Rescue craft catalogue
SARfleet is a free database of rescue boats and lifeboats used by search and rescue services worldwide. Browse 106 search and rescue boat and lifeboat classes, current and historic, from the RNLI, US Coast Guard, KNRM, DGzRS and many more, with specifications for length, speed, range, crew and survivor capacity.
About SARfleet
SAR Fleet (or SARfleet) is part of the SoS Knowledge Sharing for SAR theme, consolidating rescue response boat data from around the world. Rescue boats are one type of SRU (Search and Rescue Unit, as defined in IAMSAR manuals). Future iterations of SARfleet may have a broader scope to include aeronautical and other types of SRU. The SARfleet catalogue (database) more precisely lists first-response maritime craft. Some vessels are multi-mission (such as military vessels), which makes them more accurately categorized as response craft.
The name SARfleet not only expresses the maritime rescue response craft focus, but is also a hat-tip to “Star Fleet” from the Star Trek television and movie series. This reflects the Spaceflight & SAR interest of SoS, and a spaceflight passion of SoS Founder.
106 RESULTS · 0/4 SELECTED FOR COMPARISON
| 10.1 m class rescue boat In service · 1999–present | DGzRS · DE | Rescue vessel | 10.1 m | 18 kn | 240 nm | 2 / — | |
| 10.6 m Cabin Class rescue boat In service · 2017–present | NSRI · ZA | Rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) | 10.6 m | — | — | — / — | |
| 12-metre rescue boat In service · 2016–present | SSRS · SE | All-weather lifeboat | 12 m | 35 kn | — | 4 / — | |
| 17 m class rescue cruiser (Paul Denker type) Retired · 1967–2005 | DGzRS · DE | Rescue cruiser | 16.8 m | 18 kn | — | — / — | |
| 20 m class rescue cruiser In service · 2014–present | DGzRS · DE | Rescue cruiser | 20 m | 22 kn | — | 4 / — | |
| 23.3 m class rescue cruiser Retired · 1980–2021 | DGzRS · DE | Rescue cruiser | 23.3 m | 25 kn | — | 4 / — | |
| 26 m class rescue cruiser (Georg Breusing type) Retired · 1963–1988 | DGzRS · DE | Rescue cruiser | 26 m | — | — | — / — | |
| 28 m class rescue cruiser In service · 2013–present | DGzRS · DE | Rescue cruiser | 28 m | 24 kn | — | 4 / — | |
| 36 ft Motor Lifeboat Retired · 1908–1987 | USCG · US | Motor lifeboat | 11 m | 9 kn | — | 3 / — | |
| 36.5 m class rescue cruiser In service · ?–present | DGzRS · DE | Rescue cruiser | 36.45 m | 25 kn | 900 nm | — / — |
Figures compiled from public sources; values vary between builds. Verify against cited sources before operational use.
Rescue boat types explained
The 12 types of search and rescue boat used in SARfleet.
- All-weather lifeboat (24)
- Offshore lifeboat designed to operate and self-right in any sea state.
- Offshore rescue vessel (16)
- Long-range ocean-going rescue ship.
- Rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) (11)
- Rigid hull with inflatable collar; fast, stable response craft. Also called a RIB.
- Motor lifeboat (10)
- Coast-guard style heavy-weather, self-righting surf rescue boat.
- Rescue vessel (9)
- Any craft whose primary role is search and rescue.
- Response boat (9)
- Multi-mission fast boat for SAR, law enforcement and security.
- Rescue cruiser (8)
- Large offshore rescue vessel, often carrying a daughter boat.
- Patrol boat (7)
- Larger patrol cutter with SAR as one of several missions.
- Inshore lifeboat (5)
- Small, fast lifeboat for shallow, near-shore and surf operations.
- Inflatable rescue boat (3)
- Fully inflatable small craft for surf, rivers and shallows.
- Pulling / sailing lifeboat (3)
- Historic oar- or sail-powered lifeboat.
- Rescue hovercraft (1)
- Air-cushion vehicle for mud, sand, ice and shallows.
Rescue boat questions
What is a rescue boat?
A rescue boat is a craft whose main job is to reach people in danger on the water and bring them to safety. In IAMSAR terms it is one kind of search and rescue unit (SRU). Rescue boats range from small inflatables for surf and rivers to ocean-going rescue cruisers.
What is the difference between a lifeboat and a rescue boat?
The word lifeboat has two meanings. Rescue services such as the RNLI and KNRM call their shore-based rescue craft lifeboats, and those are listed in SARfleet. A ship's lifeboat is a survival craft that passengers and crew board when abandoning a vessel; SARfleet does not list those.
What is an all-weather lifeboat?
An all-weather lifeboat is an offshore rescue boat built to operate, and to right itself if capsized, in any sea state. Examples include the RNLI Severn and Shannon classes and the US Coast Guard 47 ft Motor Lifeboat.
What is the best rescue boat?
There is no single best rescue boat: the right craft depends on the job. Inshore RHIBs and inflatables suit surf, rivers and shallows; all-weather lifeboats and rescue cruisers suit offshore work in heavy weather. Use SARfleet's filters and Compare tool to match boats to your needs.
Which is the fastest rescue boat in SARfleet?
The fastest class listed is the FB 60' SF "Ognitempo" (GdF), at about 54 knots. Sort the table by Speed to see the rest.
Suggest an entry
Know a rescue craft that's missing, or a figure that needs correcting? Send us a suggestion.