VESSEL REVIEW | Dampier Legend – First boat in new RIB series for Australian volunteer rescue agency

Volunteer Marine Rescue Western Australia (VMRWA) recently took delivery of a new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) for operation by its Marine Rescue Dampier station in Western Australia's Pilbara region. The aptly named Dampier Legend was designed by local naval architecture firm Southerly Designs and built in fulfilment of a contract awarded by the Western Australian Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

The 12-metre (39-foot) newbuild is powered by two Yamaha XF425 317kW (425hp) outboard engines that deliver a speed of 42 knots even at full load. The full walkaround cabin RIB will be operated in conjunction with the smaller boat Dampier Angel, which was handed over to Marine Rescue Dampier in 2023.

"This vessel is the first in a series of four almost identical vessels for VMRWA," Andrew Taylor, Managing Director of Southerly Designs, told Baird Maritime. "They are also the largest RIBs we have produced to date."

Ergonomic layout combined with high performance

A key feature of the vessel's design is its fully enclosed, walk-around wheelhouse, which provides advantages in accessibility, safety, docking, and mooring. A primary benefit is improved accessibility around the entire boat, including easy movement from the bow to the stern without having to climb up or navigate narrow side decks. This is particularly advantageous when docking, coming alongside other boats, or performing maintenance.

The deck is continuous (i.e., non-stepped), covered with non-slip marine decking, and enclosed by bulwarks for its full length. In combination with strategically located handrails, the layout further enhances safety for the crew especially when operating in rough seas, in other adverse conditions, and at night.

Docking, mooring, and rafting/towing other boats alongside is also improved since crewmembers can more easily handle lines, fenders, and other docking equipment. The walkaround layout also provides better visibility and access to the vessel or dock being accessed.

Inside the air-conditioned and thermally insulated wheelhouse, there is a full-width console forward with the helm to starboard and the navigation/radio operator position to port either side of the door leading to the forward cabin. Further aft are two crew positions, with one having its own console with a navigation system screen.

Compact and versatile rescue platform

The electronics package includes three Simrad displays, a radar, a satellite compass, AIS, a Teledyne FLIR gyro-stabilised thermal camera, a radio direction finder, and a satellite phone. All personnel are seated in Shockwave suspension seats on risers with in-built storage. Additional storage is provided in built-in units with worktable tops in the aft corners of the wheelhouse.

Accessed through the main console, the forward half/cuddy cabin is primarily configured for storage space but also contains a toilet and refrigerator. Aft of the wheelhouse is an open work deck with integral towing post, two benchseats above tow reels at the transom, plus two additional seats with stowages below either side of the wheelhouse door. Up to 12 people can be carried under AMSA NSCV 2C survey.

Rescue zones, with lower gunwale heights and lift out handrails, are incorporated on each side. A removable, folding davit can be quickly fitted into the gunwale either side to assist with recoveries from the water.

The boat also has a Yamaha digital boat control system including full manoeuvrability joystick control. Antennas are fitted to powered mounts to enable them to be raised and lowered from the helm console, for example when required for medevac operations with helicopters.

A powered hinged mast base enables controlled lowering and raising, again with remote operation from the wheelhouse. A custom ladder system allows personnel to embark and disembark the RIB over the bow or the sides.

"Going up the size scale like this really results in a massive increase in the volume of the vessel and pushes it to well beyond the typical trailerable sizes of many VMR craft and into a much more substantial vessel," Taylor told Baird Maritime. "The added size dramatically increases comfort and capability to make long transits in rough weather."