According to Post Workboats, a Dutch boatbuilder and vessel operator, the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is emerging as a more mobile, efficient, flexible, safe, reliable and cost-effective solution for near-shore and offshore work.
RIBs are increasingly being used for work such as offshore cable landing points, especially in shallow water says Klaas Post, owner of Post Workboats.
A multifunctional, well-equipped RIB is quick and easy to deploy. In many cases, it is also more practical than a multipurpose vessel. A RIB built specifically for this work can even produce over two tons of pulling power.
“The current generation of outboard motors won’t let you down and is super reliable,”.
“Working around the clock is no problem at all,” said Post.
Post claims that the RIB has a huge advantage over the multicat, for example at landings in shallow water. But it does not end there. It can be put in a container, which makes it easy to fly to a site and deploy quickly. With certified personnel, it is a safe and reliable vessel. All staff members at Post Workboats undergo basic safety training, fire fighting and first aid courses. The experienced crew has completed countless projects around the world, such as wind farm projects, near-shore and offshore, cable landings, event support and film projects.
The high pulling power is achieved with the specialised construction. The company builds the boats in its own workshop. All the practical knowledge we have gained is put into building the boats. “Pulling power is provided by a modified screw with a prop guard,” says Post. “This directs the water displacement and the prop guard also provides protection for swimmers and divers.” This also gives the RIBs more than two tons of pulling power. This is ideal for bringing cables and pipes to landing points and pulling them straight in the water.
Aside from the technical modifications to the boats such as a bow thruster and a heavier, more robust hull, the craft are equipped with the latest electronics: sonar, plotter, AIS transponder, depth gauge and marine telephones. Cabin RIBs are also available to provide an indoor workplace in heavy weather and wind.
