Rescue Boats
Professional lifesaving craft for maritime, offshore & commercial Use
A rescue boat is one of the most important pieces of lifesaving equipment on any vessel operating offshore or in commercial maritime environments. Unlike leisure-focused tenders, rescue boats are engineered specifically for emergency response, man-overboard recovery, liferaft marshalling, and crew evacuation in challenging offshore conditions. At Boating Matters, we supply, support, and advise on a full range of certified rescue boats for commercial ships, offshore installations, workboats, government organisations, and large yachts that operate under commercial codes.
Rescue boats must function with absolute reliability when conditions are at their worst, high wind, rough seas, or limited visibility. Through decades of industry experience, Boating Matters ensures every boat we supply meets the required international standards and delivers proven performance in the most demanding environments.
What is a rescue boat?
A rescue boat is a highly visible, purpose-built craft designed to recover persons from the water, act as a fast response unit during onboard emergencies, and coordinate liferaft deployment. Rescue boats typically range from 3.9 to 8.5 metres in length and can be rigid (GRP), inflatable, or rigid-inflatable (RIB) depending on the operational requirements.
The core purpose of a rescue boat includes:
- Recovering survivors from the sea
- Towing and marshalling liferafts
- Supporting firefighting and onboard emergencies
- Transporting crew and essential equipment
- Assisting in abandon-ship scenarios
Rescue boats must remain operational in severe conditions, including heavy seas and strong winds, conditions where standard tenders are often unsafe or impractical.
Types of rescue boats
1. SOLAS Rescue boats
These are internationally certified rescue boats used on commercial ships over 500 GT, offshore vessels, and large charter yachts. A SOLAS rescue boat is built in a highly visible colour, carries a minimum of six persons, and must meet strict performance criteria, including:
- Capsize recovery (manual or automatic)
- Minimum 4-hour range at 6 knots under load
- Approved propulsion systems
- Rapid launch and recovery within 5 minutes
- Stability in challenging sea states
SOLAS rescue boats are the highest regulatory category and are used worldwide by merchant fleets, offshore support vessels, and some superyachts operating under commercial codes.
2. Fast Rescue Boats (FRBs / FRCs)
Fast rescue boats are designed for rapid response, particularly in offshore wind farms, oil & gas operations, and commercial workboat fleets. Built for speed, visibility, and manoeuvrability, FRBs are essential for:
- Offshore crew transfer
- Fast MOB response
- Support for offshore installations
- Search and rescue (SAR) operations
They are typically RIBs or hybrid hulls capable of high speed in rough conditions.
3. Workboat & Utility Rescue Boats
Used by ports, harbour authorities, commercial operators, and government agencies, these multi-purpose rescue boats offer:
- Robust construction for daily commercial use
- Large working deck layouts
- Flexible rescue and towing capabilities
- Stability-focused hull forms
They are well suited to coastal patrol, port operations, and commercial support duties.
Rescue Boats vs. Rescue tenders – what’s the difference?
Although the terms are sometimes confused, a rescue boat is not the same as a rescue tender.
Rescue Boats
- Designed primarily for commercial and offshore emergency use
- Built in highly visible colours for safety
- Must meet strict performance and regulatory standards
- Prioritise function and emergency capability over comfort
- Used by commercial fleets, offshore platforms, navy, coastguard, and certified superyachts
Rescue Tenders
- Typically found on superyachts
- Combine rescue capability with guest transport
- Designed for comfort and aesthetics
- May or may not be SOLAS-certified depending on the vessel’s class
- Used daily as multipurpose yacht tenders
In short: rescue boats focus on lifesaving operations; rescue tenders focus on combining safety with comfort.
Typical Users of Rescue Boats
Rescue boats serve a wide range of professional sectors, including:
- Commercial shipping
- Offshore energy (wind, oil & gas)
- Harbour authorities and port services
- Military and coastguard units
- Commercial workboats and crew transfer vessels
- Large yachts operating commercially
- Search and rescue organisations (SAR)
Each sector requires tailored configurations and certification levels, something Boating Matters specialises in advising on.
Why choose Boating Matters for your rescue boat?
With over 40 years of experience in tenders and lifesaving craft, Boating Matters provides many services. We ensure your vessel receives a rescue boat that matches its operational profile, regulatory obligations, and day-to-day practical needs.
Expert guidance
Expert guidance on certification, compliance, and Class requirements
SOLAS rescue boats,
Supply of SOLAS rescue boats, FRBs, workboat rescue craft, and more
Modification Services
Support for modifications, upgrades, and inspection preparation
Support Services
Reliable aftersales service and operational support
GET IN TOUCH
Contact Boating Matters – your rescue boat specialists
Equip your vessel with a rescue boat you can rely on when it matters most. Contact Boating Matters for expert advice, compliant solutions, and proven rescue craft for commercial, offshore, and maritime use.
We’re here to help you navigate every step, from selection to certification and beyond.
