Two police boats have taken to the waters off the Ivory Coast, thanks to some detailed tailoring by Dubai-based RIB manufacturer ASIS Boats.
As the central maritime law enforcement agency responsible for safeguarding the country’s ports, rivers, and coastlines, the Ivorian Department of Maritime Affairs and Ports requires a rapid response capability for search and rescue missions. Sadly, the country’s deadly flash floods have been compounded by climate change: in June 2022, floods and landslides took the lives of 23 people in the capital, Abidjan, while hundreds were left stranded in their homes around the region. Needless to say, the response teams have a difficult job on their hands. While these police boats are mainly intended for patrols, these situations present an extra demand, and so ASIS’ solution for the Department of Maritime Affairs and Ports needed to be durable, manoeuvrable and versatile.
The two 7.6m RIBs utilise marine-grade aluminium on the hull, the non-skid deck and the frames, as well as on the two 350litre-capacity fuel tanks, which offer a duty cycle of up to 10 continuous hours. Both boats are protected by Orca Hypalon 1670 Dtex collars, which keep the boats steady and yield a smoother ride. Each of the duo is powered by twin 150hp (112kW) Yamaha outboards.
Above deck, the heavy-duty T-Top shields the console and rear of the boat from the elements. Here, two Ullman Biscaya seats (for pilot and co-pilot) provide semi-active progressive shock mitigation to reduce high-impact forces. The open, front section of the RIB is fitted with triple rows of jockey seats: forward is a stepped boarding platform which opens to the space below. Diving notches and a telescopic tow post complete the practical layout.
As these boats will be operating in various locations, and for prolonged hours, ASIS has kitted them out with equipment permitting the crew to see above and below the waterline, day and night – along with standard marine communications and WiFi connectivity. “Flood victims could be spotted via the all-around floodlight, the rotating searchlight and the night-vision camera,” ASIS says.
