redningsbåter

Redningsbåter are lifeboats used at sea to evacuate people from ships or offshore installations and to support rescue operations in distress. They are designed to provide a safe platform, shelter, and survival equipment until help arrives, and are a key element of maritime safety systems on vessels of many sizes.

There are two main categories: rigid-hulled lifeboats (RHL) and inflatable lifeboats (ILB). RHLs typically have a solid hull, enclosed cabins for protection against weather, and may be motor-powered. ILBs are lighter and stowable, inflated in position and often equipped with a small outboard motor or manual propulsion. Both types are designed for rapid deployment, with launching systems such as deck davits or gravity/free-fall mechanisms, and may include hydrostatic release gear for automatic freeing in emergency.

Equipment commonly carried in redningsbåter includes survival necessities such as life jackets or immersion suits, water, rations, flares, a signaling device (radio, VHF, or EPIRB), first aid supplies, and basic repair tools. Navigation and communication gear, weather protection, and heat sources are standard to improve chances of survival in harsh conditions.

Operations involve trained crews and regular drills to ensure swift, orderly abandonment procedures. Maintenance and inspections are required under international safety rules, with procedures outlined in SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) conventions. Lifeboats must be ready for immediate use, regularly tested, and serviced to keep launching and self-righting capabilities reliable.

In Norway and other coastal states, redningsbåter are closely associated with search-and-rescue services and maritime safety organizations, where they support both routine rescue missions and large-scale emergency responses.