The Club Ribs

Introduction

The club currently has three RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) that are used freely by club members. There is a small charge per day to help cover the maintenance costs (see table). This and the cost of any fuel used is usually divided up amongst those diving. Note that the club bulk buys the two stroke oil and recharges the boat users at 10% of the fuel charge.

Boat Management

The club requires a number of procedures to ensure the safety of the divers and the equipment and also to ensure that members have fair and equal access to them. The boats can be booked out on any club night, by any member, the more advanced the notice the better.

Please note that all dives using club equipment are 'club' dives and as such must be approved by the DO. Divers who have lapsed BSAC membership may be prohibited from club dives, due to loss of BSAC insurance cover.  

Booking Procedure

1. A certified Cox'n must be present and responsible for the boat(s) during launching, diving and recovery.
2. As a minimum there must be a certified boat handler available on each boat, at all times when at sea.
3. The boats can be booked through the DO, Treasurer or Dive Planning Officer. using the triplicate book system.
4. All club dives must be genuinely open to all club members.
5. Once the boat has been booked a copy of the booking form will be displayed on the notice board with the invitation to dive.
6. Divers should be made aware of the expected boat related costs, including any towing charges,  prior to the trip.
7. Non club members or guests can be invited to attend dives, however club members wishing to attend should take priority. Non Club members or guests must be certified divers and will be charged an additional £5, over and above the normal charges.
8. The boats should be stored away, as found, refuelled, washed down and ready for the next set of divers.
9. Any problems / faults should be reported promptly to the Boat officer. 
10. Payments for the use of the boats (boat hire + oil costs) should be paid promptly to the Treasurer.

Towing

The club can financially assist any vehicle owners who wish to have a tow bar fitted so that they can tow the Ribs, see the club treasurer for further details. It is customary for the diving group to share out the towing costs. 

The club recommends a towing rates of 14p per mile for the Humber and 16p per mile for the Deltas.

Volunteers for towing are reminded of the following and asked to check that:

1. Their vehicle insurance policy provides 3rd party cover while towing;
2. That the kerbside weight of their car is more than twice that of the gross weight they will be towing;
3. Maximum speed on dual carriageway and motorway is 60mph and 50mph elsewhere, unless a lower speed is in force;
4. Where a carriageway has more than 2 lanes the use of the outside lane is prohibited to towing vehicles;
5. That the load and all fixtures and fittings are secure and fully serviceable;
6. Trailer wheels commonly give problems if regular checks and maintenance are not performed. When jacked off the ground there should be no indication of slack when attempting the wobble the wheel on its bearings. The wheel nuts must be secure;
7. It is recommended you travel with a passenger.

Rib Specifications 

The following table outlines the specification and equipment for each of the club boats.