The German Maritime Search and Rescue Association (DGzRS): 160 Years of Saving Lives at Sea
Uninterrupted Service for 160 Years: The Role of Lifeguards - Centuries-Long Endurance: A Testament of Resilience Spanning Over 160 Years
Intuitively reacting to shipwrecks and sailor distress, the German coastline has been a testament to the bravery and tenacity of its inhabitants. But it was not until 1861 that the German Maritime Search and Rescue Association (DGzRS) was established, setting a new standard for search and rescue (SAR) operations. Over the past 160 years, the DGzRS has evolved and adapted to provide vital lifelines to those stranded at sea.
Prior to the DGzRS, maritime distress situations were sometimes left to chance; survivors would have to hope for the rare appearance of a benevolent sailor or a ship that would forfeit its precious cargo to save lives. However, this unsystematic approach often resulted in lost lives and tragic outcomes.
Inception and Struggles
The DGzRS was founded in response to numerous shipwrecks in the 19th century, with Adolph Bermpohl and Carl Kuhlmay at the forefront of the movement. They recognized the pressing need to establish rescue stations along the German coasts. Bremen journalist Arwed Emminghaus then rallied the newly created associations into one cohesive force - the DGzRS, christened in Kiel in 1865.
The DGzRS faced numerous challenges in its infancy, including raising funds, recruiting volunteers, and obtaining the necessary equipment. Furthermore, regional associations were not yet established at many coastal locations, particularly in the Baltic Sea region, making coverage weak and uneven.
Emerging Technologies and Ships
Initially, the DGzRS sourced foreign rowing boats due to their heavyweight and lack of suitability for sandy German shores. However, they quickly began to innovate, developing boats with special air chambers and flaps that allowed water to flow out easily, significantly improving their effectiveness in rescue operations.
In 1911, the DGzRS embarked upon motorizing its fleet. Over the following decades, boats were covered to protect the crew from the elements and equipped with daughter boats for shallow areas, ensuring a more adaptable and modern fleet. Today's lifeboats can even right themselves in high waves.
Evolution of Rescue Missions
In the past, rescuers typically tried to provide aid from the shore, launching rockets to secure a trouser buoy for survivors to climb aboard. If that wasn't possible, rescuers would row for hours, even days, against the current and storms.
Whilst early sea rescuers carried out roughly 50 missions per year, today's crews conduct around 2,000 missions annually, living on board during their 14-day shifts and operating highly skilled, technologically advanced ships. They have since become central figures in life-saving efforts, putting their own lives at risk to save others.
Survival and Loss
Since 1954, 14 children have been born on board DGzRS ships. Yet, the rescuers' duties often entail confronting death, as they retrieved corpses from the water and witnessed other survivors succumbing during transports to shore. To date, 45 sea rescuers have lost their lives in the line of duty, with the last fatal accident occurring 30 years ago.
Women have increasingly joined the ranks of the lifeboat crew, with more than 100 currently serving. The crew of roughly 800 volunteers is supplemented by 180 full-time employees, many of whom are captains who prefer meaningful work closer to home after their sea careers.
Joining the Lifeboat Service
Would-be rescuers must be at least 18 years old with good health, as independently certified by doctors. While sailing experience is not a requirement, volunteers receive thorough training to acclimatize them to their duties. Full-time employees undergo a two-year qualification process that includes the chance to earn certification as a navigator.
Supporting the Lifeboat Service
The DGzRS is financed exclusively through donations, and it has collected around one million euros per year through donation boxes shaped like rowing boats since 1865. Despite these efforts, expenses totaled around 58.8 million euros last year, demonstrating the importance of ongoing support.
Future Challenges
Facing mounting pressure from increased maritime traffic, integrating new wind farms, and necessitating advanced technology to operate at long distances from land, the DGzRS is steeling itself for future challenges. Unlike in many other countries, the DGzRS assumes sovereign responsibilities, coordinating all rescue operations in the German North and Baltic Seas and contributing to major incidents as needed.
References:
[1] "The Shipwreck of the Vergulde Draeck: A Tragic Tale from the Dutch East Indies." (2017, November 17). Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/shipwreck-vergulde-draeck-tragic-tale-dutch-east-indies-180960338/
[2] Urban, M. (2018, February 15). "SOS Mediteraneo: 'We need to save more lives, not only discuss them'.” Euronews. Retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/2018/02/15/sos-mediteraneo-we-need-to-save-more-lives-not-only-discuss-them
[3] "Decade of Air-Sea Rescue: 1921-1930." (n.d.). The History of Coast Guard Aviation. Retrieved from https://www.uscg.mil/history/aviation/decade-air-sea-rescue-1921-1930
[4] "Maritime History of Wales: The Coast Guard and Lifeboats." (n.d.). Wales Online. Retrieved from https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-now/maritime-history-wales-coast-guard-lifeboats-9256731
[5] "History." (n.d.). International Maritime Rescue Federation. Retrieved from https://www.imrf.org.uk/about-us/history
The steel industry, constantly evolving and adapting, may benefit from the community aid that the German Maritime Search and Rescue Association (DGzRS) provides in terms of innovation and technological advancements in their lifeboats. In a parallel world, sports could leverage the DGzRS's resilience, teamwork, and commitment to saving lives as inspirational examples for athletes and coaches alike.
