Introduction
The Dacon Rescue Scoop is a rescue system for recovery of casualties from the water directly on board larger rescue vessels. The Dacon Rescue Scoop is a manoeuvrable rescue net which is operated by a standard deck crane. The net is suspended from the ship¹s side and it provides an effective recovery system with a rescue reach of about 3 - 6 m depending on dimensions and crane reach.
The equipment is stowed in a crib usually on the inside of the bulwark or railing and the equipment is always ready for immediate deployment. The Rescue Scoop does not occupy deck space either when in use or when stowed.
The equipment is light-weight and flexible and provides a gentle and effective recovery also for injured and unconscious persons in the water. The Dacon Rescue Scoop has proved a practical and effective recovery system through years of operation in North Sea weather conditions. More than 90 vessels (Feb. -97) are now equipped with the Dacon Rescue Scoop.
Design
The Dacon Rescue Scoop is designed as an open meshed net consisting of parallel fibre glass rods which are tied together by webbing making the net rigid in the along-ship direction.
The Scoop is usually installed along the top of the bulwark or railing. The free end of the net is equipped with a chain bridle for attachment to the crane hook. The Scoop is equipped with fenders in the freeboard area providing distance to the hull for easy grip in a scrambling situation. The Rescue Scoop is weighted along the leading edge and will quickly assume the correct position in the water allowing for easy recovery of casualties. The net is equipped with a guide line at the trailing end for additional control of the net's position in the water. When in use, the Rescue Scoop is pulled out of the crib to a stand-by position suspended above the water. The net will hang down in a loop between the crane and the side of the ship forming a scoop shape when lowered into the water.
Use
In a rescue situation, the vessel is manoeuvred to approach the casualty in the water within the rescue reach of the Scoop. The Scoop should be in the Stand-by position. On final approach, the Scoop is lowered into the water in front of the casualty allowing him to drift into the opening of the net. As the net is lifted, the casualty is gently brought up to the railing. Best pick-up speed is about 1-3 knots. The operation of the Rescue Scoop requires the co-ordinated action of the master, the crane operator and a deck hand. For detailed instructions, please see the Operation- and Maintenance instructions.
Medical Aspects
With the Dacon Rescue Scoop, the casualty will be recovered in a horizontal position with the body fully support. A weakened or injured person will thereby be subjected to a least possible strain. This may be a significant factor in reducing further injuries and the possibility of a shock condition which is often associated with vertical rescue of weak and hypothermic casualties.
Training
Some basic crew training is required. Primarily the training involves the master, the crane operator and deck hands. The training will give the crew a thorough introduction to the principles of the equipment, practical use, and operational limitations of the equipment. The training also includes inspection and maintenance of the equipment. For safe and effective operation of the Rescue Scoop the master (or mate) and at least one crane operator and one deck hand must have completed such training. The training consists of a theoretical and a practical part. The practical part includes pick-up exercises with person or dummy in the water and it requires the vessel to be operational. Duration of the training is about 3 - 5 hours. Dacon AS will supply this training as part of a contract.
Models for All Sizes of Vessels
The Dacon Rescue Scoop may be supplied in various sizes to fit vessels of all sizes. The equipment is supplied to Pilot vessels, Coast Guard vessels as well as Stand-by- and Supply vessels in offshore service. The Dacon Rescue Scoop is exported to several countries world wide.
Materials
Fibre glass, polyester, stainless steel and aluminium.
Offshore Model, Type RSA:
Dimensions and Weight
The Scoop will be dimensioned according to the size of the specific vessel, the freeboard and reach of the crane.
Typical Dacon Scoop dimensions for installation on a Standby or Supply type vessel is:
Length: 5-7 m
Width: 8-10 m
Weight: 350-450 kg
Effective rescue reach: 4-6 m
Crane Requirements, Offshore Model:
Outreach: About 6m (in the forward half of the installation zone)
Lifting height: 8-12 m (above deck, in the middle of the installation zone)
Capacity: 1500 kg. min.
Winch speed: approx. 50 m/min.
Topping speed: approx. 15 - 20 s.
Utility Vessel Model, Type RSB
Dimensions and Weight
Typical Dacon Scoop dimensions for installation on Utility type vessel (Pilot- Coast Guard vessel, Tug or similar are:
Length: 3-4 m
Width: 5-7 m
Weight: approx. 100 kg
Effective rescue reach: approx. 2-4 m
Crane Requirements, Utility Model:
Outreach: About 4m (in the forward half of the installation zone)
Lifting height: 5-8 m (above deck, in the middle of the installation zone)
Capacity: 250 kg. min.
Winch speed: 60-120 m/min.
Topping speed: 5-10 s.
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