Blog: Dennis Marcus, Cruden

Realism has always been central to Cruden’s work. Best known for their cutting-edge simulation technology in motorsport and automotive testing, the team is now broadening their horizon to support search and rescue (SAR) operations. 

We spoke with Dennis Marcus, one of the people leading this exciting innovation wave, to find out how Cruden is helping SAR professionals to enhance the effectiveness of real-life rescue mission training while reducing the amount of time required aboard an actual vessel. 

Over the past 25 years, Cruden has made a name for itself by building motion-based simulators where precision and realism are critical, whether it’s testing a new race car or training drivers for military or commercial vehicles. About ten years ago, the company began applying that same technology to the maritime sector, creating simulators for naval and pilotage organisations. 

Cruden’s SAR journey really began when the Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS) reached out with a challenge: how could they bring realistic, structured SAR training ashore, especially for their volunteer crews? 

Together, Cruden and SSRS developed a full simulator centre featuring three different systems tailored to SSRS’s K-class rescue boats. Each system replicates the look, feel, and operation of the real vessels. There’s a stationary simulator for communication and mission coordination training, a full-motion system based on the 12-metre Emblad-class boat (K12), and a more compact motion simulator for the Lars Bjerkander-class. 

“We even used the actual cabins from the boats,” Dennis says. “The original controls, instruments, comms gear, everything. That way, crews train in an environment that feels completely familiar.” 

Cruden’s SAR simulators are designed to go beyond just boat handling. They support complete mission scenarios, from poor weather and equipment failure to the coordination of helicopters, drones, and multiple team members. 

Because SAR operations are rarely carried out alone, the simulators also allow skippers, navigators, and comms officers to train together. “It’s about building trust and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations,” Dennis explains. “That’s hard to teach in a classroom or even out on the water where the risks are real.” 

What started as a bespoke solution for SSRS has quickly grown into something more. Cruden is now shaping their technology into a flexible, scalable product that could support SAR organisations around the world. 

That ambition led them to join the IMRF earlier this year. “We see this as an important step: connecting with SAR professionals, learning from their experience, and making sure that what we develop aligns with real-world needs, not just technical possibilities.” 

The response from SSRS volunteers has been incredibly positive, and Cruden is already looking ahead. Their goal is to continue refining the technology, making it easier to adapt to different boats, training styles, and regional needs. 

“We want to help crews feel more prepared and more confident before they ever leave the harbour,” Dennis says. “That’s our contribution to saving lives at sea.” 

Earlier this year, Cruden attended the IMRF G6 conference — their first introduction to the IMRF community - where Dennis had the opportunity to meet and speak with representatives from a wide range of SAR organisations. “Those conversations were incredibly valuable,” he says. “They helped us understand the common challenges that many SAR crews face, as well as the regional differences that shape how each organisation operates. That insight is essential as we work to make our simulators both adaptable and relevant, whether they’re used in Scandinavia, South America, or anywhere else. 

If you’re part of a SAR organisation and interested in exploring simulation-based training, Cruden would love to hear from you. As Dennis summed it up: “Let’s shape the future of SAR training - together.” 

Find out more about Cruden here. 

About the images:

The first image shows shows a compact, mobile simulator that can be transported between stations for local crew training. SSRS will use this version as a K9 simulator, enabling full-mission training in combination with the K12 simulator. 

The second image shows the K12 simulator currently being built for SSRS. It includes a full real-world wheelhouse with original controls and instruments, and is mounted on an advanced motion system that realistically replicates the physical impact of high-speed operations. This simulator will become part of SSRS’s new training centre, alongside upcoming K9 and K15 simulators.