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OOPS! – a perfect demonstration of safety in an emergency
Thursday, 13 September, 2007
During a demonstration of the world’s first fully inflatable RIB, the helmsman threw it about with such verve that he fell overboard! But built-in safety measures ensured a happy outcome.
The De Batts 5.30m rubber rigid inflatable boat (RRIB) featured on Stand 1102 is unique in that unlike other RIBs it does not have a metal or rigid plastic hull. Indeed, the RRIB is totally constructed from hardwearing and strong cloth (Hypalon and Neoprene Drop) and is therefore considerably lighter than conventional RIBs of similar size. Once inflated, the RIB-type hull and floor are both rigid and strong.
Moreover, as the demonstration on the first day of the exhibition clearly showed, the RRIB can outperform other inflatables of the same size, although using engines of similar power. In fact this was a design requirement that De Batts set itself, namely to produce an inflatable that could be easily carried by two men and transported in a utility vehicle, but retain a high load-carrying capacity once inflated. So while the RRIB enables users to have a greater operational envelope because of its speed and sea-keeping qualities, when not it use it can be rolled up and stowed in its valise. This makes it air transportable — a useful asset when such craft are needed following an emergency.
The manoeuvrability of the RRIB was being demonstrated by Richard Clifford, who cavorted about the waters near the ExCeL building until he threw the RRIB into a tight turn at speed. This resulted in ‘g’ forces propelling him overboard, at which point two automatic safety measures came into play: the pin at the end of the chord attaching Clifford to the controls was removed as he fell overboard. This served to cut the engine and remove any danger of injury from spinning propellers. Once in the water, the Challenger Offshore 150N lifejacket inflated automatically, activated by the double-chamber gas inflation system. What better demonstration of the lifejacket that had emergency abandonment as one of the design objectives? It is one of several types made by International Safety Products, exhibiting on Stand 189.
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