NIKOLAAS CLASS LIFEBOAT

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7) Volunteer rescuers
Not only are the crew on the boats of the Nikolaas class (specially suited for use on inland waters) volunteer rescuers, but also on all other rescue boats. This class has been in use by the KNRM since 2009.
Photographer Roel Ovinge (KNRM Image Archive).

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


LIFEBOAT CLASS NIKOLAAS

NIKOLAAS I

Weight 3.4 tons, dim. 9.15 x 3.30 x 0.60m.
Powered by one 435hp Volvo Penta or two 258hp Steyr engines. Max speed 34 knots.
Capacity for 20 rescued people and 4 crew.
8 boats are in service by the KNRM.

Nikolaas II class

Weight 4.2 tons, dim 9.15 x 3.30 x 0.60m.
Powered by a Volvo D6 435hp, in combination with Ultra 377 waterjet. Maximum speed 35 knots.
Range by full speed three hours.
Capacity for 20 persons rescued and 4 crew,
Inland water deployability: Under all weather conditions.

Nikolaas III class

Weight ?, dim. 9.15 x 3.30 x 0.62m.
Powered by 1 x 380hp or 2 x 225 hp engines., speed 40 knots.
Capacity for 20 rescued persons and 2 crew.





Before the choice for the current Nikolaas class was made, the KNRM sailed with various lifeboats that did not belong to one specific class. That is why a new type of lifeboat was chosen in 2008, specifically intended for assistance and rescues on the wide inland waters.
The choice of this lifeboat was determined by a number of specific qualities:
The rescued capacity of 20 persons (excluding crew), the high speed (34-35 knots) and a large tractive force. In addition, the KNRM wanted a water jet propulsion, because of the good maneuverability and the safety for drowning persons. The cost aspect was also important; this rescue boat is cheaper than an Atlantic class and requires less maintenance.

In 2008, the class was added to the KNRM fleet with the commissioning of the NIKOLAAS WIJSENBEEK . The purchase was made possible by a donation from the Wijsenbeek family, in memory of their deceased son Nikolaas. It is a lifeboat specifically intended for assistance and rescues on inland waters
The first nine lifeboats were built by Mare Safety AS from Ulsteinvik in Norway. More than 210 of the AV 900 type have already been built and this ship has earned its spurs. The lifeboat has been adapted to the requirements of the KNRM in a number of ways. For example, a fourth seat has been created, navigation equipment has been built in, a second marine radio and radar have been installed. The engine is a Volvo D6 in combination with an Ultra 377 waterjet.
In true KNRM tradition, the class designation is determined by the name of the first ship. NIKOLAAS WIJSENBEEK (1977-1994) was a young, enthusiastic sailor who died in a tragic accident. His parents want to keep their son in fond memory with this donation.
NICHOLAS II CLASS
Based on the Nikolaas 1 class, a modified and reinforced version was designed. The main difference with the first version is the thicker surface plates and the double number of transverse frames. In addition, the possibility was created to place two engines for lifeboats operating in flowing water.

In 2008, the class was added to the KNRM fleet with the commissioning of the Nikolaas Wijsenbeek . The purchase was made possible by a donation from the Wijsenbeek family, in memory of their deceased son Nikolaas. It is a lifeboat specifically intended for assistance and rescues on inland waters

https://www.knrm.nl/reddingboten/nikolaas-klasse https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolaas_ ... boot_KNRM)
Netherland 2024 1 sg?, Scott?