Rescue boats as "speed boats": UK21/L022
Adopted EU recommendation LSA-075. UK approved recommendation on the use of rescue boats as speed boats.
Question
There is no maximum limit for the power of engines used for rescue boats, only the minimum power is requested to perform the criteria of 6 knots (rescue boats, as per the Life Saving Appliances (LSA) Code 5.1.1.6), 20 knots (fast rescue boats) and for marshalling of liferafts.
How should a UK Approved Body respond to applications for high power of outboard engines for rescue boats, which results in clearly higher speeds for approx. 35 to 40 knots, for example? For fast rescue boats - for which 20 knots are at least requested – there are additional safety requirements to comply with.
Which speed is considered dangerous for a rescue boat using a high-power outboard engine? What should be considered as a safety threshold? How should Approved Bodies manage and handle this kind of request by manufacturers?
Recommendation
If engines of rescue boats are considered they could have the power and output in a range of up to a maximum of 20 knots. For engines which allow a speed above 20 knots the relevant Approved Body should refuse the extension and amendment of an existing Module B Certificate for this rescue boat, if the manufacturer applies for one or more high-speed engine.
Rescue boats designed and equipped with a speed for more than 20 knots, should be considered by the Approved Body as a fast rescue boat. It is recommended to the manufacturer to modify the rescue boat in that way that it can be approved as a fast rescue boat if speeds of more than 20 knots are desired.
References
- The LSA Code
- MSN 1874 as amended
- The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
Items affected
- UK/1.18, Rigid rescue boats
- UK/1.19, Inflated rescue boats
- UK/1.20, Fast rescue boats
- UK/1.43, Rigid-inflated rescue boats
More information
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000
Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/mca