Voluntary distress service
The Verein Freiwilliger Seenot-Dienst eV (FSD) is a water rescue organization to which recreational skippers , sailors and motorboat drivers on Bavarian lakes have come together to help other water sports enthusiasts in emergencies and when there is danger at sea. The association is based in Munich . All helpers work on a voluntary basis .
Since it was founded in 1965, the organization has rescued 416 people from immediate mortal danger in 208 rescue missions and provided assistance to 3,105 people in need or danger. The FSD covers approx. 70% of the weekdays and 80% of the weekends / holidays of the sailing season.
The FSD was founded in 1965 on an idea by Wolf Klemm. He does not charge for his services and is not based on mandatory duty rosters. The members show their readiness by waving the FSD flag.
The FSD ships (members' private boats) are equipped with additional FSD rescue equipment (such as rescue bucket , life sling , medical backpack , etc.) for rescue operations and the tasks that then arise . The FSD skippers are trained annually in rescue technology and nautical exercises for accident rescue and receive an extended rescue medicine course at the latest every 2-3 years. The Voluntary Sea Emergency Service sees itself as a cooperative complement to the DLRG and the water rescue service.
The FSD is active on the Ammersee , Bodensee , Chiemsee , Starnberger See and the Großer Brombachsee . The FSD currently consists of 57 boats (owner is not the association) and 134 members (of which 71 are active; as of 2013).