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New unique automatic docking system for Fast Rescue Boats

The high risks involved when retrieving a Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) under no more than best weather conditions have finally been eliminated. The previously so dangerous operation to manually attach a swinging hook to the FRB has been replaced by a simple drive-in manoeuvre. The new docking system by Sweden-based MSS Safety System is as elegant as it is efficient. Yet, it has taken more than five years to develop and test, working in close co-operating with renown companies such as the Swedish Maritime Administration, SSPA Sweden and Stena Line.

The floating dock, adding no more than 400 mm to the overall breadth and 300 mm to the length of the Fast Rescue Boat is pulled alongside the mother vessel. A permanently connected forward painter, connected to a painter boom, provides safe distance to the hull side. The painter boom should preferably be adjustable in order to control the distance from the hull. The FRB is then easily and safely driven into the MSS docking system until the stem of the boat enters a cone in the fore end of the dock. A pair of locks, one on each side fits into a recess in the pontoons. For enhanced security a secondary lock consists of two flaps behind the transom of the boat.

With the FRB in position, the dock and the boat form one single, easily controllable unit with considerably larger stability and buoyancy compared to the FRB itself. After docking, the MSS dock is pulled towards the hull and is optionally connected to the mother ship by a vertical guide wire along the ship's hull, hence reducing the swinging motion even further. In the event of the FRB slamming into the ship's side nevertheless, e.g. in extreme seas, the boat is protected by the dock.

Most standard types of davits or cranes, both single and dual point lifts, can be used in connection with the MSS dock. The system is further adaptable to most types of boats. The very light framework of the dock consists of beams made of aluminium or fibre composites. The pontoons, which are connected to the framework, are made of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) and are completely filled with closed cell foam for safety purpose. The pontoons are additionally fitted with fenders, as well as optional lifelines. With an additional net, the dock even turns into an efficient Means of Rescue.

The docking system has been tested extensively onboard Stena Danica in a variety of harsh conditions. The results are said to be outstanding, turning launching and docking the FRB into a safe and easy operation.

Mr. Jan Grönstrand, Product Manager, explains: “The risks with FRB operations at high hull sides have been identified already since the concept was introduced on all RoRo passenger ferries back in 2000. However, not until now, the frequent incidents and accidents that have occurred can finally be eliminated thanks to the new MSS docking system. We are proud to be part of this development”.