Photo: German Maritime Search and Rescue Service – DGzRS
Tailor-made performance for demanding rescue missions at the southern coast of the Baltic Sea in northeastern Germany
Building on the success of the proven Arctic 8.9m models and in close cooperation with the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger – DGzRS), Arctic Boats was commissioned to develop a new, smaller class of search and rescue vessel. The goal: to deliver the same high level of performance, safety and reliability in a compact 8.4-meter version, carefully customized to meet demanding environmental conditions, frequent beaching operations and strict technical requirements.
Special needs: Frequent beaching and height constraints
This search and rescue vessel operates in a unique coastal environment where it is regularly launched and retrieved from the beach. On the one hand, it must be able to be deployed to the Baltic Sea, and on the other hand, it must also be able to be transported quickly by land to the widely ramified backwaters of the so-called Bodden, which are also part of the Baltic Sea. That created two primary design challenges:
Beach-ready hull
Because of the constant contact with sand, gravel and shallow waters, the hull had to be especially resistant to abrasion and impact. For this project, marine-grade aluminium (or aluminum as it is internationally referred to in some regions) was chosen for its outstanding suitability in demanding operational environments. The large search and rescue vessels and most of the smaller search and rescue boats of the DGzRS are also made entirely of aluminium. Key advantages include:
- High surface hardness for durability under heavy use
- Excellent structural stiffness — ideal for repeated beach landings
Limited storage height
The storage facility for the boat is located in a historic lifeboat station, built in 1905, with limited vertical clearance. To accommodate this, the vessel features a low-profile aft deck and a foldable targa frame, which supports the self-righting system. This smart design solution allows the boat to remain self-righting, a must-have for rescue missions — while still fitting in the restricted storage space.
Photo: German Maritime Search and Rescue Service – DGzRS
Specialized rescue features
Despite its smaller size, this customized built is packed with professional-grade equipment found in larger DGzRS’ search and rescue vessels:
- Advanced navigation and comms systems
- Self-righting system (integrated in foldable targa)
- 425 hp diesel engine with waterjet propulsion
- Shallow draft for both open-sea and inland operations
Why aluminium for this boat?
Robust and lightweight, our aluminium boats are well-suited for professional uses. They deliver reliable performance with excellent corrosion resistance, even in harsh marine conditions.
Advantages of aluminium boats
- Strong abrasion resistance: Aluminium offers excellent abrasion resistance against sand, gravel, and rocks, making it especially well-suited for vessels that are frequently beached or operate in shallow, rugged environments.
- Maintenance: Damage can be welded and fixed without compromising structural integrity — a practical edge in remote or intensive-use settings.
- Recyclability: aluminium is recyclable
Christening of the KNUT OLAF KOLBE, the first search and rescue vessel of the 8.4 metre class of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS), which is brought into the Baltic Sea on specially developed trailers and tractors. Photo: German Maritime Search and Rescue Service – DGzRS, Jörg Sarbach
Self righting capability
Our search and rescue vessels are designed to self-right even after a full capsize. A carefully balanced hull and superstructure ensure the boat rolls back upright automatically.
Our hulls feature self-righting capability, achieved either through an integrated CO₂ righting bag or, as in this case, by inherent design.
Technical specifications
- Overall length: 8.4 m
- Beam: approx 2.8 m
- Material: Aluminium
- Propulsion: 425 hp diesel engine + waterjet
- Top Speed: ~33 knots (depending on load)
- Self-righting: Yes
- Operational Role: maritime search and rescue
- Capacity: 4 seats for crew, with additional capacity for rescued persons/victims
Photo: German Maritime Search and Rescue Service – DGzRS
Photo: German Maritime Search and Rescue Service – DGzRS
Designed for real-world demands
This boat is a perfect example of how Arctic Boats works closely with customers to meet real-world operational requirements. It reflects our commitment to:
- Functional, durable design
- Customer-driven customization
- Safe, high-performance vessels built for extreme conditions
Proven in Action – 3 Boats Delivered to DGzRS
Following the successful development of the 8.4-meter aluminium rescue boat, three vessels of this class have now been delivered to the DGzRS and are actively in service along the Baltic coast:
- KNUT OLAF KOLBE – Station Wustrow
- KLAUS-GEORG BUTENSCHÖN – Station Zinnowitz
- E. RUHFUS – Station Zingst
Photo: German Maritime Search and Rescue Service – DGzRS
Photos: German Maritime Search and Rescue Service – DGzRS
Development and Cooperation with DGzRS
The creation of this customized search and rescue vessel was the result of close collaboration between Arctic Boats and the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS). From the earliest design phase, DGzRS brought in their extensive operational knowledge and unique requirements, ensuring the vessel was tailored to the realities of demanding rescue work.
Christening ceremony of KNUT OLAF KOLBE in December 2023.
Photo: German Maritime Search and Rescue Service – DGzRS
“The close cooperation with Arctic Boats made it possible to realize a compact yet fully operational search and rescue vessel that meets our requirements in every respect.”
DGzRS Representative at the naming ceremony
“It is a pleasure to work closely with the team of the DGzRS (German Maritime Search and Rescue Service). They were deeply involved in the development process and contributed many specific requirements and operational conditions for the design and use of this particular boat. Their expertise and commitment played a key role in shaping the vessel’s final form.”
Henrik Paersch, CEO Arctic Boats Oy
Further Links and Information
Read more about this boat on the official webpage of the DGzRS: Official 8.4 m Rescue Boat Info (seenotretter.de)
Social Media Posts made by the “Seenotretter”:
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