MST 750 Rescue Craft
Technical Specifications

The new BISRA Lifeboat, which replaces the Atlantic 21 that has been in service for the last five years, is an MST 750 Rescue Craft, purpose-built to BISRA's own specifications by Marine Specialised Technology Ltd, based in Liverpool, England. Powered by two 150 HP Evinrude V6 2-stroke outboard engines, she achieved a top speed of 46 knots during acceptance trials and has an estimated 5 hours endurance at full speed.

Rigid Hull

The rigid portion of the hull, is made of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). GRP is a composite material consisting of plastic (polyester resin) with glass fibre reinforcement. This material is used because it is strong (stronger than wood), non-corroding (virtually maintenance free), invulnerable to attack by marine organisms and easily moulded into complex shapes. The bottom of the hull is shaped from a deep-Vee at the bow reducing towards the stern. The flat run assists in getting the lifeboat up on the plane quickly, and enhances directional stability. The deep-Vee bow gives the lifeboat excellent directional stability when underway.

Spray Rail

A 'spray rail' runs from forward to the stern on each side of the hull to deflect water away from the sponson and to stop spray being taken aboard.

Inflatable Sponson

The sponson material is Hypalon. The Hypalon coating is very tough and is resistant to ultra-violet radiation, ozone, petrol and oil. The sponson gives the lifeboat its overall length and beam when it is fixed to the rigid hull and inflated to the correct pressure. Rubber fendering is fitted to the outer edges of the bow and side of the sponson.

The Console The Console is fitted almost amidships on the fore and aft centreline of the deck, and provides fixing for controls and seating for the four man crew. This provides a large working area forward of the console to facilitate handling of casualties, and is also big enough to hold a basket stretcher. Seating consists of two rows of two seats with the Helmsman sitting on the starboard side of the front row. Beside him to port sits the Radio Operator/Crewman with the remaining crewmen occupying the two rear seats. All crew positions have 'foot-straps' fitted to the deck, each crewman being able to 'ride the bumps' by raising himself slightly above the seat, taking the shocks through his leg muscles.

Equipment Carried:

Lighting

In addition to the fixed navigation lights and Blue Flashing strobe lights which face aft and are attached to the A frame, the MST 750 has low level capsize lamps fitted to each side of the console. In addition, there are two high-powered forward-facing searchlights fitted to the A frame. A high power hand-held 'spotlight' is carried, also a high powered hand torch and a second rubber covered torch.

Anchors and Cordage

A 6kg Bruce anchor, galvanised chain and 100 metre x 12 mm plaited nylon anchor warp are carried. The stowage position for the anchor is in a locker below the forward deck area. A sea anchor and warp are carried . The main purpose of this anchor is to keep the bow of the lifeboat head-on to the sea in the event of complete motor failure or a capsize. A manually released sea anchor stowage is fitted and in the event of a capsize can be released when the crew are about to leave the underside of the lifeboat or when the crew reach the after end of the lifeboat.

The 100 metre anchor and tow rope are fitted to a purpose-built reel situated aft of the four crew seats. Throwing lines fitted to quoits are carried in stowage bags attached to the inside of the sponsons.