Background
A RIB does more for marine works
Published
URK: More mobile, more efficient, more flexible, safer, dependable and cost-saving: that is what the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) proves to be for nearshore and offshore work. RIBs are increasingly deployed for jobs such as offshore cable landings, certainly in shallow water.
A multifunctional, well-equipped RIB is easy and quick to deploy, in many cases more practical than a multipurpose vessel. A RIB purpose-built for this work even delivers more than two tonnes of pulling power.
Certified RIBs
The Post Workboats RIBs are MCA approved (Maritime Coastguard Agency). The MCA standard has grown into both a safety and a quality benchmark for vessels operating at sea; the certificates evidence the quality and reliability of the RIB.
For landings in shallow water the RIB has a clear advantage over a multicat. On top of that the vessel is containerisable and can be flown to a job. Post Workboats crew have completed basic safety, fire fighting and first aid training as standard. The experienced crew has run countless projects worldwide: wind farm projects, near- and offshore, cable landings, event support and film projects.
Dependable, day after day
The long-term reliability of the RIBs showed during a major film shoot: for eighteen hours a day the RIBs served as crew tender for extras and film crews. The near-silent engines were a real advantage.
During months of work in the extremely warm waters around Alexandria in Egypt the client also praised the reliability and continuous availability. Twenty-five crew members worked around the clock from the RIBs. Deploying multiple teams of skippers and crew is no problem for Post Workboats.
Pulling power from our own workshop
The high pulling power comes from the specialist build at Post Workboats. The vessels are built in our own workshop, so every bit of practical knowledge ends up in the boat. A modified propeller with propguard directs the water displacement and at the same time protects swimmers and divers. That brings pulling power beyond two tonnes: ideal for landing and straightening cables and pipes in the water.
The latest equipment
Alongside technical modifications such as a bow thruster and a heavier, sturdier hull, the vessels carry modern electronics: sonar, plotter, AIS, depth sounder and VHF radios. Cabin RIBs are available as well, so work can continue inside whatever the weather.
The great advantage of RIBs on a project is that fast, ready vessels are always available, including for emergency response during incidents or security duties. In recent years we have run projects in near- and offshore, seismic, crew tendering, security, enforcement, dive support, work and daughter craft, the film industry and event support. Around Urk, Post Workboats also provides assistance on the water. There is a good reason the RIB is used by military and police as well.
“This generation of outboard engines does not let you down and is extremely reliable. Running around the clock is no problem at all.”
Klaas Post · owner, Post Workboats
From the field
Photos: E.J. Bruinekool Fotografie / Post Workboats