WO2017085176A1

WO2017085176A1 - Watercraft for retrieving at least one person in an aquatic environment and corresponding retrieval method

Info

Publication number: WO2017085176A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/077981
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabien BURIGNOT DE VARENNE; Eric FLAMBARD
Original assignee: Drone Nautique Gonflable Solution
Priority date: 2015-11-17
Filing date: 2016-11-17
Publication date: 2017-05-26

Abstract

The invention relates to a watercraft for retrieving at least one person in an aquatic environment, including a hull (12) on which are mounted an inflatable structure and propulsion means. According to the proposed solution, the watercraft includes: inflation means, configured to transfer the inflatable structure from a deflated state to an inflated state, means for activating the inflation means, configured to trigger inflation of the inflatable structure either automatically when the watercraft is placed in water or upon receipt of a remote activation signal, and means for controlling the propulsion means, configured to manage a path of the watercraft either automatically or upon receipt of a remote control signal.

Description

Nautical craft for recovering at least one person in the aquatic environment, and corresponding recovery process.

1. Domain

The field of the invention is that of rescuing people in difficulty in an aquatic environment.

More specifically, the invention relates to watercraft for the recovery of these people.

The invention applies both to rescue at sea or to rescue at the seaside, and / or rivers, ponds, ponds, etc.

2. Prior Art

In the current state of the art, there are different categories of rescue means corresponding to different needs in terms of water safety.

To estimate the needs, it is necessary on the one hand to differentiate rescue situations on the high seas (regulations are specific to each category of ship), on the seaside (beaches or coasts more or less steep), and / or in rivers , rivers, ponds, and other reservoirs or streams. On the other hand, consideration should be given to the presence and / or proximity of emergency resources (human and material) on the scene.

In summary, there are essentially three categories of known equipment dedicated to rescue.

A first category concerns buoys and life jackets. This is basic individual equipment. The lifebuoy has not changed much since its creation. There are essentially two types of buoys: the buoy "crown" and the buoy "horseshoe". These products are manufactured on a very large scale. They are part of the mandatory safety equipment (according to the SOLAS recommendations) in most boats. These buoys may be provided with complementary elements provided in particular to improve the visibility of the victim, such as a flash light or an "IOR" pole. The lifejacket is another mandatory element. It can be inflatable or self inflating depending on the type of boat and the conditions of navigation. It can also be equipped with a localization system, of AIS type for example (for "Automatic Identification System" in English, or "Automatic Identification System" in French).

A second category concerns life rafts. These are collective and static security elements. The requirement to have a life raft is imposed by the regulations depending on the vessel and its conditions of use. The life raft is put to sea when a "ship abandonment procedure" is triggered. The passengers evacuate the ship and wait in the raft for a while. Life rafts are generally inflatable: they are then mostly inflated under low pressure, before launching the raft. In order to overcome the situations in which they fall over (for example when the victim tries to get on the raft), they are also capable of self-turning, and this by the action of several devices allowing a positive lever ( water bags, etc.). A disadvantage of these rafts is that they are static and drifting since they do not have motorization means. The presence of stabilizers ensures their maintenance on the surface of the water. Thus, a person dropped into the water, for example near the raft, must swim to the latter with the risk that it will run out before reaching safety.

A third category concerns the rescue boats also called "inflatable rescue boats" (or IRB). It is also collective equipment, this time motorized, which can be used in particular in combination with buoys and lifejackets required. The rescue boats have been developed for use in ships carrying many passengers (eg cruise ships, ferries, etc.). They allow a team to go directly to the location of the person (s) in distress. This means of relief corresponds most of the time to particular cases of collective sinking of importance, fortunately infrequent. However, it is understood that this type of boat requires the presence of a qualified crew on board, which requires a lot of resources both human and financial. Furthermore, another disadvantage lies in the fact that the launching procedure of this type of boat is relatively long (20-30 minutes) since it requires significant logistical means for launching (weight , congestion). Finally, the rescue boats represent an investment and therefore a recurrent amortization. In addition, they ask for a a significant level of maintenance and upkeep to meet the operational and operability requirements of the regulations.

