VESSEL REVIEW | Ibis III – Versatile amphibious boat for Western Australia-based rescue organisation

“Being a search and rescue vessel, an extensive array of electronic equipment was installed to assist the operators with best chance of detecting vessels and people in distress,” Westerberg told Baird Maritime. “[There are] multi-screen Simrad displays linked to FLIR, RDF, AIS and radar, multi-band marine radios including [one connected to the] WA emergency radio network, a satellite phone system, a cel-fi booster, and a remote controlled searchlight.”

With the inclusion of the large 48V lithium power supply for the EOH amphibious system, there was significant supply available for the boat’s house circuit. The builder achieved this by installing a power converter, effectively reducing the 48V to a stabilized 12V supply, which was ample for the extensive console equipment.

The RIB was also expected to perform towing of vessels in distress on a regular basis. A purpose-made tow rope with bridle is stowed under the aft bench seat while a large central Samson post and side bollards were engineered to allow towing of vessels up to twice the displacement of the RIB itself.