RIB makes more possible on the water
URK – 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 used for work such as offshore cable landing points, especially in shallow water.
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,” says Klaas Post, owner of Post Workboats. “Working around the clock is no problem at all.”
Photo’s by E.J. Bruinekool Fotografie / Post Workboats’
Certified RIBs
RIBs from Post Workboats are MCA (Maritime Coastguard Agency) certified. The MCA has grown to become a safety standard for all vessels that operate at sea. It has also become a quality standard for using work vessels. MCA certificates show the quality and reliability of the RIB.
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.
Reliable
The extended reliability of the RIBs was proven two years ago during a major film shoot. “We were already confident beforehand,” says Post. “The RIBs were used as crew tenders for extras and film crews eighteen hours per day. The almost silent running engines were a godsend.” During months of work on a large offshore project in the extremely warm waters of Alexandria in Egypt, the client was also full of praise about the reliability and constant availability of the RIBs. 25 crew members worked around the clock using the RIBs in the waters around Egypt. Deploying multiple teams of captains and crew is no problem at all for Post Workboats.
The high pulling power is achieved with the specialised construction from Post Workboats. 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.
The latest equipment
Aside from the technical modifications to the boat such as a bow thruster and a heavier, more robust hull, the ships 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. In its 55-year history, Post Workboats has built up broad experience with the mobile, efficient, flexible and cost-saving RIBs.
The major advantage of RIBs on a project is that they can be deployed rapidly, for instance to assist in emergencies on a project or for security. Aside from this work, recent projects include near-shore and offshore applications, seismic surveying, crew tender, security, maintenance, diver support, work boats and dinghies, film industry and event support boats. Post Workboats also provides assistance on the water around Urk. There are good reasons the RIB is used by the military and police.