There is therefore a need to have a life-saving device for people in distress that is faster and more effective than existing solutions. In particular, there is a need for a survival craft, which may be complementary to such solutions (generally mandatory by regulation), the implementation of which does not require significant human and financial resources, and whose launching is substantially instantaneous. 3. Summary

In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a watercraft for recovering at least one person in an aquatic environment, comprising a hull on which are mounted an inflatable structure and propulsion means. The watercraft includes:

inflating means, configured to move the inflatable structure from a deflated state to an inflated state;

means for activating the inflating means, configured to trigger inflating of the inflatable structure automatically, when the watercraft is launched, or upon receipt of an activation signal at distance; and

means for controlling the propulsion means, configured to manage a trajectory of the watercraft automatically or when receiving a remote control signal.

The general principle of the invention consists in providing a means for rescuing a person in distress in an artificial environment, which makes it possible to increase the speed and effectiveness of the rescue compared with current solutions. Indeed, the proposed watercraft is based on a completely new and inventive approach using an inflatable structure that can be deployed from a folded position, automatically (for example when the machine is set to water) or at a distance (eg by a user on board a boat or on a shore). The nautical device according to the invention can therefore be stored and transported in folded configuration (deflated state) so that the inflatable structure is inflated (transition to the inflated state) q u'when necessary intervention. Inflation can take place as soon as it is launched or after it (in the latter case the watercraft moves in water still in the deflated state and is inflated only near the person to save). Furthermore, the movement means being controlled automatically or remotely (teleoperated), no human presence is necessary on the nautical apparatus of the invention. This makes it easier and faster to bring the watercraft to the place where the victim is to be rescued. This also eliminates the need for a qualified crew on board.

According to a particular characteristic, an assembly comprising the hull, the propulsion means and the inflatable structure in the deflated state has a buoyancy greater than a total weight of the watercraft.

This allows the watercraft to float, move and tow a person even when it is deflated and bent (positive stability of the watercraft when the inflatable structure is in the deflated state).

According to a particular characteristic, the inflatable structure comprises a platform and an anti-roll bar.

Thus, the nautical craft keeps a good orientation, namely the hoop out of the water. The reversal can for example take place at the time of inflation or when the victim tries to climb on the platform.

According to a particular characteristic, the platform comprises a mainly rectangular base and a front part having a pointed and rounded shape.

With this specific form, the platform contributes to the stability of the watercraft. The pointed and rounded shape of the front part allows a good hydrodynamic performance and creates an imbalance that contributes to the anti-rollover function regardless of the weight applied to the watercraft.

According to a particular characteristic, the front part extends on a first plane and in that the base extends on a second plane having an angle α with respect to the first plane, with a included in a range [5 °, 15 ° ].

This angular offset contributes to the self-turning function necessary for this type of boat. In the situation of a complete reversal (at 180 °), the totally submerged part corresponds to the pointed and rounded zone of the front part.

According to a particular characteristic, the platform and the anti-roll bar form a single inflatable element.

This allows a uniformity of the pressure of the inflatable structure, in the inflated state.

According to a particular characteristic, the watercraft comprises at least one reinforcing element of the inflatable structure, made of a substantially rigid material and formed of three elements: a lower element, an upper element of a shape substantially similar to the lower element, and a finishing strip which is positioned on or under the lower and upper elements.

This allows an optimized folding of the inflatable structure and therefore an optimization of the bulk of it when folded. Thus, when the inflatable structure is in the deflated state, the watercraft can be contained in a box and be easily stored, for example on the deck of a ship or on a shore. In the prior art, the solution used is a one-piece reinforcement element that does not allow perfect folding.

According to a particular characteristic, the watercraft comprises at least one ergonomic hooked means.

These include, for example, handles, handrails, lifelines, a "rescue-line", etc. These ergonomic hanging means allow the victim to cling to the watercraft, to be towed or wait for rescue, or to climb on the watercraft (for example on the platform) if it still the strength to do it.

According to one particular characteristic, the control means comprise means for receiving a beacon signal coming from a beacon carried by said at least one person, and the control means are configured to manage the trajectory of the watercraft in function of said beacon signal.

Thus, the approach of the watercraft to the victim can be improved.

