached accessories without damaging sealed components. Keep the appliance dry, accessible and protected from contamination or ultraviolet exposure where required. Verify size and quantity against the vessel's approved safety-equipment plan. Replace expired, damaged or contaminated items through the approved route. Ensure crew can locate and don or deploy the equipment correctly during drills. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the exact figure for service life, inspection and replacement criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep approved lights, batteries where replaceable, straps or approved accessories and complete replacement appliances in sizes required by the vessel inventory. Do not improvise repairs to certified buoyancy or thermal-protection elements. Preserve approval markings and traceability.
Use Cases: Personal survival, abandonment and rescue support on merchant ships, offshore units and passenger vessels.
VIKING S25 fast rescue boat
Fassmer
3
Fassmer SRB 20E Rescue Boat
unverified
6 persons
Equipment Type
rescue_boat
Capacity (persons)
6
Solas type
SOLAS
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Material or seam deterioration caused by age, ultraviolet exposure or poor storage, resulting in cracks, tears or loss of flexibility
- Fastener, buckle or closure damage caused by corrosion, impact or repeated drills, resulting in inability to secure the appliance correctly
- Buoyancy or thermal-protection degradation caused by compression, water ingress or physical damage, resulting in reduced protective function
- Light, whistle or attached accessory failure caused by expiry, battery depletion or loss, resulting in incomplete emergency readiness
- Incorrect sizing, stowage or marking caused by replacement or inventory error, resulting in poor fit or inability to identify the approved item quickly
Service: Inspect condition, markings, straps, closures, lights and attached accessories without damaging sealed components. Keep the appliance dry, accessible and protected from contamination or ultraviolet exposure where required. Verify size and quantity against the vessel's approved safety-equipment plan. Replace expired, damaged or contaminated items through the approved route. Ensure crew can locate and don or deploy the equipment correctly during drills. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the exact figure for service life, inspection and replacement criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep approved lights, batteries where replaceable, straps or approved accessories and complete replacement appliances in sizes required by the vessel inventory. Do not improvise repairs to certified buoyancy or thermal-protection elements. Preserve approval markings and traceability.
Use Cases: Personal survival, abandonment and rescue support on merchant ships, offshore units and passenger vessels.
SRB series rescue boat
Fassmer SRB 28E Rescue Boat
unverified
8 persons
Equipment Type
rescue_boat
Capacity (persons)
8
Solas type
SOLAS
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Material or seam deterioration caused by age, ultraviolet exposure or poor storage, resulting in cracks, tears or loss of flexibility
- Fastener, buckle or closure damage caused by corrosion, impact or repeated drills, resulting in inability to secure the appliance correctly
- Buoyancy or thermal-protection degradation caused by compression, water ingress or physical damage, resulting in reduced protective function
- Light, whistle or attached accessory failure caused by expiry, battery depletion or loss, resulting in incomplete emergency readiness
- Incorrect sizing, stowage or marking caused by replacement or inventory error, resulting in poor fit or inability to identify the approved item quickly
Service: Inspect condition, markings, straps, closures, lights and attached accessories without damaging sealed components. Keep the appliance dry, accessible and protected from contamination or ultraviolet exposure where required. Verify size and quantity against the vessel's approved safety-equipment plan. Replace expired, damaged or contaminated items through the approved route. Ensure crew can locate and don or deploy the equipment correctly during drills. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the exact figure for service life, inspection and replacement criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep approved lights, batteries where replaceable, straps or approved accessories and complete replacement appliances in sizes required by the vessel inventory. Do not improvise repairs to certified buoyancy or thermal-protection elements. Preserve approval markings and traceability.
Use Cases: Personal survival, abandonment and rescue support on merchant ships, offshore units and passenger vessels.
