Everything you need to know about rescue boats

Being on the open water, you probably see a bunch of different colored rescue boats. You may wonder what all of these different rescue boats are and what they do. The truth is, there are all kinds of different rescue boats, and navigating that jargon can be daunting. Hyscuat wants to break down the most common types of rescue boats used by professional organizations, large ships, and recreational yachts.

Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) are the preferred boat used by first responders, search and rescue teams, and all other marine time professionals. They love these boats due to their number of advantages over traditional boats. 

RHIBs are much lighter than a traditional hard-sided boat making it much easier to launch faster and get where they need to go. The lightweight also allows for increased operational range and much better fuel efficiency. These boats are economical without sacrificing speed or performance. 

During rescue missions, every second is vital to saving someone’s life, and as a first responder who needs to be on the water, having a reliable craft is of the utmost importance. Professionals use RHIBs because they know they can handle any sea condition thrown at them. Rescue RHIBs were designed to go into shallow water since they often need to be beached during a rescue mission. 

These are small crafts that are mostly used on larger ships as a means of escape when something goes wrong. Lifeboats can also be RIBs or inflatable boats. Inflatable types are known as liferafts. In the military, these boats are referred to as a gig, whaleboat, or dinghy. 

Cruise ships often launch lifeboats from the deck and are unsinkable due to their incredible durability and buoyancy. They are often equipped with medical supplies, flares, and other emergency items. 

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requires all vessels a sea, including private yachts, to be equipped with a SOLAS rescue boat which is a RIB designed to meet strict requirements outlined by the convention. 

RHIBs are incredible vessels that will get you where you need to go. While RHIBs are popular for rescue missions, they are also popular with common boaters. If you’re looking for a luxurious RHIB, Hysucat can make that happen. Visit our contact page to get your RHIB.