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National Sea Rescue Institute

{{short description|Voluntary non profit organisation in South Africa}}

{{Use South African English|date = May 2023}}

{{More citations needed|date=January 2009}}

{{Infobox organization

| name = National Sea Rescue Institute

| image = NSRI Station 21-001.jpg

| image_border =

| size =

| caption =

| map = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|type=point|zoom=11}}

| msize =

| mcaption =

| abbreviation = NSRI

| motto =

| formation = {{start date and age|1967}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nsri.org.za|title=Our History|publisher=NSRI|access-date=2009-01-18}}

| logo = National Sea Rescue Institute logo.svg

| extinction =

| type = Non-profit organisation

| status =

| purpose = Search and rescue

| headquarters = 4 Longclaw Drive, Milnerton, Cape Town

| location = South Africa

| region_served = Southern Africa

| leader_title = CEO

| leader_name = Dr Cleeve Robertson

| budget = Donations, bequests and sponsorships cover the annual running costs. Use of volunteers avoids a salary bill around R0.5m per annum.

| revenue = R174 million

| revenue_year = 2021

| staff = {{Unbulleted list

|1 455 unpaid volunteers

|125 paid lifeguards (during summer)

}}

| website = https://www.nsri.org.za/

| remarks =

}}

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a voluntary non-profit organisation in South Africa tasked with saving lives through drowning prevention. It operates 49 bases (as of November 2023) comprising coastal stations, inland stations on dams, auxiliary stations and lifeguard units. There are crews on standby at all hours. There are over 1000 volunteers equipped with sponsored rescue craft, rescue vehicles, quad bikes and tractors, supported by an operations department at the head office.{{Cite web |title=NSRI Integrated Annual Report 2021 |url=https://www.nsri.org.za/assets/downloads/NSRI-Annual-Report-2022_web-28-July-2022_2022-08-10-151819_weni.pdf}}

The NSRI works closely with other Search and Rescue organisations (22 Squadron SAAF, South African Police Service and South African Maritime Safety Authority) in South Africa.

History

Following an incident at Stilbaai near Mossel Bay on the south coast of South Africa in 1966, in which 17 fishermen drowned after three fishing boats sank in a storm, Miss Pattie Price of Simon’s Town whose own life had been saved by a RNLI lifeboat in the English Channel, wrote a series of letters to the newspapers to advocate for the formation of a sea rescue organisation in South Africa.

Captain Bob Deacon and Ray Lant were the first volunteers to respond to this call and in 1967 the South African Inshore Rescue Service (SAISRS) was started, with a 4.7m inflatable boat donated by the Society of Master Mariners. The SAISRS was later renamed to National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and continues the tradition of operation by volunteers.

List of NSRI Stations

{{Multiple image

| image1 = Kleinmond slipway with NSRI station 42 tractor and boat trailer IMG 20200531 142317.jpg

| image2 = Kleinmond slipway and jetty seaward side IMG 20200531 142141.jpg

| image3 = National Sea Rescue Institute (15606878942).jpg

| direction = vertical

| caption1 = Kleinmond slipway with NSRI station 42 tractor and boat trailer

| caption2 = Kleinmond slipway and jetty seaward side. NSRI station 42 boat alongside

| caption3 = NSRI station 23 RIB on trailer

| image_gap =

}}

class="wikitable"

!Station name

!Station number

!Coordinates

!Notes

Bakoven

|2

|{{Coord|33|57|38|S|18|22|23|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Table Bay

|3

|{{Coord|33|54|20|S|18|25|14|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Mykonos

|4

|{{Coord|33|02|50|S|18|02|23|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Durban

|5

|{{Coord|29|52|26|S|31|03|03|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha

|6

|{{Coord|33|58|03|S|25|38|01|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

