VESSEL REVIEW | Heavy duty RIB for Irish volunteer rescue organisation

Banna Rescue, an independent volunteer search and rescue (SAR) organisation grouped under the Community Rescue Boats of Ireland (CRBI) umbrella, recently took delivery of a new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) built by UK-based Ribcraft. The bespoke 4.8-metre (16-foot) boat has a layout optimised for SAR missions with a custom-built bow pod that streamlines functionality and maximises deck space.

"The primary requirement was for a vessel that could conduct emergency marine-based inshore SAR operations, search and recovery operations, intervention patrols, and environmental monitoring off the West Coast of Ireland, a notoriously wild environment," Brian Crean, Project Lead at Banna Rescue, told Baird Maritime. "Our group covers Tralee Bay, an area of roughly 200 square kilometres (80 square miles)."

Crean added that Banna Rescue required a nimble vessel that could operate in surf conditions with the added strength to withstand the punishment and extremes of harsh Atlantic seas. The vessel also had to be tiller driven, creating an "open-style" deck with easy access for crew "beached" entry/exit, loading and unloading equipment, casualties or a stretcher, and casualty treatment.

Ribcraft was selected following a tender process. Construction started in early January 2024 and, following successful sea trials, the boat was delivered in May.

Safe working platform for water rescues

"It combines the traditional and reliable deep V-shaped hull with advanced electronic technology, making it both innovative and dependable," said Ribcraft. "The hull ensures excellent seakeeping abilities, stability, and handling in various marine conditions. The boat also incorporates advanced communication and navigation systems, which are conveniently housed in a bow box for easy access and operation.

In addition to housing the electrical system and the navigation gear, the bow box also incorporates waterproof storage lockers. This ensures that crucial equipment such as first aid kits, manual navigation aids, and pyrotechnics can be readily accessed by the crew and are protected from the elements.

The boat is also fitted with a self-righting bag that ensures the vessel can return to an upright position following a capsize. The bag is secured to the boat's A-frame and offers both manual and automatic activation options, providing flexibility and reliability in emergencies.

"Longevity and modification were also important factors in the design," said Crean. "It is envisioned that the vessel will be a frontline asset for 20 years and should facilitate easy loadout changes and future modification by facilitating electronic suite upgrades and expansion of its roles and function. To meet this and the safety requirements for a self-righting system, the A-frame at the stern has ample space for the installation of additional components and systems."

The A-frame also has a mounted radar reflector, allowing the RIB to be easily detected by other platforms in low-visibility conditions. Other features on the boat include internal lifelines mounted on circular patches, a tube mounted storage bag, and a stainless steel post.

Crean said that independent marine SAR teams in Ireland are facing some significant challenges with a number of regulatory and operational changes on the horizon. The new boat is therefore a meaningful expansion in terms of equipment. The procurement brings the Banna Rescue team close to completing an ambitious €250,000 (US$270,000) modernisation programme within a two-year timeframe.

Enhanced electronics for all-weather use

"The vessel is designed to be a robust, quick, and efficient tool for Banna Rescue's safety operations, equipped with the best safety equipment to protect its volunteers and aid in successful rescue missions," Ribcraft remarked. "The challenge lay in having to fit numerous electrical and safety components within a small surface area while ensuring they are accessible and easy to use. The vessel's design incorporates several key features to meet these requirements effectively."

The builder added that designing a vessel without seats presents a unique challenge in ensuring the safety and comfort of the crew, especially when traveling at high speeds in surf conditions. The decision to use protective floor matting for shock mitigation requires a thorough and well-considered approach. There was therefore a need to conduct some key steps and considerations for designing, manufacturing, and testing the protective floor matting.

Testing was conducted for shock mitigation, durability, slip resistance, and field testing. For Ribcraft, this presented challenges as it meant working with new materials. Each step took careful research and consideration, and a more in-depth approach was required.

The RIB has a Raymarine high-definition, day and night network dome video camera suitable for both above and below deck applications. This enhances the RIB's surveillance capabilities regardless of the time or conditions, as the dome design provides all-round visibility whilst its small frame size allows for rapid installation. The electronics suite also includes an illuminated compass, a class B AIS transceiver, a VHF radio, a keypad-operated microphone, and a PA/foghorn system. LED lights are used throughout the boat.

A Yamaha F60 four-stroke outboard engine meanwhile propels the new Banna Rescue RIB to speeds of over 35 knots, a significant improvement over the team's previous 25-knot boat. Crean said this enhanced speed enables Banna Rescue to reach those in need swiftly and efficiently, ultimately saving valuable time in emergency situations. The design of the RIB itself allows for tight turns and precise control, which are crucial for navigating around obstacles.

"The RIB features an innovative design where the fuel bladder is integrated into the structure of the boat by being bonded to the inside of the tube," said Ribcraft. "By incorporating the fuel bladder directly into the tube, the boat eliminates the need for additional support structures or separate fuel tanks. This results in a lighter overall weight."

The fuel tank setup means additional space is freed up on the deck for passengers, cargo, a full-length stretcher, and other equipment. The centre of gravity is also lowered, improving stability on the water.

"Construction is also simplified," the builder added. "Bonding the fuel bladder to the tube might streamline the boat's construction process, potentially reducing manufacturing time and costs."