Collection National Rescue Museum
The National Rescue Museum features a large, permanent exhibition that combines playfulness with informative content. It includes numerous interactive elements such as rescue videos, a wind tunnel, and a VR experience. We also provide comprehensive information about our collection, which prominently features boats—lots of boats! From rowing lifeboats dating back to Dorus Rijkers' time to the fast RIBs currently used by the KNRM. Additionally, we have operational historical lifeboats for trips out onto the water.
VR Experience NH1816
Experience a lifelike rescue mission aboard the NH1816. In this thrilling virtual reality experience, you become a crew member of the latest harbor rescue boat of the KNRM. The pager goes off, man overboard!
Cork Lifejacket
Since 1830, the KNRM has used a cork lifejacket, a significant advancement from the earlier woven reed belts, which were not particularly convenient or comfortable. You can find this remarkable piece in the exhibition "Sunk Rescues."
Tom-Boat
The Tom II was specifically designed for rescue operations in rough seas. A person in distress could be placed on the net between the two rowers. This type of rescue boat was named after Ernst Schildein, a rescuer from The Hague whose nickname was Tom. The TOM-boat was last deployed in 1975.
Coast Guard Reporting Desk
The Coast Guard Center serves as the "control room" for emergencies, receiving distress calls from ships in trouble. These calls come in at a desk, also known as the reporting desk. The Coast Guard then initiates the rescue operation.
Golden Pocket Watch of Dorus Rijkers
In 1887, the North German ship Renown stranded near Den Helder. Dorus Rijkers (skipper of the lifeboat) and his Blue Sea Knights saved 23 shipwrecked sailors. In recognition of his bravery, the German emperor awarded Dorus with a magnificent golden pocket watch.
KNRM 200 years: Rescuers at Sea Exhibition
On November 11, 2024, the KNRM celebrates its 200th anniversary. This milestone calls for a unique exhibition: "Rescuers at Sea." Thirteen maritime museums collaborate to showcase their perspectives on the KNRM. At the National Rescue Museum, visitors will meet several (former) rescuers from stations in Den Helder, Texel, and Den Oever. Together with their families, they provide insights into the world of the KNRM through captivating photos and videos, allowing visitors to experience the essence of rescue work. The exhibition includes a scavenger hunt and a photo booth.
Helderse Heroes
Our traveling exhibition "Helderse Heroes" is lent to schools. During periods when it's not on loan, you can view it at the museum. The exhibition tells the stories of heroic rescuers from Den Helder across different generations.
Watch the video here
Many Hidden Treasures
Since its establishment in 1981, the National Rescue Museum's collection has grown with diverse and beautiful objects dating from 1824 to 2016. The entire collection comprises over 5,000 items.
These are categorized into seventeen sub-collections, including paintings, photographs, vessels, rescue equipment, awards, memorabilia, communication devices, and navigation tools. Our depot houses these hidden treasures, which we use for rotation in our exhibitions.
View the
Digital
Collection
The rich collection of the National Rescue Museum is being digitized by our volunteers. A significant portion of it can be viewed on Maritime Digital. Collections from other maritime institutions are also accessible on this online platform.
