Prototype KNRM Dutch Lifeboat NH1816

01.06.2017

In 2008 the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) expressed its need for a completely new type of rescue vessel.

Thanks to a donation to the KNRM from Dutch insurance company ‘Noordhollandsche 1816’ (NH 1816), the design phase could begin in collaboration with Damen, the Maritime Technology faculty at Delft University and De Vries Lentsch Naval Architects.

The KNRM’s rescue vessels, which have to be deployable in all weather conditions, are being designed to the most rigorous standards. Seakeeping and stability are the most crucial factors in safety. For the crew, however, comfort and user-friendliness are also key features. Built by Damen Shipyards Group, the 19 metre rescue vessel named ‘NH1816’ combines all of the technical, ergonomic and operational features the KNRM wanted in a remarkable new design.

Capsizing - Then Sailing On To Complete The Mission

The latest rescue vessel passed one of the most important trials it had to pass before being entrusted to its crew. The capsize trials had to show that this youngest generation of rescue vessel is actually capable of righting itself. In four different tests, at Damen Shipyards Group in Gorinchem, the rescue vessel righted itself to its normal position within a few seconds of capsizing. A life-saving feature in extreme conditions.

The rescue vessel’s self-righting capability was created by the vessel’s low point of gravity and the air bubble in the wheelhouse, which enable the capsized ship to right itself quickly like a self-righting bath toy. The engines and equipment on board are designed to continue operating even after the vessel has capsized.

In its nearly 200-year history, the KNRM has lost 69 rescuers to drowning. Most of those drownings occurred when rescue rowboats capsized in the first 100 years. The advent of motorised, self-righting rescue vessels not only increased safety, but deployability as well. Nowadays, rescue missions under weather conditions that would have forced rowboats to abandon their mission can simply continue. This means that risks have increased as well.

Since 1990, at least twelve rescue vessels have capsized. Two of them, from Terschelling and Ameland, were examples of the largest category of rescue vessels and were able to handle extremely poor weather conditions. Thanks to their unique features, the rescue vessels were able to continue sailing and bring their crews of volunteers safely back to shore.

Further Information NH1816 >

Deployment of NH 1816

After completion of extensive trials the KNRM will deploy the NH 1816 from IJmuiden, with a permanent captain and an on-call crew. Sailors along the entire coast will carry out trials and familiarise themselves with the vessel...

IMAGE CREDIT: Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschappij (KNRM)