In recent years Commercial Rib Charter have noticed an increase in charters of our boats to assist with ‘autonomous surface vessels’ (ASVs), also known as ‘unmanned surface vessels’ and ‘autonomous underwater vehicles’. These are typically small prototype craft undergoing trials to be used autonomously, with plenty of defence and military applications in mind, such as shadowing, patrolling, surveying and tracking targets covertly. Often they are fitted with a host of sensors and cameras, including infrared and radar, but technology advances now mean some can make decisions independently and react to other vessels nearby, following COLREGs and avoiding collisions.
Numerous craft from a range of companies are currently in service, such as from L3 Harris and XOcean, while futuristic advanced technology is being developed by the likes of Subsea Craft and BAR Tech who are designing a fast surface stealth craft which can transition into an underwater submersible with a 4 hour endurance.
So where do we come in? We can offer a range of services for these operations including:
- Monitoring and enforcing exclusion zones around the ASVs
- Providing guard boat services to ensure other close craft are suitably informed and aware
- Being on stand-by to provide workboat towage services if communication to the craft is lost
- Offering a covered platform nearby to allow operators and technicians to monitor progress and track the vessel
- Providing deck space and generators to rig sensors, cameras and survey equipment
Our large fleet of Cabin Ribs and Multi-Role vessels are ideal for such work, typically 9-20m long, coded to MCA Category 2 and fitted with twin engines, colour chart plotters, Class A AIS, loudhailers, blue lights, sirens and offering space inside for equipment and passengers. All our crew are appropriately qualified with all our skippers holding commercial endorsements and STCW seafarer’s training. Most are also very familiar with safety and guard boat operations to provide the full professional package.
Check out our wide range of options in the fleet at www.commercialribcharter.co.uk or call us on 01590 607103 to discuss your requirements!
