Business use of rib...

[diver 1]

A company I work for have employed me for a months work in the Thames estuary working from a large lifting barge which will be 2 miles (ish) out of Ramsgate.

We've worked out of there before and used a very large awkward and slow tug for coming in and out from the barge which has been left offshore.

This time we're all planning on staying on the barge while the job is carried out, but would be handy to have a rib for nipping in and out occasionally for supplies and in case there was a minor accident and someone had to be taken ashore for treatment.

I'd like to volunteer my rib for this purpose. Its a 5.8m tornado viking..

Would I need to get the rib chartered if it was to be used in this context and if so is it even possible for this vessel as it only has seat for the helm due to the size of it. Its rigged for diving and for leisure use divers just sit on the tubes which is standard practise.

Thanks in advance for any clarification

[Dhf]

Sounds a similar config to my rib, I would imagine you'd need code'ing if you intend charging for the use of your rib, but not if your just simply using it as your form of transport to work.

[Poly]

I would think it possibly does need covered. My understand in coding applies to any vessel used AT SEA unless it is excluded. Pleasure vessels are excluded - but are defined as, "is used only for the sport or pleasure of the owner or the immediate family or friends of the owner".

Now 'at sea' also has a special definition - it means outside categorised waters. Is 2 miles off ramsgate categorised? Is that still within the are covered by the PLA? or other Harbour Authorities because they may have their own bylaws.

If a rib is genuinely needed because of a foreseeable risk then your employer should be providing one.

[diver 1]

Sorry in my first post I meant coded, not chartered. Must have been half asleep when I wrote that.

So in effect you're answering yes it should be coded, I would obviously be asking them for money for having it there.

Next question - how difficult would it be to get a viking tornado coded?

It has a backup engine with separate fuel supply, but does not have very clear separation of fuel tank (built in stainless tank in console) from electrics (also in console), tubes hold good pressure but I suspect the baffles might not be so good, and finally it only has a single seat..

would this be a non-starter regarding coding?

[paul tilley]

should fail if baffles are no good

[Tim M]

A local area licence would be easy enough to get if there is a local authority who can issue one.

[Dry_Doc]

Coding requirements are detailed in the MCA document MGN280. http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mgn_280-2.pdf
If you're going less than 3 miles then cat 6 coding should be fine.

[Doug Stormforce]

Yes the boat could be coded.

Step one is to ascertain which level of code you want (see MGN 280), the lowest level (cat 6) will allow you to RIB three miles from your Nominated Departure Point by day in favourable weather. Each level of the code (6 through to 0) has slightly different requirements and requires the skipper to hold higher qualifications.