According to one particular characteristic, the watercraft comprises means of visual and / or sound communication with said at least one person

The communication means comprise for example a microphone, a loudspeaker, a camera, a screen, etc. They allow for example a remote operator, present on a boat or on a shore, to listen, reassure and advise the victim at a distance (for example to reach the platform) and make the best diagnosis of the situation (reminder to order or intervention). In other words, we optimize the protocol of recovery taking full account of the situation of the victim.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of recovering at least one person in an aquatic environment with a nautical craft as mentioned above (in any one of its various embodiments). The method comprises the following steps:

launching of the watercraft, in the deflated state;

piloting the propulsion means, for managing a trajectory of the watercraft, in the deflated state, to said at least one person;

activating the inflating means, to move the inflatable structure from the deflated state to the inflated state, to allow said at least one person to ride on the watercraft and / or catch on the watercraft .

In a variant, the method comprises the following steps:

launching of the watercraft, in the deflated state;

activating the inflating means to move the inflatable structure from the deflated state to the inflated state;

steering the propulsion means, to manage a trajectory of the watercraft, in the inflated state, to said at least one person, to allow said at least one person to ride on the watercraft and / or cling to the watercraft.

4. List of figures

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings among which:

FIGS. 1A to 1C are schematic views of the nautical craft and its main dimensions, according to a first embodiment:

Figure 1A: side view (dimensions 11, a, d, a);

Figure 1B: top view (dimensions I, B, L);

Figure 1C: back view (dimensions L, b, a, h);

FIGS. 2A to 2D are three-dimensional views of the watercraft according to this first embodiment, showing in particular the various elements constituent parts of the watercraft:

FIGS. 2A to 2C: respective front, rear, and side views of the machine showing an inflatable platform and arch and the positioning of the reflective strips and gripping elements on these elements;

Figure 2D: view from below, showing in particular the hull of the watercraft;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrammatic views, from above and from the side, of the nautical apparatus according to a second embodiment in which the shape of the platform varies;

the figure represents a stability diagram of the watercraft on the water, in case of inclination or even reversal;

FIGS. 5A to 7C represent reinforcement elements of the watercraft:

5A to 5C: respectively assembled side reinforcement, reinforcement element alone, and finishing strip alone;

Figure 6A-6C: respectively assembled front reinforcement, single reinforcement element, and finishing tape alone;

Figure 7A-7C: Assembled rear reinforcement, single reinforcement element, and finishing strip only.

5. Detailed description

5.1 General principle

The general principle of the invention is to provide a means for rescuing a person in distress in the aquatic environment, which makes it possible to increase the speed and effectiveness of the rescue compared to current solutions.

Thus the invention relates to a nautical device (also called "Speed Rescue") which is based on a completely new and inventive approach implementing an inflatable structure that can be deployed from a folded position, automatically (for example when gear is launched) or remotely (eg by a user on board a boat or on a shore).

The nautical craft can therefore be stored and transported in a folded configuration (deflated state) so that the inflatable structure is inflated (transition to the inflated state) only case of intervention. Inflation can take place as soon as it is launched or after it (in the latter case the watercraft moves in water still in the deflated state and is inflated only near the person to save).

The watercraft can be remotely controlled (teleoperated) from the bridge of a boat or from a coast, or move autonomously through an automatic control of its motorization means. The nautical craft is thus more easily and quickly returned to the place where the person in distress is.

Its use makes it possible to overcome the need to mobilize a qualified crew, since no human presence is necessary on the watercraft.

The watercraft can be used in addition to existing rescue facilities and procedures.

In summary, the proposed solution is an inflatable boat, anti-overturn, compact and transportable, unmanned, motorized and tele-operated remotely or automated, responding to different needs of rescue. It is a machine recovery man overboard.

The invention also relates to a method for rescuing a person in difficulty in an aquatic environment (sea, river, coast, pond, etc.) using the watercraft.

5.2 Description of Particular Embodiments of the Invention

5.2.1 Main elements of the watercraft

The watercraft 1 is shown in Figures 1A to 3B. In all the figures of the document, the identical elements are designated by the same numerical reference.

FIGS. 1A to 2D show a first embodiment, while FIGS. 3A and 3B show a second embodiment in which the shape of the machine varies.

From the structural point of view, the watercraft is mainly constituted by an unsinkable inflatable structure, consisting of a platform 10 and a hoop 11 (attached to the sides of the platform), and mounted on a hull 12.

