Difference between Lifeboats & Rescue Boats

Lifeboats and Rescue boats are not one and the same, they look similar but the purpose for which they are used varies. 

A lifeboat can be used as a Rescue boat if it meets all of the requirements of the Chapter V (Rescue Boat) of the LSA Code.

Lifeboat:

• A lifeboat is a Survival Craft used for Sustaining the lives of persons in distress from the time of abandoning the vessel.

• A lifeboat should be constructed off a rigid hull and a flame retardant or non-commercial material.

• The lifeboat should not be less than 7.3 meters in length.

• No lifeboat shall be approved to carry more than 150 persons.

• A fully loaded lifeboat in calm water has an engine speed of at least 6 knots with enough fuel for 24 hours.

• A fully loaded lifeboat in calm water shall at least be capable of towing a 25-person life raft at 2 knots with enough fuel for 24 hours.

• Lifeboat shall be arranged with an adequate view forward, aft and to both sides for safe launching and manoeuvring.

• Lifeboats shall normally be provided with an inboard engine.

• Lifeboats shall be fitted with sufficient watertight lockers to provide for the storage of small items of equipment, water, and provisions.

• The normal equipment of every Lifeboat shall include equipment as per Chapter IV of the LSA Code

Rescue Boat:

• A Rescue boat is used for the rescue of a person in distress and to board the ship.

• A Rescue boat can be a rigid or inflatable structure or a mixed structure of the two.

• The rescue boat shall not be less than 3.8 meters and not greater than 8.5 meters in length.

• Rescue boats shall be capable of carrying at least five seated persons and a person lying on the stretcher.

• The rescue boat shall be capable of manoeuvring at a speed of at least 6 knots and maintaining that speed for a period of at least 4 hours.

• Rescue boats shall be capable of towing the largest life raft carried on the ship when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment at a speed of at least 2 knots.

• Rescue boats shall be capable of towing the largest life raft carried on the ship when loaded with its full complement of persons & equipment at a speed of at least 2 knots.

• Rescue boat engines can be inboard/outboard. If an outboard engine is fitted then the rudder and tiller can be a part of the engine.

• Rescue boats shall be fitted with weathertight storage for small items of equipment. 

• The normal equipment of every Rescue boat shall include equipment as per Chapter V of the LSA Code

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Reference: 

1. IMO Publications & Documents - International Codes - LSA Code
2. IMO Publications & Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolutions.MSC.48(66).