Lion Rescue, 14.6

Size: 14.6 Dedicated Rescue Vessel
Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Commissioned by Auckland Volunteer Coastguard and custom designed by Steve Schmidt and his design team, Naiad's spectacular Dedicated Rescue Vessel "Lion Rescue" met all criteria requested. The design team worked very well to accommodate all of their customer's requirements with well planned spaces and carefully designed steps to allow unencumbered entry to each area. Handrails are amply placed around the exterior and interior of the Naiad for safety in the rough conditions which often exist in rescue situations.

The helm station sports every conceivable electronic instrument required to save lives including a 10kw radar with 10" daylight screen, GPS with second 10" daylight screen and integrated Raytech computer system with 12" daylight screen. There is also an integrated Seatalk system showing speed, wind, depth and course with repeater displays at six positions around the boat. An Integrated Autopilot system aids navigation and three VHF radios with dual handsets are situated in helm station, ambulance bay and the saloon. The Coastguard UHF radio and transponder system installed in the Naiad provides instant positioning at Headquarters and to all Coastguard boats in the northern region. An important tool is the loud hailer and intercom system. The virtual 360 degree view from the helm station gives searchers almost unlimited viewing and the large sliding windows port and starboard help with visibility and helmsman's contact with boats when coming alongside.

A double row of seats gives comfortable seating for 3 persons on each bench and the aft setup has a long work bench for the navigator and pathfinders. The galley and saloon are comfortably laid out so four operators can move around with ease and enjoy rest breaks during patrols. A gas oven and hob plus microwave allow meals to be prepared while on patrol and custom built cupboards ensure stored items will not move around in rough conditions. High tech equipment is intermingled with the basics in this area to keep the contacts throughout the ship. The ambulance bay is set up with two wide bunks and the intercom system gives contact to all areas of the boat. Separate toilet and shower allows the overnight crews to refresh themselves for the day ahead and the forward cabin has sleeping for two persons with storage under the bunks.

A 240 volt inverter provides the power when out at sea while the boat has a shore power system when berthed. Good lighting is provided throughout the boat with the option of white light or red light which is necessary when moving. A large door hatch provides internal access from the foredeck through the forward accommodation which is spacious enough for stretcher access. With boarding to the bow very easy the Naiad can ease it's way into difficult positions to pickup crew, medics or make transfers.

During rescues it is imperative to have access to shallow areas with a small tender and often to have the ability to launch a second vessel for inshore searching is of great importance so a Naiad 2.5 with 4hp outboard is stowed under the aft deck for this purpose. Fore and aft deck have large work areas including running hot and cold water on the aft deck and a wide boarding platform.

Powered by twin Caterpillar 420hp inboards with Henleys shaft drives, props and rudders, a top speed of 29 knots at full load has been achieved with an extremely soft ride and effortless handling. The fuel tanks provide long range capacity of approximately 400 nautical miles. Signwritten with the Coastguard and sponsors logos this 14.6 metre Naiad is highly visible and is seen every weekend patrolling Auckland Harbour and Hauraki Gulf.