VESSEL REVIEW | Deutrom – Versatile response RIB for Australia’s Northern Territory Police

Australia's Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services recently took delivery of a new fast patrol RIB designed by Southerly Designs.

Deutrom was purpose designed, built, and equipped for police operations requiring very high speed and the ability to carry multiple personnel.

Registered to category 2C survey, the vessel will operate within coastal areas of up to 15 nautical miles. It will provide a quick response capability for near-shore search and rescue (SAR) missions allowing specialist police the ability to deploy to assistance calls faster and in greater safety and provide a stable platform to provide rescue.

"A suitability assessment of our existing fleet of police vessels identified a gap in our fast response and tactical support capability," Malcolm Marshall, Acting Officer in Charge of the NT Police's Search and Rescue Section, told Baird Maritime. "With a limitation of off-the-shelf options to meet our need, we partnered with a local builder with a design that enabled the vessel to be used as both a high-speed SAR response vessel as well as a boarding vessel capable of supporting tactical officers."

Marshall added that, starting with a monohull RIB of aluminium construction, and using a foam-filled D section collar, the design provided the required stability to deploy the vessel in a range of environments including the severe weather events experienced in the Northern Territory. With foredeck seating, the open deck design allows for the safe manoeuvring of people, while dry and secure stowage is also available for safety and rescue equipment and sufficient protection for crew.

The vessel will also be used to provide a suitable boarding platform for vessel boarding in support of higher-risk policing operations. Other missions include dive support and deployment of police to remote locations without vehicle or aircraft access.

"With most of the current crop of small vessels for police or other government agencies, the challenge is achieving the degree of functionality, equipment, and performance desired in a lightweight package suitable for road transportation," said Andrew Taylor, Managing Director of Southerly Designs. "Keeping the weight within limits while accommodating a growing quantity of equipment over time is the ongoing challenge for small commercial vessels."

Taylor remarked that the design of Deutrom represents the latest step in the evolution of Southerly Designs' RIBs.

"There are always small refinements and lessons from every build that accumulate over time and lead to continuous improvements in the designs."

Ideal handling, electronics and stowage

The 8.4- by 3.1-metre (27.5- by 10.1-foot), custom RIB has an aluminium hull, a foam-filled collar, and a control console that has been ergonomically set up for two-person operation. Directly ahead of the console are jockey-style seats for another four personnel, whilst a canvas and aluminium awning extends from the helm console aft.

Two Mercury 223kW (300hp) outboard engines capable of quiet operation can propel the boat to speeds of up to 50 knots. Combined with power steering and digital throttles with active ride control, the outboards make the boat highly responsive and provide predictable handling for the crew.

This then helps in avoiding detrimental behaviours such as chine walking, porpoising, and sliding during turns. This predictability is essential for safe and confident operation, enhancing both crew safety and operational effectiveness, especially by providing the ability to assuredly complete high-speed turns and other tight manoeuvres.

There are also two multi-function displays from Raymarine to support navigation and communications. Other electronics include plotters, sounders, a radar, radios, and satellite communications equipment. To ensure longevity in the harsh conditions of the Northern Territory, the majority of components remained manual with only minimal electronic switching systems.

"The Shockwave seating provides a comfortable platform for passengers and crew, who may be carrying extra protective equipment, to be seated for extended periods of time in unsteady seas," Marshall told Baird Maritime. "The foredeck seats sit on a railing system for quick and easy removal as required, thus providing more operating deck space."

Weapons stowage is also provided, and there is a dedicated Samson post aft for towing disabled or apprehended vessels.

The boat's design and fitout provide the comfort necessary for crew endurance and operational effectiveness, especially during extended patrols or missions.