What are the 10 Safe Fuelling Procedures for RIBs?
Proper fuelling procedures are essential for the safe operation of your rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Actually for every boat running on fossil fuel.
Always wear lifejackets on board while taking on fuel.
Gasoline and its vapours pose significant risks of boat fires and explosions, emphasising the importance of cautious fuelling practices to prevent spills and the dissemination of gasoline vapours.
Specifically, gasoline vapours tend to accumulate within the bilge area.
Here’s a 10-point guide to fuelling your RIB safely and efficiently.
Besides wearing a kill cord and life jackets for everyone on board, a well-equipped first aid kit is also essential for safety on a boat. It should be suitable for the typical number of passengers you have aboard.
A NANUK case is my choice. It is the perfect carrier: strong, robust, safe and waterproof.
It is mandatory to have it on board. However, there is often a lot of confusion regarding the mandatory contents of first aid kits; there are only guidelines on what is recommended to be included.
There are no exact prescribed content; it should simply “cover any injuries”. Keep in mind that this is for first aid. Use also your VHF radio to call for help.
Therefore, I asked my sister, who had been a head nurse for many years, to assist me.
Take the list to the drugstore, and they will provide you with all the needed contents of the case. They might even suggest more or other things.
Here is an overview of what items you should have with you for first aid:
Bandage materials
Sterile gauze pads
Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
Adhesive tape
Triangular bandages
Sterile cotton balls
Safety pins
Rubber bandage
Compression bandages 7 cm x 4 m
Sparadrap roll
Mitella (triangular cloth)
Wound cleaning
Saline solution (for wound irrigation)
Antiseptic solution (such as iodine or chlorhexidine)
Ampoules of physiological serum
Sterile gauze pads 5 x 5 cm and 10 x 10 cm
Sterile melamine compresses 5 x 5 cm
Blood stoppers
Range of wound plasters
Elastic cambric bandages width: 5 cm – 7 cm – 10 cm
Vinyl disposable gloves
Hydrophilic cotton wool
Instruments
Disposable gloves (latex or nitrile)
Bandage scissors (with blunt tip)
Tweezers (for removing splinters)
Fine-point tweezers (with pointed ends)
Thermometer (non-mercury)
Medications and other supplies
Pain relievers (e.g. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen; check the dates)
Instant cold pack
Antihistamine (for allergic reactions)
Anti-nausea medication
Hand sanitizer (disinfecting alcohol for hands)
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
After bite pen
Miscellaneous items
Emergency blanket (to protect against hypothermia, gold/silver coloured)
First aid instructions or guidebook (including illustrated description CPR)
Pocket mask or safe kiss breathing cloth (for CPR)
It’s also important to regularly check your first aid kit like every six months and ensure it is well stocked and up to date.
Additionally, it’s wise to have someone on board, like the skipper, who has knowledge of first aid and CPR techniques.
NANUK
I have been using several NANUK cases for many years now, and I am extremely satisfied.
According to the manufacturer the 915 is allowed as hand luggage on a plane should you need to need to carry one.
If needed, transfer beforehand scissors, knives, fluids over 100 ml etc. to your checked luggage (check your flight operator first for dangerous goods).
RIBs are versatile as you can read here and here. It’s no wonder professionals choose use a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), like those used by police, the navy, SAR (check this out), customs and maritime staff.
Nigeria is in the market for a new 7.6 m Aluminum ASIS RIB. This vessel can quickly and efficiently respond to emerging national security threats as they arise.
This RIB has D-tubes installed in favour of more deck space.
Ultimate Boats has launched a brand-new range of high-speed, best-in-class powerboats designed by internationally renowned naval architect, John Moxham (read here more about him).
Moxham, who is 86 (in 2021), has had an illustrious career in the marine industry, from designing military high-speed craft through to creating the UK’s fastest RNLI lifeboat (E-Class Mark I).
He was also at the forefront of using GRP for boats, designing the first mass-produced outboard-powered cabin cruiser, the ‘Microplus’ and is well-known for his work on high-performance designs for brands such as Avon, Ribeye, Scorpion, and now Ultimate Boats.
This latest venture is, he says, “the pinnacle of my career”.
Proud to share that Ultimate Boats is a Friend of RIBs ONLY.