DURING floods and heavy rains, rescue boats come in handy in getting people and animals to safety. But sometimes debris gets in the way and with just a puncture and the boat collapses.
But not when it’s made of fiberglass. In 2011, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Calabarzon launched a fiberglass rescue boat for evacuation and rescue operations. The DOST came up with the modified version, making the boat safer and more efficient.
Engr. Eric Bautista of DOST-Calabarzon Technical Services Unit said that the initial model has gone through changes based on the feedbacks and observations of actual users. “The current design houses the outboard motor’s gas tank in a strategically placed compartment,” he said. “The paddle arrester has also undergone changes to suit the needs of the operators.”
The rescue boat has a storage compartment for the gas tank which can only be accessed by the operators.
“The paddle strap was reengineered to provide a sturdy clamping point while maintaining ease of usage,” Bautista said.
The Fiberglass Rescue Boat (FRB) is made to order.
Bautista advised every barangay to have a boat ready, especially in Metro Manila, for rescue operations.
Bautista suggested flood prone areas to have three units and coastal areas with less flooding should have at least one. Currently, DOST fiberglass boats are in several areas, namely Benguet, Infanta (Quezon), General Nakar (Quezon), Gapan (Nueva Ecija), San Mateo (Rizal) and Barangay Tumana (Marikina).
Bautista said, “The FRB absolutely does its job in transporting people to safety in times of floods, and provides easier transport for relief goods due to its design.”
“The units are fabricated by recognized cooperators by the DOST Regional Office [Calabarzon] to ensure strict adherence to design and specifications stipulated by the technical working group, including Marina,” he said.
He said that a unit costs P128,700, with an additional P60,000 if a trailer or hauler is needed.
“The 25 horsepower outboard motor is priced at P126,000,” Bautista said.
S&T Media Service
Image credits: S&T Media Service