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RIB Boats

Every Large Vessel Should Have Landing Craft

Large vessels like yachts, some commercial fishing boats, tankers, and cruise ships rely on similarly large ports for docking. However, situations sometimes arise that make it necessary to get to shore even when no such port is available. Then, smaller landing craft are used to make the trip from the big boat to the shore.


While the general public often sees landing craft when watching war movies, peaceful vessels need them as well. If someone gets sick, there are problems with supplies, or other emergencies arise, those on the large vessel have to be able to quickly deal with the situation. With the landing craft system, the large boat stays far offshore. The smaller boat is lowered from its side along with one or more people to make the journey to land.


Notably, landing craft usually aren't the same as lifeboats, though they can double as such if the need arises. Typically, however, they are bigger. This lets them carry supplies more easily.


A rescue boat is different from a landing craft in that it is usually stationed at a dock. It is deployed if someone at sea needs help. The person at sea may be a distressed swimmer, a survivor of a boating accident, or someone stranded on a disabled boat. Rescue boats are motorized so that they can reach their destinations quickly. They typically include some form of medical supplies, though these often take the form of first aid kits rather than anything extensive. Rescue authorities may outfit their boats more completely, especially if the entire agency has a marine focus.


RIB boats are sometimes used as both landing craft and rescue boats, but they can also be used as tourist craft and ferries. The size of the RIB boat is a good indicator of its purpose. Larger ones typically have plenty of seats, indicating that they are normally used to carry non-distressed passengers. Emergency varieties are smaller, and are preferred when it is important to keep weight to a minimum.


Notably, RIB boats are inflatable, yet become rigid once the inflation is complete. In fact, the initials stand for Rigid Inflatable Boat. This can make them more stable and durable than non-rigid inflatables, hence their popularity for river and lake tourism. The larger ones used for standard passenger transport can even have enclosed cabins, while the ones used for emergencies are basic and designed for the speedy transport of just a few people.


With all of these options, there's no need to let yourself be stranded on a big boat. Add some RIB boats or landing craft to increase your safety today.

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