VALENTINE CLASS lifeboat

[aukepalmhof]

6) Valentijn class
The first convertible RIB from the Valentijn class is made entirely of aluminium. This class has been in use by the KNRM since 1990.
Photographer Martijn Bustin (KNRM Image Archive).

https://www.postzegelblog.nl/2024/05/19 ... el-en-wee/

LIFEBOAT CLASS VALENTINE

The class has two types, the Valentine and Valentine 2000,
Details of the Valentine:
Weight 10 tons, dim. 10.60 x 4.10 x 0.75m.
Powered by 2 x 450 hp (Volvo Penta TAMD 74 EDC diesel engines)
Maximum speed 34 knots.
Capacity for 50 rescued persons, and 4 crew.

Valentine class 2000:
Weight 10 tons, dim. 11.00 x 4.10m.
Powered by 2 x 450hp diesel engines, maximum speed 34 knots,.
Capacity for 50 rescued persons and 4 crew.

19 Units are still in service, only the VALENTINE is out of service.

The ever-increasing demand for lifeboat assistance, the rise of recreational boating and the advancing technology required a new, faster lifeboat than the old wooden motor beach lifeboats of yesteryear. Seaworthiness, manoeuvrability, shallow draft and speed were the most important requirements in the development of this. 
Because the Johannes Frederik class proved to be too heavy as a beach rescue boat, the KNRM looked for a smaller ship that was lighter, but had the same sailing characteristics. This eventually became the Valentijn, the prototype of which was put into service in Noordwijk in 1990. 

VALENTINE
Unlike the Arie Visser class and the Johannes Frederik class, the Valentijn class is not built to sail in every conceivable weather condition. In extremely bad weather conditions, no Valentijn type is launched, but the rescue is left to a nearby rescue station with a so-called all-weather rescue boat. This restriction only applies on the North Sea in extremely heavy surf. On the Wadden Sea and the IJsselmeer, the Valentijns can always be deployed. 
The Valentijn class is a so-called RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). The boat is built of aluminium and has a large inflatable tyre all around. This 'tube' serves as extra stability, provides buoyancy and acts as a bumper when coming alongside other ships. The lifeboat is self-righting thanks to a double-walled wheelhouse roof and has a high stability up to 140 degrees of list. In the event of a capsize in bad weather, the boat will right itself. If the boat unexpectedly remains upside down, the tilting bag is inflated under water. This 'air bag' is placed on the roof of the wheelhouse and forces the boat to right itself when inflated. 
A Valentijn sails with a minimum of four crew members: a skipper, motor driver and two crew members. During the journey, they sit on a total of four sprung saddles. The crew member on the starboard side operates the radio equipment; the crew member on the port side is for the radar and plotter. The fourth crew member sits behind the helmsman. The lifeboat offers space for 50 rescued persons. 
The Valentijn class is equipped with a large number of rescue and aids. Such as a stretcher and a salvage and fire pump. On the afterdeck a  bitting  (a strong bollard that protrudes through the deck) is placed for towing and refloating ships. On the side of the boat nets are attached for getting drowning people on board. Via a 'rescue ramp' on the back of the boat, rescued people can also get on board. The rescue ramp is comparable in shape to an emergency slide on an airplane. 
The Valentijn class is built entirely of aluminum and is originally 10.60 meters long, 4.10 meters wide and has a draft of 0.75 meters. Two water jets give the boat a speed of up to 34 knots (about 63 km/h). The water jets are powered by two Volvo Penta diesel engines of 450 hp each. 

TUBE 
To provide this type of lifeboat with extra stability and buoyancy, a tube is attached around the hull. This tube is a rim of five inflatable compartments, protected by a thick layer of foam with rubber covering. When passing alongside a ship, this tube also offers protection such as a fender. 

EQUIPMENT 
There is a range of equipment on board. On the port side are the radar, chart plotter, VHF and the controls for the port searchlight. On the starboard side are the radio direction finder, VHF with DSC, the controls for the starboard searchlights, the mobile phone and the depth sounder. In the middle is the dashboard, with control panel for the engines, controls for the bilge pump and sprinkler system, compass, and the steering wheel with the levers for engine and waterjet control on the starboard side. In order to be able to communicate with each other and with external parties, there is an advanced intercom system on board, which is integrated in the helmets as a headset. 

INVENTORY 
The crew members are faced with various rescue operations. On board is a complete inventory for this, including 110 meters of tow line, stop bag, fire extinguishers, 24 volt pump, motor pump with accessories, first aid kit, oxygen/breathing set, hypothermia blankets, survival suits for rescued persons, stretchers, white parachute flares for search operations, night vision goggles and binoculars. 

VALENTIJN-2000-CLASS 
From 2000 onwards, a new version of the Valentijn was built. The new type, called Valentijn-2000, is slightly longer than the previous Valentijn. As a result, the working space, particularly on the aft deck, is larger and the wheelhouse is more comfortable for the crew. In the new design, the sailing behaviour of the Valentijn has been further optimised. In contrast to the previous Valentijn, the Valentijn-2000 is completely self-righting. 
https://www.knrm.nl/reddingboten/valentijn-klasse
Netherland 2024 1 sg?, Scott?