In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 3A, the platform 10 consists of a mainly rectangular base 10a and a front portion 10b whose end has a substantially rounded and pointed shape.

The dimensions of the base and the front part are defined on the figures and presented later in a table (paragraph 5.2.2).

The front portion 10best inclined at an angle with respect to the base 10a of the platform, so that the front portion 10b is raised out of the water. In other words, the front portion 10b and the base 10a extend in two distinct planes inclined relative to each other by an angle a.

The hoop 11, fixed on the sides of the platform 10, has for example an oblong shape.

The inflatable structure is a flexible structure, made for example of a double wall fabric type "Drop Stitch" implementing two substantially spaced and parallel fabric walls and interconnected by thousands of son. The space between the walls is filled with air under high pressure during the inflation of the structure, which creates a "beam effect": the high pressure tends the wires and forces the walls, thus creating a significant rigidity.

Moreover, the flexible structure is preferably coated with a PVC coating or a polychloroprene coating.

The inflatable structure, although seemingly the assembly of two distinct shapes, namely the hoop assembled to the platform, is in fact only one inflatable element. Thus, during the inflation of the structure, the air fills the interior of the two elements ensuring a uniformity of the pressure.

The assembly between the platform 10 and the hoop 11 implements, for example, a specific technique based on an interface sleeve. Cold bonding or thermo-welding or even high-frequency welding techniques can be used.

The angle α, between the base 10a of the platform and the front portion 10b, is for example obtained by gluing an additional band forcing the folding. This solution combines perfectly with double wall technology.

Furthermore, the structure of the watercraft comprises for example at least five reinforcing elements 13, 14, 15of a substantially rigid material, and positioned at each corner (or corner) of the watercraft. They are shown set in position on the watercraft in FIGS. 1A to 1C, and isolated from the machine in FIGS. 5A to 7C.

In particular, the watercraft comprises two side reinforcing elements 13, one of which is illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5C, a front reinforcing element 14 illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C, and two rear reinforcing elements 15, one of which is illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7C. Each reinforcing element 13, 14, 15 is made in three parts: a lower element 13a, 14a, 15a, an upper element 13b, 14b, 15b (of a shape substantially similar to the lower element) and a finishing band 13c, 14c, 15c being positioned above or below the lower and upper elements.

This architecture of the reinforcing elements 13, 14, 15 optimally folds the inflatable structure of the watercraft and therefore optimize the bulk of this inflatable structure when folded. In the end, the storage box containing the watercraft in folded condition (that is to say when not in use) can easily be stored on the deck of the ship.

In the prior art, the solution conventionally used is a reinforcing element in one piece. By design, this rather rigid piece does not allow perfect folding. In the invention, the dimensions of each piece (in particular those of the finishing strip 13c, 14c, 15c which is not wide) make it possible to retain the reinforcing function while allowing simple and effective folding.

The hull 12, visible in FIG. 2D, is provided with propulsion means, for example a turbine and a propulsion engine unit (not shown). The propulsion unit consists, for example, of a system comprising an electric motor driving a fairly powerful hydrojet type turbine (typically 10-20 kW). The propulsion unit is encapsulated in a sealed housing, for example composite materials (different types of design and materials (aluminum, plastic, etc.) known to those skilled in the art can be applied to the waterproof housing. an interface for attaching it to the platform part.

The energy source is for example obtained by a set of batteries. The watercraft can integrate technical means for recharging the batteries in the different situations (for example via interfaces positioned on the storage box in which the nautical apparatus is stored in deflated and folded state, and for recharging the batteries without open the case).

The watercraft can thus have a relative energy autonomy, for example from 1 to 2 hours. It can for example reach a maximum advance speed of 30 knots.

Furthermore, the watercraft has piloting means (not shown) for propulsion means, configured to manage a trajectory of the watercraft automatically or on receipt of a remote control signal. These control means comprise means for receiving a beacon signal from a beacon carried by the person in distress, and are configured to manage the trajectory of the watercraft according to the beacon signal.

It also has inflation means (not shown), combining for example a gas cylinder and a valve or any other known technology (remotely operated valve, pyrotechnic means, etc.), and configured to pass the inflatable structure of a state deflated to an inflated state.