SRB series rescue boat
Fassmer SRB 40E Rescue Boat
unverified
10 persons
Equipment Type
rescue_boat
Capacity (persons)
10
Solas type
SOLAS
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Material or seam deterioration caused by age, ultraviolet exposure or poor storage, resulting in cracks, tears or loss of flexibility
- Fastener, buckle or closure damage caused by corrosion, impact or repeated drills, resulting in inability to secure the appliance correctly
- Buoyancy or thermal-protection degradation caused by compression, water ingress or physical damage, resulting in reduced protective function
- Light, whistle or attached accessory failure caused by expiry, battery depletion or loss, resulting in incomplete emergency readiness
- Incorrect sizing, stowage or marking caused by replacement or inventory error, resulting in poor fit or inability to identify the approved item quickly
Service: Inspect condition, markings, straps, closures, lights and attached accessories without damaging sealed components. Keep the appliance dry, accessible and protected from contamination or ultraviolet exposure where required. Verify size and quantity against the vessel's approved safety-equipment plan. Replace expired, damaged or contaminated items through the approved route. Ensure crew can locate and don or deploy the equipment correctly during drills. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the exact figure for service life, inspection and replacement criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep approved lights, batteries where replaceable, straps or approved accessories and complete replacement appliances in sizes required by the vessel inventory. Do not improvise repairs to certified buoyancy or thermal-protection elements. Preserve approval markings and traceability.
Use Cases: Personal survival, abandonment and rescue support on merchant ships, offshore units and passenger vessels.
SRB series rescue boat
Hatecke
2
Hatecke Rescue Boat 6P
unverified
6 persons
Equipment Type
rescue_boat
Capacity (persons)
6
Solas type
SOLAS
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Physical damage or weather deterioration, typically indicated by visible defects or failed inspection
- Battery, inflation or propulsion readiness loss depending on appliance, typically indicated by failed self-test, low pressure or inability to operate
- Securing/release mechanism defect, typically indicated by cannot deploy or release correctly
- Expired service components or survival inventory, typically indicated by out-of-date markings or noncompliant inventory
- Corrosion or water ingress, typically indicated by stiff mechanisms, electrical faults or degraded material
Service: Inspect stowage, accessibility, markings, service dates, release/launching readiness and appliance-specific functional checks under SOLAS-approved procedures.
Spare Parts: Keep approved securing/release hardware, batteries or service consumables as permitted, and appliance-specific emergency replacement parts; major servicing should be by authorized stations.
Use Cases: Used on regulated vessels for abandonment, distress alerting and rescue according to the specific lifesaving appliance. This entry applies specifically to the Rescue Boat (Fast) variant identified as Hatecke Hatecke Rescue Boat 6P.
German-built lifeboat/rescue boat
Hatecke Rescue Boat 10P
unverified
10 persons
Equipment Type
rescue_boat
Capacity (persons)
10
Solas type
SOLAS
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Engine, battery or fuel-system deterioration on powered craft causes difficult starting or failed drills
- Release, securing, sling or recovery-component wear causes stiff operation, incorrect indication or unsafe deployment
- Hull, fabric, line or buoyancy-component damage reduces integrity or recovery capability
- Steering or propulsion faults on rescue craft cause poor manoeuvrability or loss of thrust
- Missing, expired or damaged emergency equipment is detected during drills or statutory inspection
Service: Inspect structure, securing and release arrangements, propulsion where fitted, recovery lines or slings, required equipment and markings. Perform drills and functional tests strictly under approved procedures. Review statutory service and certification records. Refer to manufacturer and SOLAS-approved documentation for the exact figure for load, capacity and service criteria.
Spare Parts: Carry engine or battery consumables where applicable, approved release or securing parts, lights, lines, sling components and inventory consumables.
Use Cases: Emergency abandonment, fast rescue and man-overboard response.
German-built lifeboat/rescue boat
Norsafe
1
Norsafe Mako 655 Fast Rescue Boat
6+9 persons, 20+ kn speed
· Crew Evacuation / Safety
· Rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB)
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Engine, battery or fuel-system deterioration causes difficult starting or failure to run during drills
- Release-hook, linkage or interlock wear causes stiff operation, incorrect indication or unsafe release behaviour
- Hull, canopy, window or seal damage causes water ingress or reduced weathertight integrity
- Steering or propulsion faults cause poor manoeuvrability, abnormal vibration or loss of thrust
- Inventory, securing or communication-equipment deficiencies are noticed during drills or statutory inspection
Service: Inspect hull, canopy, drains, engine, batteries, fuel, steering, propulsion, release gear, hooks, seating and required equipment. Run the engine and test steering and release functions strictly under approved procedures. Review maintenance and statutory service records. Refer to manufacturer and SOLAS-approved documentation for the exact figure for load, release and maintenance criteria.
