Fartygsbåtar

Fartygsbåtar, often translated as ship's boats or tenders, are small vessels carried aboard larger ships. Historically, they served multiple essential functions. Their primary role was to ferry personnel and supplies between the main vessel and shore, especially when the ship was anchored offshore and could not dock directly. This was crucial for communication, provisioning, and troop deployment.

These boats also acted as lifeboats, providing a means of escape in emergencies. Many fartygsbåtar were designed with buoyancy and stability in mind to ensure the safety of those on board during evacuation. In naval contexts, they could be armed and used for reconnaissance, patrol, or even minor attacks on enemy vessels or coastal defenses.

The construction and design of fartygsbåtar varied greatly depending on the type of ship they were assigned to and the era. Larger warships might carry several boats of different sizes and purposes, including gigs, cutters, and pinnaces. Gigs were typically light and fast, used for important dispatches or transporting officers. Cutters were larger and more robust, capable of carrying more cargo or men. Pinnaces were often used for general-purpose duties.

With the advent of modern technology and the development of specialized harbor craft and inflatable life rafts, the traditional fartygsbåt has become less common on many types of vessels. However, the concept of a ship carrying auxiliary boats for specific tasks persists in various forms, particularly on large cargo ships, cruise liners, and naval vessels.