Diving boats
Diver support boats are essential units for rescue operations, firefighting missions, and professional diving related tasks. These vessels are specifically designed to offer maneuverability, safety, and comfort to divers during their operations. The following are the general characteristics of this type of vessels.
Construction Material and Design
These boats are usually made of aluminum due to the advantages offered by this material:
– Lightweight: Facilitates fast maneuverability and shorter response times.
– Durability and resistance: Withstands demanding maritime conditions without deteriorating easily.
– Structural flexibility: Allows versatile construction adapted to specific needs.
The design includes a closed cabin with thermal and acoustic insulation to ensure personnel comfort, even in adverse conditions. In addition, priority is given to ergonomic and functional lines, with windows for optimum visibility and ventilation systems to prevent fogging.
Deck Features
Diver support vessels are designed with a self-emptying, uncluttered deck, which facilitates movement and crew work. Common features include:
– Walk-around: Facilitates movement around the boat.
– Rescue areas: Removable areas on both sides that allow easy access to the water and the collection of people.
– Self-draining bathtub: Avoids the accumulation of water on deck, improving safety on board.
These boats are designed with a low height between the deck and the sea, facilitating the work of immersion and recovery of objects or people.
Propulsion and Performance
Generally equipped with outboard engines, these boats can reach cruising speeds of between 20 and 30 knots, with top speeds in excess of 35 knots. Examples of technical specifications include:
– Gasoline outboard engines ranging from 150 to 250 HP per unit.
– High capacity fuel tanks (around 500 liters) for a range of up to 350 nautical miles at cruising speed.
– High maneuverability with the ability to turn in radii of less than two lengths.
These features ensure that the vessels can operate effectively in emergency situations and abrupt maneuvers.
Diver support boats are used by:
– Fire departments for rescue and fire fighting in aquatic environments.
– State security forces (e.g. Civil Guard or Military Emergency Unit).
– Maritime rescue teams and professional diving services.
These units provide storage space for diving equipment, fire extinguishing systems and other tools required for rescue and diving operations.
Diver support boats represent an advanced and versatile solution for aquatic rescue and diving missions. Thanks to their robust aluminum design, high performance and functional features, they guarantee safety, efficiency and comfort to sea professionals in critical situations.