Issue: Using non-conventional or catamaran type craft as safety boats can be problematic. Staff using them may not be fully aware of the potential problems associated with their use and the solutions. As safety craft they have both advantages and disadvantages. Users of such craft need to be aware of the following when considering whether to use them.
1. Below is a list of some of the problems providers should be aware of and possible solutions, there may be others:
Problem: Manufacturers give a loading capacity (sometimes given in numbers of people, and sometimes in evenly distributed weight), which may not be adequate for the numbers who may need to be rescued.
Solution: The craft should be able to carry the maximum foreseeable numbers of passengers and crew.
Problem: Because some are designed as racing boats there is some doubt about their ability to cope with rescue speed (i.e. slow) manoeuvres in rough or breaking waves. The handling ability of the craft should be assessed in worst case situations by means of scenario based training.
Solution: This may mean that the 'cut-off' conditions are dictated by the rescue craft, not the participants' craft.
Problem: They have a tendency to flip when only one person is operating the craft.
Solution: The front of the craft may require ballasting and the reduction of speed into the wind.
Problem: Due to the non-banking way in which they turn, they have a tendency to throw people out.
Solution: Helms need to ensure that passengers sit inboard and that speed is reduced when turning.
Problem: Oversized engines for rescue craft duties.
Solution: The craft should be fitted with a restricted engine size - generally this would be less than 25 horsepower. A 15 horsepower is normally quite adequate for inland use. A 50 horsepower engine is vastly overpowered and can be potentially lethal on a rescue craft such as these.
Problem: No resistance to grounding. There is no hard bottom so if grounded can split and be subject to increased wear and tear.
Solution: Regular checking and used for inshore or inland waters.
Problem: Lack of storage space for safety equipment.
Solution: Some style boats come with two large pockets on the rear which can fit ample equipment. Extra bags and anchor bags can be added.
Problem: Swamping when reversing open transom craft (especially in choppy waters).
Solution: Plates can be fitted in open transoms. This doesn't solve the problem completely. Craft may be designed to be a wet boat, the water may come in but generally all that means is that the crew get wet. However, if rescuing two-man craft this could be a problem with standard rescue techniques, so training should be given in these circumstances.
2. The advantages:
3. Crews should be appropriately trained and inducted for their duties.
4. Summary
For kite surfing they may be a good piece of safety equipment and more versatile than a RIB. The low free board is a bonus. With training, monitoring of staff and a few minor adjustments this style of craft, used at location-specific sheltered inshore or inland waterways, as a rescue craft may be very suitable. They may not be suitable for a normal dinghy session, but for modern low ratio water-based sports they can be a first response rescue craft.
