SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) is the main international safety standard for ships.
It sets rules to protect passengers, crew, and vessels at sea. I dedicated many articles to safety for leisure users as well.
SOLAS covers lifesaving equipment, emergency procedures, fire safety, navigation, and rescue operations.
But…
These rules will only apply to RIBs if…
it is a passenger ship carrying more than 12 passengers on an international voyage; or
it is a RIB carried aboard a SOLAS ship and designated as a Fast Rescue Boat (FRB). In that case, the RIB would need to comply with the International Life-Saving Appliance Code (LSA Code) and associated SOLAS requirements for rescue craft.
Williams is a very known British brand and you’ll find more videos of this brand in my blog. Enjoy!
SOLAS stands for the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. It is an international maritime treaty that sets minimum safety standards in the construction, equipment, and operation of merchant ships.
The convention ensures that ships flagged by signatory states follow these standards.
These standards are intended to protect the lives of passengers and crew at sea.
This video takes you on a guided tour on board the DieselJet SOLAS 565, a high-end super yacht tender.
SOLAS stands for Safety Of Live at SEA. It’s a convention generally regarded as the most important of all international treaties concerning the safety of merchant ships. It showcases in detail all the adjustments needed to be SOLAS-proof.
This jet-driven SOLAS-compliant Rigid Inflatable Boat is a “rebuilt” standard DieselJet 565 tender designed specifically for yachts exceeding 500GT.
The company offers two more Solas RIBS: the 505 and the 625.
A question that pops up regularly is: are Rigid Inflatable Boats safe? I did some research on this topic incorporating my own expreiences.
You can mitigate the potential for rough conditions and ensure that your crew will be safe by choosing a Rigid Inflatable Boat. These are built to handle everything from heavy seas to massive waves, and they won’t compromise safety or mobility in any way.
1. Rough Weather
If you’re looking for a vessel that can handle it all, remember that Rigid Inflatable Boats are hands-down the safest option for any boating adventure.
Trusted by law enforcement and other professionals of all marine sectors, they’re unparalleled in performance and hardiness. They’ll hold up against any weather condition you throw at them even in heavy winds or rough seas.
RIBs are also ideal if you need to transport large loads of people or equipment over long distances without compromising on speed or stability and because they don’t require ballast tanks like traditional boats do (which means no extra weight), they tend to be lighter than most other types of vessels as well.
2. Prolonged Work on Water, Search and Rescue
RIBs are the best option for search and rescue as well. They’re stable, fast and can easily onboard people to go out on the sea. Most importantly, they can be used in rough weather and help with rescue operations.
Rigid inflatable boats are safe and reliable because they don’t have a keel or rudder that can be damaged by rocks or ice. A RIB’s hull is made of fiberglass or aluminum. Carbon and or kevlar are a possibility as well: lightweight, strong but expensive.
3. RIBs Are as Safe as the Skipper is
Are Rigid Inflatable Boats Safe? Photo courtesy of novi marine Arjen Maan (owner of novi marine) in the middle has an impressive palmares of captain licenses
If you’re looking for a vessel that can handle it all, go for a Rigid Inflatable Boat. The boat may be safe, but as a skipper, don’t compromise on safety.
The boat can be safe but as a skipper you’re always responsible for every life on your boat. So make sure to give a short but ferm safety briefing before taking off. Don’t swamp your people with information but a few necessary words are needed.
Provide information on wearing a life jacket and how it works.
When going overboard tell all passengers just to float on the back (a life jacket will help).
Make sure someone else knows how to start and work the engine in case you’re not able to.
No use of alcohol or drugs on board and no smoking.
Before you go out, make a list of all passengers, including yourself. This could be asked when you get checked. Lastly, appoint someone on shore who knows where you’re going.
Check the weather forecast beforehand as well.
I highly recommend nautinstruct for anyone looking for comprehensive safety advice when it comes to boating.
The site offers a range of helpful resources and guidelines to ensure the safe operation of your boat, as well as tips on avoiding potential hazards while out on the water.
4. Testing a RIB’s Safety and Robustness
Every RIB that will be deployed as a safety vessel has to go though some harsh tests as you can see in this video. Not advisable for the weak-hearted. Here’s another one of a bigger RIB.
It shows undeniably what a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) can endure without any damage or sinking.
5. Conclusion
So, are Rigid Inflatable Boats safe? Yes!
Whether your needs are simple or complex, the right Rigid Inflatable Boat can handle it all.
From cruising around with family and friends to working on water in rough weather conditions, these boats have proven themselves time and time again as the ultimate choice for any boating adventure.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Do RIBs Puncture Easily?
This is a Rigid Inflatable Boat myth. Police, military and rescue teams operate in environments where possible punctures are at risk but still continue to resort to RIBs. They’re not easy to puncture thanks to the best tubes fabric used: Orca by Pennel en Flipo.
Do RIBs Capsize Easily?
This is without any doubt the biggest myth of all. The answers is no. They’re much safer than rigid vessels of the same size. The main reason are the tubes. They prevent the RIB from rolling over and have a stabilising effect to provide a smooth ride.
Are They Good to Go Fishing?
Yes, they are. Their great stability enables the people on board to walk around without the fear of capsizing. Also for pulling your loot on board, the fantastic stability is an absolute plus.
Can RIBs Carry Bigger Loads than Similar Rigid Crafts?
Absolutely. Check the loading capability in the description of the RIB. They often can have the double amount of people on board in open sea than boats of similar size that are restricted to sheltered waters.
How Fast Can a Rigid Inflatable Boat Go?
Because of their construction, RIBs can really go fast due to their deep V-hull ability to have big horsepower engines and light weight. Also know that going fast safely requires training. After all the surface of the sea or lake is never the same. Sometimes going slower is safer.
Disclaimer
This post has been prepared for informational purposes only and with the best of intentions. It is indicative in nature and may not be complete or fully comprehensive. No rights may be derived from its contents, and no liability is accepted for any omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance placed upon the information provided.
Virtually all second hand and young new RIBs vessels will exhibit some degree of wear, defect, or imperfection inherent to prior use and age.
Not all of these situations presented in the post may be feasible in every situation. It is the owner’s responsibility to assess the associated risks and to decide what level of compromise they are willing to accept.
Where doubt or uncertainty exists, a qualified and insured marine surveyor should be engaged, as they assume professional responsibility and carry insurance in the event of error or negligence.
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