SOLAS Tender

Certified safety with multifunctional performance for superyachts

At Boating Matters, we supply and support SOLAS tenders - specially certified boats between 4 and 8.5 metres in length that comply with international Class requirements and regulations such as the Large Yacht Code. For superyachts, this certification is not optional: vessels over 24 metres must carry a rescue boat, and those over 500 GT are required to carry a SOLAS tender.

Why a SOLAS Tender?

Unlike a standard tender, a SOLAS tender is designed and approved to perform in demanding emergency scenarios. It must be capable of rapid deployment, man-overboard recovery, and liferaft marshalling under strict international regulations. Every aspect - from hull construction and stability to propulsion and onboard safety equipment - is tested and verified by a recognised Classification Society or Notified Body, ensuring the SOLAS tender delivers proven reliability when it matters most.

Certified for safety, designed for everyday use

This rigorous certification process ensures that a SOLAS tender will perform reliably in the most critical moments, when safety and compliance cannot be compromised. At the same time, modern SOLAS tenders are engineered for everyday practicality and comfort, offering owners and crews the freedom to use them for transport, watersports, and guest transfers without sacrificing safety. By investing in a SOLAS-certified tender, superyacht owners gain the assurance of full regulatory compliance combined with the flexibility of a multi-purpose luxury craft.

Versatility beyond compliance: the multi-role SOLAS Tender

At the same time, space on board a superyacht is limited, and owners increasingly look for versatility. A SOLAS tender is the ideal solution, combining regulatory compliance with day-to-day usability. It can serve as:

A crew duty boat for transport and operations
A watersports boat, including towing for wakeboarding or skiing
A secondary guest tender, refined enough to carry owners and guests in comfort

Some SOLAS tenders are built to such a high standard of luxury design that it is difficult to distinguish them from a dedicated guest tender - yet they retain all the rugged capabilities and safety functions required by SOLAS.

Functions and capabilities

A SOLAS tender must:

Be launchable within minutes, even in challenging conditions
Carry out man-overboard recovery safely and efficiently
Tow and marshal liferafts in the event of an evacuation
Provide proven autonomy and stability for extended rescue operations

Examples include compact inboard dieseljet models around 4.2m, ideal for crew and quick launches, as well as larger custom-built tenders up to 8.5m that combine luxury seating layouts with full SOLAS compliance. In some cases, a superyacht’s SOLAS lifeboat can also act as its certified rescue tender, fulfilling multiple requirements with a single craft.

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SOLAS Tenders at Boating Matters

At Boating Matters, we specialise in supplying, modifying, and certifying SOLAS tenders that meet both safety regulations and owner expectations. With more than 40 years of experience in tenders and rescue craft, we combine technical expertise with an eye for design - helping you select or adapt the right SOLAS tender for your yacht.

Whether you need a compact crew boat, a versatile watersports platform, or a luxury tender that doubles as your certified rescue craft, our team provides the knowledge, resources, and support to make it happen. From consultation and design to certification and delivery, Boating Matters ensures your tender is safe, compliant, and perfectly matched to your yacht’s operations.