East London

|7

|{{Coord|33|01|23|S|27|53|29|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Hout Bay

|8

|{{Coord|34|03|01|S|18|20|43|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Gordon's Bay

|9

|{{Coord|34|09|52|S|18|51|35|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Simon's Town

|10

|{{Coord|34|11|32|S|18|26|04|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Port Alfred

|11

|{{Coord|33|35|42|S|26|53|27|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Knysna

|12

|{{Coord|34|04|34|S|23|03|37|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Plettenberg Bay

|14

|{{Coord|34|03|30|S|23|22|41|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Mossel Bay

|15

|{{Coord|34|10|50|S|22|08|56|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Strandfontein

|16

|{{Coord|34|04|40|S|18|34|23|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Hermanus

|17

|{{Coord|34|26|00|S|19|13|31|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Melkbosstrand

|18

|{{Coord|33|43|44|S|18|26|18|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Richards Bay

|19

|{{Coord|28|47|30|S|32|05|01|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Shelly Beach

|20

|{{Coord

30.808517|30.412217}}

|Coastal

St Francis Bay

|21

|{{Coord

34.184333|24.8523}}

|Coastal

Vaal Dam

|22

|{{Coord

26.895867|28.113433}}

|Inland

Wilderness

|23

|{{Coord

33.9952|22.580567}}

|Coastal

Lambert's Bay

|24

|{{Coord|32|05|26|S|18|18|01|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Hartebeespoort Dam

|25

|{{Coord

25.730167|27.86045}}

|Inland

Kommetjie

|26

|{{Coord

34.140833|18.328833}}

|Coastal

Gauteng

|27

|{{Coord

26.270759|28.112268}}

|Inland

Port St Johns

|28

|{{Coord

31.530022|29.4643592}}

|Coastal

Air Sea Rescue

|29

|{{Coord|33|54|25|S|18|29|31|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Agulhas

|30

|{{Coord

34.798567|20.059433}}

|Coastal

Still Bay

|31

|{{Coord

34.385733|21.423917}}

|Coastal

Port Edward

|32

|{{Coord

31.048217|30.231167}}

|Coastal

Witsand

|33

|{{Coord

34.391333|20.837833}}

|Coastal

Yzerfontein

|34

|{{Coord|33|20|46|S|18|08|59|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Witbank Dam

|35

|{{Coord

25.9093|29.308733}}

|Inland

Oyster Bay

|36

|{{Coord

34.169673|24.653434}}

|Coastal

Jeffrey's Bay

|37

|{{Coord

34.048333|24.923333}}

|Coastal

Theewaterskloof

|38

|{{Coord

34.176|19.262533}}

|Inland

Rocky Bay

|39

|{{Coord

30.334283|30.733833}}

|Coastal

St Lucia

|40

|{{Coord|28|22|36|S|32|24|49|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Ballito

|41

|{{Coord

29.437578|31.222571}}

|Coastal

Kleinmond

|42

|{{Coord

34.335399|19.012628}}

|Coastal

Port Nolloth

|43

|{{Coord|29|14|18|S|16|55|44|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

St Helena

|44

|{{Coord|32|44|52|S|18|00|31|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Strandfontein (Matzikama)

|45

|{{Coord|31|27|05|S|18|08|00|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Storms River

|46

|{{Coord|34|01|22|S|23|53|55|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal, Auxiliary

Kei Mouth

|47

|{{Coord|32|24|47|S|28|13|20|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal, Auxiliary

Mdumbi

|49

|{{Coord|31|33|43|S|29|07|31|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal, Lifeguards

Umhlange

|50

|{{Coord|29|43|33|S|31|05|16|E|display=inline}}

|Coastal

Rescue craft

The NSRI has used a wide range of rescue vessels and types of rescue vessel over the years.

  • JetRIB, Four-stroke Yamaha VX1050 Jet Ski with an extension hull and Hypalon pontoons.
  • RL 36, 9m deep V, Cold moulded wood:
  • Pearl van Riet, Station 9
  • Brede class: (RNLI design)
  • Spirit of Safmarine. Station 10,

{{expand section|describe the history of the vessel types in use and the characteristics of each type|date=January 2021}}

= Offshore Rescue Craft class =

File:NSRI Station 10 New rescue vessel.jpg

The first vessel of the offshore rescue craft (ORC) class vessel was procured from a French boatyard in 2019 and stationed at Durban. The vessel has a 14.8m long composite hull with a 4.8 m beam, and is suitable for search and rescue operations up to 50 nautical miles offshore. The second vessel of the class was finished from an imported set of mouldings and delivered to Station 10 (Simon's Town) from Two Oceans Marine in Cape Town in April 2021. It will be kept ready to launch at a few minutes notice on a cradle in the boathouse.

