Uninterrupted Dedication - The Continuous Service of the Lifeboat Crews (for 160 years) - "Enduring for 16 Decades: Chronicle of Existence"
DGzRS: Navigating 160 Years of Maritime Rescue
For over a century and a half, the German Maritime Search and Rescue Association (DGzRS) has been a beacon of hope for sailors, anglers, and distressed mariners off the German coastline. In its 160-year history, the DGzRS has undergone profound changes to adapt to the evolving challenges at sea.
Before the inception of the DGzRS, people in distress at sea faced a mixed fate, depending on the local resources available. Historically, there were isolated attempts to offer aid, but the coastal population often lacked the equipment and sometimes believed that such calamities were divine retribution[4].
The DGzRS was established in 1865 in response to a series of devastating shipwrecks in the 19th century. Navigation teacher Adolph Bermpohl and lawyer Carl Kuhlmay, frustrated by the inaction surrounding these tragedies, advocated for the creation of rescue stations along the German coasts[1]. Seniors customs inspector Georg Breusing founded the first association in Emden, followed by others, and Bremen journalist Arwed Emminghaus pushed for these associations to merge, creating the union we know today as the DGzRS[1].
In the early years, the DGzRS faced significant hurdles, including the need for funding, volunteers, and equipment[1]. The initial rescue vessels were rowing boats imported from abroad, but they were too heavy for the sandy beaches of the German coast. This led the DGzRS to develop its own innovative designs, featuring special air tanks and flaps for easier water flow[1].
The rescue fleet began motorization in 1911. The vessels were covered to shield the crew from the harsh marine environment. The "Theodor Heuss," the first modern lifeboat, was commissioned in 1957, marking a new era of advanced technology[1].
Today's ships can right themselves in high waves. The DGzRS is currently designing and building new vessels, including a lifeboat made of durable plastic, similar to a small car[1].
The DGzRS has maintained a fleet of approximately 200 rowing rescue boats, 70 motor rescue boats, 50 offshore rescue cruisers with daughter boats, and 90 offshore rescue boats over the years. Once these vessels reach the end of their service, they are sold, relocated for museums, given to rescue stations abroad, or offered to the offshore industry[1]. However, the maintenance and care of these ships are substantial.
The nature of rescue operations has evolved considerably, from land-based efforts using rockets to fire a line to ships in distress to more modern methods involving specialized equipment and trained personnel. Modern crews are on duty 24/7 for two-week periods, living on board their ships or at the harbor[1]. They must be proficient in steering, operating machinery, and providing critical first-aid services.
In the mid-19th century, the DGzRS was called out around 50 times per year. In contrast, they are now summoned approximately 2,000 times annually. The crews not only save lives but also aid in transporting the sick and the injured to shore or helping with technical issues[1].
Over 87,300 people have been assisted by the rescue services since their founding in 1865. Since 1954, 14 children have been born on board DGzRS vessels, underscoring the life and death nature of their work. Tragically, 45 rescue workers have lost their lives while performing their duties, including during a fateful mission on New Year's Day 1995[1].
In the past, fishermen, sailors, and pilots made up the majority of the DGzRS crews. Today, there are over 100 female crew members, and the team consists of around 800 volunteers and 180 full-time employees[2]. The volunteers receive comprehensive training, and the full-time employees often include experienced captains who transition from a life at sea to meaningful work near their homes[2].
Those interested in joining the DGzRS must be at least 18 years old, pass a medical examination, and undergo training at a designated center[2]. Nautical knowledge is not required, making the DGzRS a viable option for individuals with a desire to serve their communities and save lives at sea.
The DGzRS relies solely on donations to fund its operations, as there is no state funding[2]. To support the organization, people can donate at designated donation boxes shaped like rowing boats or contribute to new projects, such as new buildings or boats, through bequests or covering a significant portion of the costs[2].
As traffic at sea continues to grow, driven by increased water sport, commercial shipping, and industrial activity, as well as the expansion of offshore wind farms, the challenges faced by the DGzRS are bound to increase. In the future, the DGzRS might rely on alternative means of SAR operations, such as helicopters, in addition to ships[4].
Unlike some other countries, the DGzRS takes on sovereign responsibilities, coordinating all rescue operations in the German North and Baltic Seas. This role necessitates the DGzRS's involvement in significant incidents that require special environmental protection or industrial safety regulations[4].
References:1. "160 Years Around the Clock - The Work of the Lifeboatmen." DGzRS, www.dgzrs.de/aktuelles/160-jahre-um-die-uhr/2. "Join the Crew." DGzRS, www.dgzrs.de/hilfe-leisten/krewem-werden/3. "Air-Sea Rescue: Development and Challenges." International Maritime Organization, www.imo.org/en/OurWork/MaritimeSafety/Safety/Pages/Air-Sea-Rescue-Development-and-Challenges.aspx4. "Historical Evolution of Marine Search and Rescue Operations." International Safety Management (ISM), www.ismshipping.org/ism/library/srim-c3/sidebar/historical-evolution-of-marine-search-and-rescue-operations/
In light of its commitment to maritime safety, the German Maritime Search and Rescue Association (DGzRS) has extended its reach to support other sectors beyond the sea. Despite the DGzRS's historical focus on the steel industry in adapting its vessels and technologies to meet the demands of maritime rescue, it may consider partnering with other industries to leverage their expertise, such as the sports sector, to explore alternative means of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, like helicopters or advanced drone technology, in addressing the growing challenges posed by increased water sport, commercial shipping, and industrial activities.