It is preferred the use of a high pressure inflation technology

(preferentially 0.8 bar above atmospheric pressure) which provides the inflatable structure with excellent mechanical performance (rigidity, stability, etc.). In the prior art, it is conventional to use an inflation pressure of 0.2 or 0.3 bar.

This high-pressure inflation technology allows the watercraft to be used and moved at a time when its inflatable structure is deflated and when it is inflated.

Finally, it has activation means (not shown) for inflating means, configured to trigger inflation of the inflatable structure automatically, when launching the watercraft, or on receipt of a remote activation signal.

The deployment time of the inflatable structure is preferably from 5 to 10 seconds (non-limiting value).

The entire electronic system of the watercraft is regulated and controlled by a specific electronic box. This case, placed on the watercraft, can receive remote control signals through a telecommunication system. On the ground or on the ship depending on the situation, another remote-operation unit is used to direct the watercraft but also to receive information from the onboard equipment and / or sensors.

In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the platform 10 is completely planar and no longer has a differentiated front and base portion (a fortiori, there is no longer any angle of inclination between these two parts).

Of course, the structure of the watercraft can take, after inflation, various forms (other than those presented in the two embodiments illustrated in the figures) provided that they meet the following two essential requirements: first, to allow the watercraft to move on the water with performance satisfactory, and on the other hand guarantee stability of the watercraft on the water (anti-flipping, unsinkability, etc.). In particular, it is possible to provide more sophisticated arch forms, for example by adding one or more appendages, symmetrical or not, possibly with a "buoyancy reserve" function, or by reinforcing the interface between the hoop and the platform. 5.2.2 Stability of the watercraft

The shape and dimensions of the watercraft ensure a good hydrodynamic performance of the craft, but especially have an influence on its stability in the water.

The nautical craft is in particular designed to be "anti-overturn", in that it is configured to automatically recover when it turns in the water, which can happen during the inflation of the structure or when the rescued person tries to get on the platform.

The platform 10 contributes to the stability of the watercraft, particularly thanks to the specific shape and orientation (angle a) of its front portion 10b. This creates an imbalance of the watercraft which ensures the anti-rollover function regardless of the weight applied to the watercraft. In the situation of a complete reversal (that is to say 180 °), the rounded end of the front part is totally immersed.

The hoop 11 allows for it an effect of "lever arm", explained in more detail in connection with Figure 4, which allows him to stay out of the water at any time. In this figure 4, G represents the center of gravity of the nautical craft and Z represents the projection of the point G on the MiC axis, Mi being the metacentric height and C the center of the hull. The arch, allows - by formulating it with the terms of the maritime domain - a transverse displacement of the center of the initial hull C, then forming a positive righting lever (GZ) in all circumstances (that is to say in all tilt). To obtain this result, the total volume v of the hoop 11 must be greater than 1.5 times the displacement (water) of the watercraft. The (water) displacement of the watercraft can be calculated by converting the moved weight in equivalent of a volume. For example, in fresh water 1 kg is converted into 1 liter, while in seawater 1 kg is converted into 1 liter (where d is the density of water depending on salinity).

The position of the arch with respect to the platform (dimension d) also contributes to the optimum stability of the machine.

The ranges (minimum-maximum) of the various dimensions 11, L, I, h, a, b and v, as well as the preferred dimensions, are given in the table below.

Performance can be maintained if all dimensions are adjusted proportionally.

Furthermore, the buoyancy of the assembly formed by the hull 12 and its motorization means (for example a turbine, not shown) and the inflatable structure in the deflated state is greater than the total weight of the vehicle. This means that the craft can float, move and tow a person even when deflated and folded (in other words the stability of the watercraft in a deflated and folded state is positive).

5.2.3 Ancillary elements of the watercraft

The watercraft may also comprise, according to another particular embodiment, all or part of the following elements:

audio and / or visual communication means, for example using a microphone, a loudspeaker, a whistle, a screen, or other means that can be managed by VHF, UHF or Wifi;

visibility assistance means, such as for example one or more flash lamp (s) ^ flash light (in English), one or more lamp (s) perch

"IOR", one or more flexible reflector (s) and / or reflective tape (s). Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2D, the inflatable structure comprises eight reflective strips 17, positioned at the front and rear of the rollbar, as well as on the sides and at the front of the roll. the front portion 10b of the platform and at the junction between the front portion 10b and the base 10a;

a survival kit (water reserve, survival blanket, etc.);

ergonomic hanging means, for example one or more handle (s) handrail (s), a harness, lifting rings (in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2A to 2D, the platform has seven grip zones) handrails 16 regularly spaced around the platform);

an orin, also called a line of jet ("Rescue-Line" in English), consisting of a piece (or rope, rope, strap, etc.) of a length of 20 m for example, coiled in a bag and which facilitates the recovery of a man overboard;

location means, for example a GPS system, an Automatic Identification System (AIS), one or more video camera (s), thermal camera (s) (underwater or surface), and / or underwater camera (s) to locate a victim or a body.

