RI22 Fast Rescue Craft
Fast Ship Model
1989
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The RI22 is in many ways the original Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) also called Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) in Canada. Developed on the Isle of Wight in the UK as a co-operative effort between Watercraft UK, longtime lifeboat and davit vendor to the North Sea Offshore operators and the Oil companies themselves. Rather than wait for regulators to determine what equipment their developing operation in the storm bound North Sea might require, the industry leaders and their vendors took the initiative and funded development of an innovative and effective specialty craft. Combining reliable diesel power, safe waterjet propulsion, the light-weight bouyancy and stability features of an inflatable color and the rigidity and safety of a welded aluminum hull, the RI22 was a new breed of lifeboat. Self-righting, easily launched, capable of 24 knots light, with a range of 250 nautical miles the operators of supply and standby vessels soon found many uses for these sturdy little workhorses.
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