VESSEL REVIEW | New multi-role RIB for Philippine Coast Guard

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) of the United Nations formally handed over a new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to the Philippine Coast Guard earlier this year. The RIB was ordered by the IOM from local builder BangkaPro for operation by the coast guard for duties that will include maritime security patrols, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

The centre console RIB has an FRP hull, a length of 8.8 metres, a beam of 2.88 metres, a Mercury outboard engine, and a maximum capacity of 20 personnel including crew. The boat has a minimum displacement of 1,142 kilograms while up to 2,100 kilograms of assorted equipment and light cargo can be loaded on board. A safety valve is also fitted to prevent over-inflation of the boat's seven separate internal air chambers, which also ensure a reduced risk of capsizing compared to traditional full-FRP-hulled small craft.

In front of the centre console is a storage locker. Additional storage lockers also double as bench seats at the boat's bow and rear.

The hypalon tube has a diameter of 0.56 metres and is lined with soft grip carrying handles to enable the boat to be launched into the water without the need for additional specialised equipment. The tube itself was built to provide equal levels of resistance from tearing, tension, and breaking in all directions.

As with the other hypalon RIB models in the BangkaPro product line, the hypalon material on the new coast guard RIB is hand glued together with four layers of fabric at the seams. This provides added protection against severe impact that would otherwise cause puncturing of the tube. An additional layer of rubbing strake on the tube bottom further reinforces protection against damage.

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