Dampier Legend
First of three walk around cabin RIBS
Dongara Marine handed over its second custom-built search and rescue vessel for use by Marine Rescue Dampier in April 2024. At 12 metres long Dampier Legend is the largest rigid inflatable boat (RIB) we have delivered to date.
Featuring a full walk around cabin, the new boat joined the 7.0 metre Dampier Angel delivered in 2023.
Reflecting satisfaction with our shipbuilding techniques, quality, and customer service on the project, Dongara Marine was contracted to build this second, significantly larger RIB during the latter stages of the Dampier Angel build.
As with all new Marine Rescue vessels Dampier Legend was built under contract to the Western Australian Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). In keeping with Dongara Marine’s custom design and build approach, design and equipment details were tailored to meet specifications provided by the volunteers at Marine Rescue Dampier.
A key feature of the vessel’s design is its fully enclosed, walk-around wheelhouse which provides advantages in accessibility, safety, and docking and mooring.
A primary benefit is improved accessibility around the entire boat, including easy movement from the bow to the stern without having to climb up or navigate narrow side decks. This is particularly advantageous when docking, coming alongside other boats, or performing maintenance.
In the case of Dampier Legend, the deck is continuous (non-stepped), covered with non-slip marine decking, and enclosed by bulwarks for its full length. This, in combination with strategically located handrails, further enhances safety for the crew especially when operating in rough seas, in other adverse conditions, and at night.
Docking, mooring, and rafting / towing other boats alongside is also improved since crew members can more easily handle lines, fenders, and other docking equipment. The walkaround layout also provides better visibility and access to the vessel or dock being accessed.
Inside the wheelhouse, there is a full width console forward with helm to starboard and navigation / radio operator position to port either side of the door leading to the forward cabin. Further aft are two crew positions, with one having its own console with navigation system screen.
The electronics package from Geraldton Marine Electronics includes three 16-inch Simrad displays, radar, satellite compass, AIS, FLIR gyro-stabilised thermal camera, RDF, and satellite phone.
All personnel are seated in high grade Shockwave suspension seats on risers with in-built storage. Additional storage is provided in built-in units with work table tops in the aft corners of the wheelhouse.
Accessed through the main console, the forward half / cuddy cabin is primarily configured for storage space but also contains a toilet and refrigerator.
Aft of the wheelhouse is an open work deck with integral towing post, two bench seats above tow reels at the transom, plus two additional seats with stowages below either side of the wheelhouse door. Up to 12 people can be carried under AMSA NSCV 2C Survey.
Rescue zones, with lower gunwale heights and lift out handrails, are incorporated on each side. A removable, folding davit can be quickly fitted into the gunwale either side to assist with recoveries from the water.
Southerly Designs and Dongara Marine developed both twin and triple engine variants of this 12 metre cabin RIB and offer it with a range of outboard makes and powers. Marine Rescue Dampier opted for a pair of Yamaha XF425s.Their combined 850hp produced a loaded speed of 42 knots on trials and enable significant towing capability.
In addition to the full walkaround cabin configuration, the vessel’s other special features include:
- Highest specification (Level 4) Yamaha Helm Master EX digital boat control system including full manoeuvrability joystick control
- Fully air conditioned and thermally insulated wheelhouse for personnel comfort
- Antennas fitted to powered mounts to enable them to be raised and lowered from the helm console, for example when required for medivac operations with helicopters
- Powered hinged mast base enabling controlled lowering and raising, again with remote operation from the wheelhouse
- Lone Star Marine electric drum anchor winch and below chine anchor stowage
- Custom ladder system enabling personnel to embark and disembark vessel over the bow or sides
Dongara Marine also supplied a custom jinker trailer as part of the contract.
The Dampier volunteers are one of 37 Marine Rescue WA groups situated along Western Australia’s coastline from Esperance in the south to Kununurra in the north that are managed and funded through DFES. Another two, in Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, are funded and managed by the Commonwealth.
For more information on Volunteer Marine Rescue Western Australia (VMRWA) visit www.vmrwa.org.au or its Facebook page.
Footnote: Similar vessels are currently under construction for Marine Rescue Shark Bay and Marine Rescue Exmouth.
“Emergency services volunteers in the Pilbara are responsible for protecting a region more than twice the size of the United Kingdom, and the State Government is proud to support them with cutting-edge resources to keep local communities safe.”
Hon Stephen Dawson - Minister for Emergency Services
