Search and Rescue Vessels (SAR) are specialized vessels built to help save human lives at sea, in rivers, and even in icy waters. Rescue boats are built to provide a rapid response in emergencies, such as assisting a capsized boat with people overboard. SAR boats can handle all weather conditions and some can even cut through ice to reach stranded vessels.
Interestingly, on an average day, the Canadian Coast Guard coordinates 19 search and rescue incidents, saving 13 human lives and assisting 43 people. These vessels are used for rescue services and regular drills to ensure maritime safety.
In this blog, we will learn some of the key features of SAR vessels, their significance, and some of the SAR vessels built by Hike Metal Products.
Key Features of SAR Vessels
SAR vessels are primarily used for rescue purposes. That’s why their unique technical features make them different from fishing vessels, patrol ships, and other commercial vessels. These differences mainly come from their speed, design, maneuverability, and specialized life-saving equipment.
Let us explore some of the key technical features of SAR vessels.
Hull Design & Build
SAR vessels have strong, lightweight hulls made from aluminum or composite materials. This is to ensure they are corrosion-resistant and face rough waters. Some SARs are like self-righting lifeboats — they are designed to flip back upright if capsized.
Speed & Maneuverability
Unlike fishing vessels and cargo ships, SAR vessels are not designed for storage and endurance. They are designed to be optimized for speed and maneuverability. This is to ensure that they have a faster response to emergencies and reach the vessels in distress quicker.
Navigation & Communication Systems
SAR ships have advanced radar and GPS systems. This gives them the capability to navigate dangerous waters and locate missing boats. They have Sonar systems that play a critical role in underwater search operations. Additional equipment includes thermal imaging cameras that help to detect people in the water even in darkness or fog.
Onboard Rescue and Life-Saving Equipment
SAR vessels have specialized life-saving equipment to assist individuals in distress. They have hoist and winch systems to lift survivors and heavy objects from the water. Inflatable life rafts on the vessel enable rescue teams to reach victims quickly. These vessels have emergency medical facilities to treat injured or hypothermic people who need life support.
Floodlights & Emergency Signaling Systems
Such vessels have powerful floodlights that allow nighttime rescues and improve visibility. They are well equipped with flares, sirens and strobe lights to guide the rescue teams in poor weather and to give a distress signal.
Icebreaking Capability
SAR vessels designed for Arctic rescue have strong hulls to break through ice. Their double-hulled construction prevents damage from ice collisions. Some vessels also have heated decks and anti-icing systems as additional equipment to prevent freezing.
Now that we have an idea about SAR vessels in general, let us know some of the SAR vessels built by Hike Metal.
Significance of SAR Vessels
SAR vessels play a crucial role in ensuring maritime safety, supporting the economy, and strengthening national security. Their impact extends beyond just preventing loss of life.
Impact on Marine Industry
Coastguards use such vessels to ensure the safety of fishermen, transport workers and passengers on the cruise. Rescue boats also help set up and fix navigational aids like buoys, beacons, and markers, which guide cargo ships and commercial vessels.
Impact on Economy
SAR vessels prevent cargo loss and vessel damage by responding to emergencies. It reduces costly disruptions to global trade caused by stranded or wrecked vessels on international voyages. Countries with strong SAR capabilities attract more trade, foreign investment, and business confidence. They boost public confidence in maritime operations and trade and ensure the safety of life at sea.
CCGS “Vakta” and Coast Guard “SAR” Hovercraft: Built by Hike Metal
CCGS Vakta is a 55-ft custom-built SAR patrol boat. It is designed for all-weather maritime operations and semi-sheltered water voyages. It is being deployed to assist in locating and rescuing people in distress on Lake Winnipeg. It is a station mode vessel and the crew does not live onboard. It has a top speed of 25 nautical miles per hour.
Coast Guard “SAR” Hovercraft are two custom-built multi-purpose hovercraft designed by Westland Aerospace and built by Hike Metal Products. They are used by the Canadian Coast Guard for emergency responses, search and rescue operations, buoy retrieval and deployment tasks and for icebreaking. It has a top speed of 72 nautical miles per hour.
The Contract Between Hike Metal and the Canadian Coast Guard(CCG)
Hike Metal Products was one of the two shipbuilders that were part of a $180-million program to build 20 lifeboats for the Canadian Coast Guard by 2024. The search and rescue lifeboats are stationed across the country, and each one is named after a Canadian bay. These search and rescue boats are 19 metres long, weigh 75 tonnes and are capable of travelling 100 nautical miles from shore. These efforts by PSPC under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) would increase the Government of Canada’s ship fleets and strengthen Canada’s marine industry.
Contact Hike Metal for Building Your Next Search and Rescue Vessel
Building ships for the Canadian Coast Guard shows Hike Metal Products’ dedication to quality and maritime safety. Located on the north shore of Lake Erie, near Detroit and Windsor, we have easy access to key suppliers through the Saint Lawrence Seaway.
We build ships for various industries including the fishing industry, tourism and transportation industries, and emergency services. You can visit our projects page to check out the newest addition to our portfolio.
Whether you need a new custom SAR vessel or repairs, you can trust Hike Metal Products.
Contact us today to build your ship for a coastal voyage.