Spare Parts: Carry engine filters and belts as applicable, battery support items, fuel-system consumables, propulsion service items, approved release-gear spares where permitted, drain plugs, lights and inventory consumables.
Strengths
- High launch speed (≈30 kn) enables quick response to man‑over‑board incidents
- Self‑righting hull with inflatable collar provides added safety in rough seas
- Compact size fits on a wide range of merchant vessels and can be stored on deck or in a cradle
- Integrated towing hook allows immediate assistance to disabled ships
Weaknesses
- Outboard engine is a single point of failure; starting issues have been reported
- Inflatable collar is vulnerable to puncture if not inspected regularly
- Towing‑hook release mechanism can jam, requiring manual intervention
- Requires weekly engine run‑test and monthly pressure checks, increasing maintenance workload
Typical Vessels:
TankerContainer shipBulk carrierOffshore supply vesselCruise linerPassenger ferry
Decision Guide: Choose if: you need a compact, high‑speed rescue boat that can be launched quickly from medium‑size vessels and you have the resources for regular engine and collar inspections. Avoid if: you prefer a fully enclosed lifeboat with redundant propulsion or cannot commit to the prescribed maintenance regime.
Use Cases: Abandonment and rescue arrangements on SOLAS merchant, passenger and offshore vessels.
PALFINGER
1
Palfinger Marine FRB 15 Rescue Boat
15 persons, 20+ kn
· Crew Evacuation / Safety
· jet drive
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Engine, battery or fuel-system deterioration causes difficult starting or failure to run during drills
- Release-hook, linkage or interlock wear causes stiff operation, incorrect indication or unsafe release behaviour
- Hull, canopy, window or seal damage causes water ingress or reduced weathertight integrity
- Steering or propulsion faults cause poor manoeuvrability, abnormal vibration or loss of thrust
- Inventory, securing or communication-equipment deficiencies are noticed during drills or statutory inspection
Service: Inspect hull, canopy, drains, engine, batteries, fuel, steering, propulsion, release gear, hooks, seating and required equipment. Run the engine and test steering and release functions strictly under approved procedures. Review maintenance and statutory service records. Refer to manufacturer and SOLAS-approved documentation for the exact figure for load, release and maintenance criteria.
Spare Parts: Carry engine filters and belts as applicable, battery support items, fuel-system consumables, propulsion service items, approved release-gear spares where permitted, drain plugs, lights and inventory consumables.
Strengths
- Compact size enables storage on deck and quick launch from most vessel types
- Jet propulsion eliminates propeller entanglement with debris or personnel in the water
- High maneuverability for precise positioning during rescue missions
- Robust hull construction (fiberglass/aluminium) offers durability in harsh sea conditions
- Integrated mounting points for rescue equipment and navigation lights
Weaknesses
- Jet intake can become blocked by debris, requiring thorough flushing after each use
- Steering cable is prone to stretch over time; replacement recommended every 5 years
- Navigation light wiring may corrode in salty environments if not regularly inspected
- Limited passenger/cargo capacity compared with larger RIBs (typically 4‑6 persons)
- Top speed may be lower than comparable outboard‑powered rescue boats
Typical Vessels:
TankerContainer shipBulk carrierCruise linerOffshore supply vesselPlatform support vessel
Decision Guide: Choose if: you need a compact, jet‑driven rescue boat that can be launched quickly from a wide range of merchant vessels and offers low risk of propeller entanglement. Avoid if: your operations demand higher passenger capacity, extreme top speed, or you cannot commit to regular jet intake maintenance.
Use Cases: Abandonment and rescue arrangements on SOLAS merchant, passenger and offshore vessels.