Fast Rescue Boat (FRB)
A Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) is a specialized craft designed for rapid response and rescue operations at sea. Its high speed and maneuverability make it an essential asset in modern maritime safety systems, particularly in time-critical emergencies where immediate access to the scene is vital.
What is a Fast Rescue Boat?
Though often confused with lifeboats, Fast Rescue Boats serve a distinctly different purpose. While lifeboats are primarily intended for evacuating personnel in the event of a maritime casualty, FRBs are deployed for swift response and immediate rescue tasks.
Vessels are typically equipped with lifeboats, life rafts, and other lifesaving appliances. However, when feasible, external support – such as assistance from nearby ships or shore-based rescue services – can significantly enhance the safety and effectiveness of evacuation efforts.
In emergencies at sea, the top priority is to evacuate those in danger as quickly as possible. If nearby ships or land-based rescue units are within reach, mobilizing them promptly can help secure safe transfer points for survivors – either to another vessel or back to shore.
This is where Fast Rescue Boats come into play. With compact designs and high-speed capabilities, FRBs are specifically built for such operations. Speed is a critical factor, as every second can mean the difference between life and death in a rescue scenario.
Key design features of a Fast Rescue Boat
Length: Typically between 6.0 to 8.5 meters, in accordance with the requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
Speed Requirements:
- Minimum 20 knots under light load conditions (three crew members only), sustained for at least 4 hours.
- Under full load (crew, equipment, survivors), the FRB must still achieve a minimum speed of 7–8 knots.
Self-righting capability: The boat must be able to automatically return to an upright position after capsizing, ensuring maximum safety for occupants.
Safety systems:
- Independent steering and propulsion controls.
- Auto shut-off features in case of capsizing, with straightforward engine restart mechanisms.
Construction: FRBs may be fully rigid or rigid-inflatable (RIBs), offering high stability and exceptional maneuverability in all weather conditions.
Role in emergency response systems
Deployment of FRBs forms an integral part of a vessel’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP) under international maritime safety management protocols. With their speed and agility, FRBs help reduce response times—a decisive factor in incidents involving injury, fire, or vessel sinking.
Fast Rescue Boats are not limited to shipboard use. They can operate independently or in coordination with shore-based rescue units, helicopters, or dedicated rescue vessels. This versatility makes them invaluable in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations coordinated under the guidelines of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Comparison: Rescue Boat vs. Fast Rescue Boat (FRB)
While both are lifesaving craft, Rescue Boats and Fast Rescue Boats differ significantly in design, performance, and operational use.
| Criteria | Rescue Boat | Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) |
|
Length
|
3,8m – 8,5m | 6,0m – 8,5m |
|
Minimum speed
|
6 knots for 4 hours | 20 knots (light load), 8 knots (full load) |
|
Purpose
|
Basic rescue, personnel transfer | Rapid response, high-speed casualty rescue |
| Maneuverability | Good | Excellent – suitable for rough sea and adverse weather conditions |
|
Construction
|
Rigid, inflatable, or hybrid | Rigid or Rigid-Inflatable (RIB), often equipped with enhanced safety and self-righting systems |
|
Common use cases
|
Cargo ships, passenger vessels, oil tankers | Oil tankers, naval ships, offshore platforms, patrol and emergency response units |
 Fast rescue boat |
 Rescue boat |
Should you choose a Rescue Boat or a Fast Rescue Boat (FRB)?
Depending on the vessel type, operating environment, and specific rescue tasks, selecting between a Rescue Boat and a Fast Rescue Boat requires careful consideration of the following factors:
Type of vessel & operating area:
Rescue Boat is suitable for commercial vessels and passenger ships.
FRB is ideal for offshore service vessels, patrol craft, tankers, or ships operating in rough sea conditions.
Mission requirements:
Rescue Boat handles basic lifesaving operations.
FRB is essential for rapid response missions, such as man-overboard recovery or high-speed casualty evacuation.
Budget & applicable standards:
Both types must comply with SOLAS technical requirements and International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations.
FRBs typically involve higher costs due to more complex specifications and advanced onboard systems.
Reference:
SOLAS Chapter III – Life-Saving Appliances
IMO Guidelines for Fast Rescue Boats
References:
https://www.marineinsight.com/marine-safety/what-are-fast-rescue-boats/
https://www.newmarinelifeboat.com/do-you-know-how-many-types-of-rescue-boats-exist.html