Some functions can be miniaturized, for example the communication means that can be integrated, for example in the hull, in the form of antennas, while remaining fully operational during the various configurations of the watercraft (namely in a state folded and deflated or in a state inflated, during storage or during the operation at sea).

The nautical craft can integrate technical means allowing an increased resistance to the delicate climatic conditions (storms, etc.). 5.3 Examples of a recovery procedure for a person in distress

Two specific examples of use of the watercraft are presented below, relating on the one hand to the rescue on the high seas, and on the other hand to rescue at the coast.

Example 1: Rescue of a person traveling on a ship carrying passengers (for example a surface vessel or a seagoing fishing vessel).

The ship embarks the watercraft as safety equipment, for example in addition to conventional means of rescue mandatory or not (buoy, inflatable vest, inflatable boat motor, etc.). The nautical craft can for example be stored on the deck, in a storage box in deflated and folded form.

In this situation, a "classic" incident is the accidental fall of one of the passengers in the water, which is then equipped with an inflatable vest or not. The alert is for example given by a third party who has watched the scene. A procedure called "Man Overboard Procedure" is then initiated.

Classically (according to the prior art), a buoy is thrown into the water so that the person clings to it while the help arrives.

With the help of the watercraft, the procedure of recovery of the person is faster. There are two modes of operation of the craft, which may be complementary: either the watercraft is fully automated, or it is teleoperated (that is to say, controlled remotely by a dedicated operator). The procedure for recovering the person includes, for example, the following steps:

- Launching of the watercraft: the watercraft is thrown into the water from the ship, in a deflated and folded state.

- Inflation of the structure of the watercraft: an inflation control is received by the inflatable structure so that the structure then deploys and inflates instantly (in about 5 to 10 seconds, for example). In the case where the watercraft is automated, this command may for example be triggered by sensors at when the structure comes into contact with water. In the case where the watercraft is teleoperated, this command can be activated by the dedicated operator who takes control of the craft.

- Movement of the watercraft to the person in distress: a command to start the propulsion means is received so that the watercraft approaches the victim. In the case where the watercraft is automated, the trajectory can be calculated via signals emitted by vision and / or tracking systems ("tracking" in English). In the case where the nautical apparatus is teleoperated, the operator manages the movement of the machine towards the victim. It can for example enter the location coordinates of the victim or take into account possible means of locating the victim (AIS tag for example).

- Recovery of the person in distress: when the watercraft arrives close to the victim (for example a few meters) it is necessary to distinguish two cases:

• in the first case, the victim is conscious but no longer has the strength to climb onto the platform. A jet line ("rescue-line") deployed, for example at the rear of the watercraft, is used. The objective is to encircle the victim with the line of jet in order to allow him to hang on the line. The jet line is for example present on the machine when it is thrown into the water. According to a first configuration, the jet line can be deployed before the launch of the watercraft to the water, and therefore "drag" in the water behind it. When the watercraft circumnavigates the victim, the jet line surrounds the person by forming a lifeline (allowing the person to grab the rope without spending too much energy). According to a second configuration, the jet line is stored on the watercraft when launched to the water.

• In a second case, the victim is conscious and still has some strength to climb onto the platform. One or more ergonomic means of hooking up the watercraft can be used (handrails, harnesses, rescue-line, etc.) to allow the victim to climb onto the platform. - Optional implementation of the means of communication: in all cases, means of communication can possibly be used to listen, reassure the victim, and make the best diagnosis of the situation to optimize the recovery protocol. Thus, the operator can remotely advise the victim to join the platform.

