In the Republic of Ireland, there exists a network of community organisations that operate Rescue and Recovery Craft. These organisations have successfully passed a Water Safety Ireland VAT Inspection, but are not recognised by the Coast Guard as a declared resource (DR). 

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Role of Non-Declared Rescue/Recovery Craft

These community-operated craft are primarily engaged in search and recovery missions. Their work is vital in situations where time is of the essence, such as locating missing persons or retrieving objects from the water. Here’s an overview of their functions:
 

• Search Operations: These organisations are often the first responders in search efforts, leveraging local knowledge of waterways and terrain.

• Recovery Missions: Once a person or object is found, these craft are instrumental in safely retrieving them from the water and ensuring they receive necessary care or handling.

• Community Engagement: Operated by local volunteers, these organisations foster a strong community spirit and provide essential training and awareness programs to enhance water safety.

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The following communities are known to have operated rescue/recovery craft:

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• Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick

• Ballyheigue, Co Kerry

• Blackwater Search & Rescue – River Blackwater,Fermoy

• Blackwater SAR

• Blessington Reservoir, Co Wicklow

• Boyle Anglers SAR, Co. Roscommon

• Bunratty Search and Rescue, Co Clare

• Cahir (River Suir), Co Tipperary

• Carna, Co Galway

• Carrick-on-Suir River, Co Waterford

• Cork River Rescue

• Dublin City Fire Brigade, River Liffey

• Dundalk, Co Louth

• Erne Search & Recovery

• Foynes, Co Limerick

• Foxford & District Search and Rescue Unit, Co Mayo

• Fermoy SAR, Co Cork

• Grainneuaile Sub Aqua Club

• Inchydoney Inshore Lifeboat Association

• Kildare SAR

• Killarney Water Rescue & Recovery

• Lahinch, Co Clare

• Lanesborough, Lough Ree, Co Longford

• Lough Finn, Co Donegal

• Lough Ree, Co Westmeath

• Lough Ramor Rescue Boat

• Meath River Rescue

• Mountshannon, Lough Derg, Co Clare

• New Ross, Co Wexford

• New Ross River SAR

• Portumna, Lough Derg, Co Galway

• River Boyne Fisherman’s Search & Rescue Group, Co Louth

• River Foyle, Co Derry

• River Moy Search & Rescue

• River Slaney, Co Wexford

• Shannon Mud Rescue

• Strandhill Rescue Services, Co Sligo

• Tipperary Search and Rescue

• ​West Cork Underwater Search and Rescue

 

​The section below contains information on some of the community organisations. For further information visit the Water Safety Ireland website.