The rest of the series will be manufactured in Cape Town under license using moulds taken off the second boat's mouldings. The vessel is longitudinally subdivided into forepeak, forward accommodation for survivors, tank space with heads, engine room and steering flat. The superstructure is on the main deck and comprises a watertight wheelhouse, which provides a high centre of buoyancy for self-righting, and has a raised exterior steering position on the port side. The transom has a ladder for boarding from the water and two small platforms just above the waterline. There is a substantial towing bollard on the quarterdeck and a gap in the stern rail at the top of the ladder which also serves as a fairlead for towing lines. The crew seating includes safety belts and shock absorber mountings to mitigate vertical acceleration shock loads.

A track with sliding cars runs around the wheelhouse just below the handrail, providing secure but mobile harness clip-off points for crew working on or traversing the side decks. The handrails on the foredeck and side decks are inset to avoid damage when alongside large vessels in a seaway. There is a small but sturdy davit on the port side suitable for hoisting survivors on board, in clear view of the exterior control point.

Structure is fibre reinforced plastic composite, partly foam cored and partly solid skin with foam cored frames. Structural glass fibres are used for most of the layup, with carbon fibre stiffening where most effective. High density core material is used in heavily loaded components such as engine beds.

==Specifications==

Specifications:

  • Designation ORC 140.RS
  • Survivor capacity: 23/24 persons.(sources vary)
  • Crew 6 {{clarify|positions|date=April 2021}}
  • Expected lifespan: 40 years.
  • Self righting by inherent stability when intact
  • Original vessel manufacture: France
  • Series manufacturer: Two Oceans Marine (Cape Town)
  • Cost per vessel: R20 million
  • Series cost: R180 million
  • Maximum speed of about 28 knots with crew, equipment and full tanks
  • Range of 250 nautical miles at 20 knots cruising speed with 25% reserve.
  • Length overall 14.8 m
  • Moulded length 13.85 m
  • Waterline length 13.56 m
  • Beam overall 4.8 m
  • Beam moulded 4.6 m
  • Depth 2.08 m
  • Draught (loaded) 1.4 m
  • Displacement (light) 15 900 kg according to the stability book
  • Displacement (loaded)
  • Fuel capacity 2 tanks of 1000 litres each
  • Engines: 2 x Cummins QSC 8.3M marine diesels producing 441 kW at ????rpm
  • Gearboxes: ZF 370 V, a 10° V-drive, remote mount marine transmission.{{cite web|url=https://www.performancediesel.com/wp-content/uploads/DS-ZF_370_V.pdf|title=Marine Propulsion Systems ZF 370 V |website=www.performancediesel.com |access-date=25 April 2021}}
  • Propellers, rudders and shafts CJR {{clarify|CJR?|date=April 2021}}
  • Towing bollard rated for 4.5 tonne
  • Vessel sound level 76 dB {{clarify|where measured and under what conditions|date=April 2021}}

Names and stations:

  • 14-01, Station 5, Durban
  • 14-02, "Donna Nicholas", Station 10, Simon's Town, April 2021
  • 14-03,

==Gallery==

{{center|External views of the vessel}}

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170319.jpg|Profile from port

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170316.jpg|Bow

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170309.jpg|Stern

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170317.jpg|Port bow

{{center|The upper deck}}

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170323.jpg|View from port quarter

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170322.jpg|Quarterdeck railings

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170385.jpg|Towing gear

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170386.jpg|Flying bridge

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170387.jpg|Superstructure from aft

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170391.jpg|View forward from flying bridge