- Repatriation of the person to the ship: to repatriate the victim to the ship, there are several options:

• or a rescue boat is launched from the ship to recover the victim and the watercraft, the latter remaining motionless until help arrives. This solution has an advantage from the point of view of safety since it allows the victim to avoid approaching the propeller the boat and therefore avoid any risk of injury.

• or the watercraft is directed, automatically or remotely, to the boat. The victim is then trained via the jet line or transported on the platform. The platform can be docked to the boat using the jet line.

Example 2: Rescue a person in distress on the beach (or any area that may cause swimming).

The watercraft is made available to beach watchers, in addition or not to conventional rescue means. In this case, it can for example be stored in the usual places (shed, etc.) easy to access for rescuers. In this situation, the lifeguard can observe a behavior of a person in the water that seems alarming (eg a person outside the bathing area, or subject to panic). If the person seems distressed, he must intervene. In classic cases, the rescuer throws himself into the water and intervenes within the limits of his means (limited speed). The use of the watercraft can accelerate the recovery of the person. The procedure includes, for example, the following steps:

- Launching of the watercraft: the watercraft is launched by the lifeguard from the coast, in a deflated and folded state.

- Displacement of the watercraft to the person in distress: here also, either the displacement of the watercraft is partially or fully automated, or the latter is tele-operated remotely (by the rescuer or a dedicated operator). The nautical craft moves here in folded and deflated form. This notably avoids deploying the device if it is not really necessary to intervene with the person.

- Implementation of the means of communication: the means of communication make it possible to fully take into account the situation of the person. In particular, this step makes it possible to know if the person is really in distress or if he has unconsciously moved away from the bathing area. The lifeguard swimmer can then take the necessary measures, namely only a call to order or the triggering of an intervention.

- Inflation of the structure of the watercraft: the inflation system can be triggered remotely by the lifeguard or a dedicated operator or automatically, using the means described in Example 1.

- Recovery of the person in distress: the recovery is performed identically to the recovery procedure described in Example 1, with or without a line of jet ("rescue-line") depending on the energy of the person and its ability or not to hoist itself on the platform.

An alternative is to bring the rescuer with the watercraft to the area where the unconscious victim is. The rescuer positions the victim at the rear of the machine. He puts it on the platform. The craft is able to bring the victim and the rescuer back to the beach.

Claims

1. Nautical vehicle for the recovery of at least one person in the aquatic environment, comprising a hull on which an inflatable structure and propulsion means are mounted, characterized in that it comprises:

inflation means configured to move the inflatable structure from a deflated state to an inflated state;

means for activating the inflating means, configured to trigger inflating of the inflatable structure automatically, when the watercraft is launched, or on receiving a remote activation signal ; and

means for controlling the propulsion means, configured to manage a trajectory of the watercraft automatically or on receiving a remote control signal.

2. nautical machine according to claim 1, characterized in that an assembly comprising the hull, the propulsion means and the inflatable structure in the deflated state has a buoyancy greater than a total weight of the watercraft.

3. nautical vehicle according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the inflatable structure comprises a platform and an anti-overturning bar.

4. Nautical craft according to claim 3, characterized in that the platform comprises a mainly rectangular base and a front portion having a pointed and rounded shape.

5. nautical craft according to claim 4, characterized in that the front portion extends over a first plane and in that the base extends on a second plane having an angle with respect to the first plane, with included in a range [5 °, 15 °].

6. nautical vehicle according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the platform and the rollover bar form a single inflatable element.

7. Nautical craft according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one reinforcing element of the inflatable structure, made of a substantially rigid material and formed of three elements: a lower element, a upper element of substantially similar shape to the lower element, and a finishing strip being positioned on or below the lower and upper elements.

8. Nautical craft according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one ergonomic hooked means.

9. Nautical craft according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control means comprise means for receiving a beacon signal from a beacon carried by said at least one person, and in that that the control means are configured to manage the trajectory of the watercraft according to said beacon signal.

10. nautical engine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises means of visual communication and / or sound with said at least one person

11. A method of recovering at least one person in the aquatic environment with a nautical craft according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

launching of the watercraft, in the deflated state;

- Piloting the propulsion means for managing a trajectory of the watercraft, in the deflated state, to said at least one person;

12. Method for recovering at least one person in an aquatic environment with a machine nautical vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

launching of the watercraft, in the deflated state;