Inflatable underwater
boat
(JC-Eureka
/ 10-11-09) Gloucestershire based Severn (7) Shipbuilders
has designed and developed an innovative rigid inflatable
boat that is able to submerge and operate underwater.
The primary use of this form of vessel is for carrying maintenance
workers and their equipment to undertake underwater repairs
and routine maintenance of underwater structures, such as
oil rigs, production platforms and bridge supporting structures.
The primarily operating profile would have the vessels launched
from a surface maintenance vessel, where they will quickly
travel on the surface to near the designated working area,
and then completely submerge to operating depth using electric
motors for propulsion and manoeuvring.
The outer tubes will normally be open, and can be closed
with simple valves and vents. Contained within these tubes
will be an inflatable inner tube that will only be inflated
underwater to provide positive buoyancy for re-surfacing.
An underneath compartment will contain the main fuel tank
and powerful lightweight batteries. This will be capable
of being flooded to assist submerging and to maintain stability
underwater.
The crew will all be wearing scuba and breathing equipment,
and will also be carrying the necessary tools and equipment
necessary for the task in hand. All crew will be trained
as helmsmen, and will be able to carry out any function in
the use of the vessels at all stages of its operational profile.
Means of exit and egress: The vessel is designed to allow the
occupants to easily enter and exit through the open canopy
roof and is constructed entirely from marine grade aluminium,
with standard transverse and longitudinal framing.