{{center|Deck fittings}}

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170396.jpg|Davit

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170325.jpg|Engine room soft patch

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170405.jpg|Handrail and jackstay track with car

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170406.jpg|Anchor gear and pulpit rail

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170407.jpg|Liferaft and forward escape hatch

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170415.jpg|Engine freshwater flush connection

{{center|Wheelhouse interior}}

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170329.jpg|Helmsman's seat

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170326.jpg|Navigation table

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170364.jpg|Wheelhouse exterior watertight door

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170365.jpg|Port side seating

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170376.jpg|Crew seat detail

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170379.jpg|Navigators instrument panel

{{center|Passenger accommodation}}

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170330.jpg|Forepeak and anchor locker access

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170331.jpg|Survivor seating port side

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170332.jpg|Galley area and companionway ladder starboard forward

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170333.jpg|Seating and watertight door starboard aft

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170361.jpg|Companionway ladder and doorway starboard

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170363.jpg|Deckhead escape hatch with drop-down ladder looking aft

{{center|Tank space}}

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170334.jpg|Starboard tank space

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170353.jpg|Heads in port tank space

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170354.jpg|Port tank space

{{center|Engine Room}}

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170339.jpg|View from forward watertight door

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170336.jpg|Starboard engine and gearbox

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170337.jpg|Port engine and gearbox

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170348.jpg|Port engine aft

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170350.jpg|Starboard exhaust

{{center|Steering flat}}

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170340.jpg|Port steering ram, tiller, rudder stock and link bar

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170342.jpg|Electro-hydraulic steering motor

File:NSRI 14m Offshore Rescue Class 14-02 P4170346.jpg|Emergency tiller stowed against transom, emergency exit above

Pink Bouy initiative

File:Pink Buoy 1.jpg

As part of the NSRI's Drowning Prevention program, starting in 2017, the NSRI started placing Pink Rescue torpedo buoys in strategic locations including inland rivers, dams, and beaches.

Not only are they used for rescues when lifeguards are not around, but they act as a reminder to be careful when you are in the water if there are no lifeguards around.

{{Expand section|date=November 2023}}

See also

Similar organisations around the world:

References

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite web|url=https://www.nsri.org.za/rescue/rescue-bases/ |title=Rescue base finder |website=www.nsri.org.za |access-date=3 December 2020 }}

{{cite web |url=https://www.nsri.org.za/about-us/history/ |title=History |website=www.nsri.org.za |access-date=11 January 2021 }}

{{cite magazine|title=NSRI's ORC project is taking shape |magazine=Sea Rescue |date=Summer 2020 |pages=28 to 29 |publisher=National Sea Rescue Institute |location=Cape Town, South Africa }}

}}

External links

  • :Commons:Category:NSRI 14m offshore class rescue craft
  • [http://www.nsri.org.za NSRI homepage]
  • [http://asr.nsri.org.za/ The ASR], one of the 3 helicopter units of the NSRI
  • [http://station2.nsri.org.za/ NSRI Station 2] at Bakoven
  • [http://users.iafrica.com/c/ca/caroper/nsri/ NSRI Station 8] at Hout Bay
  • [http://www.station10.co.za/ NSRI Station 10] Simon's Town
  • [http://www.knysna.co.za/nsri12/index.html NSRI Station 12] at Knysna
  • [http://www.plettyamaha.co.za/nsri/index.php NSRI Station 14] at Plettenberg Bay
  • [http://home.mweb.co.za/ns/nsri/ NSRI Station 15] at Mossel Bay
  • [http://station19.nsri.org.za NSRI Station 19] at Richards Bay
  • [http://www.nsri18.co.za/ NSRI Station 18] at Melkbosstrand
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20080914012934/http://www.sasar.gov.za/ South African Search and Rescue Organisation]
  • [https://www.nsri.org.za/water-safety/pink-rescue-buoys/ Pink Buoy]

{{Cape Town|services}}

Category:Sea rescue organizations

Category:Emergency medical services in South Africa

Category:Maritime history of South Africa