CRANE OPERATED RECOVERY SYSTEM FOR RESCUE VESSELS
- Approved by NMD for use on Standby Vessel
- Conforms to the UKOOA guidelines for Standby vessels



Introduction
The Dacon Rescue Scoop is a rescue system for recovery of persons from the water directly on board larger rescue vessels.

The Dacon Rescue Scoop is a maneuverable rescue net which is operated by a standard deck crane. The Scoop is suspended from the ship’s side and it provides an effective, heavy weather recovery system with a rescue reach of about 4 - 6 m depending on dimensions and crane reach.
Deployment height should be 2,5 - 5 m. preferably above 3 m.

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, exhausted 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 250 vessels are now equipped with the Dacon Rescue Scoop (2007).


Design
The Dacon Rescue Scoop is designed as an open meshed net consisting of parallel fiber 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 or at deck level. 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 persons.

The net is equipped with a guide line at the trailing end for additional control of the net's position in the water.

When deployed, the Rescue Scoop is easily maneuvered underneath the person in the water.


Operation
In a rescue situation, the vessel is maneuvered to approach the person in the water within the rescue reach of the Scoop. The Scoop should be in the Stand-by position, above water.
On final approach, the Scoop is lowered into the water in front of the person allowing him to drift into the opening of the net. As the net is lifted, the person is gently brought up to the railing.
Best pick-up speed is dead slow, about 1-3 knots.

The operation of the Rescue Scoop requires the coordinated 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 person will be recovered in a horizontal position with the body fully support. An exhausted or injured person will thereby be subjected to the least possible strain. This may be a significant factor in reducing further injuries or the possibility of shock conditions.


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
Installation height: 2,5-5 m (Preferably above 3 m)

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: ≈50 m/min.
Topping speed: ≈15 - 20 s.