Rescue Tender

Safety and comfort combined for superyachts

A rescue tender is far more than just a tender – it is a vital safety craft at the heart of any superyacht’s emergency response system. Designed to perform as both a rescue tender boat and a luxury yacht tender, it combines two essential functions into one versatile vessel. This dual capability not only reduces the need for separate craft but also ensures compliance with international safety regulations, including SOLAS rescue tender requirements where applicable.

At Boating Matters, we specialise in supplying and supporting rescue tenders that meet the strictest safety standards while never compromising on comfort or style. Each tender is engineered for rapid deployment in emergencies yet refined enough to transport owners, guests, and crew in luxury. With over 40 years of experience in the tender and rescue boat industry, we provide solutions that deliver reliability, performance, and peace of mind – ensuring your yacht is always prepared for every situation.

The role of a rescue tender on a superyacht

As private yachts grew larger and began carrying more passengers – often for commercial charter – regulations required vessels to carry adequate lifesaving equipment. One of these requirements was the carriage of a rescue boat that could be launched within minutes to act as a man overboard boat, as well as for towing and marshalling liferafts.

To meet these standards, the rescue tender was developed: a versatile craft capable of emergency response while also functioning as a high-quality tender for owners and guests. Over time, flag authorities adapted requirements, allowing rescue tenders to evolve from industrial orange rescue boats into sleek, stylish vessels designed to match the aesthetics of modern superyachts.

What makes a rescue tender unique?

Unlike standard tenders, a rescue tender must be:

• Built, tested, and inspected to international safety standards
• Equipped with rescue configurations and emergency gear as required by the yacht’s class
• Capable of rapid launch – often within 5 minutes
• Suitable for use as a SOLAS rescue tender on qualifying vessels

At the same time, it must deliver comfort and style expected of a superyacht tender, with refined layouts for transporting owners, guests, and families to shore in luxury. This dual role makes the rescue tender an essential investment for modern superyachts.