Launched in January 2020, the Ecklonia is a 7.2m Aquatruck RHIB designed and built by Tasmania’s PFG Group. Owned by Parks Victoria, the vessel will be used as a patrol boat and for diving operations in Victorian Waters.
Maritime Survey Australia (MSA) surveyor, James Nolan provided the technical and compliance support to Parks Victoria for the procurement of the vessel for operations with 2 crew + 6 special personnel in 2C survey to 30Nm.
MSA worked with Parks Victoria from the initial tender phase to successful delivery of the vessel.
The scope of services supplied to the client included:
- An initial meeting with Parks Victoria to discuss the operational and performance requirements for the vessel they require,
- Development of function and performance specifications for the vessel for Park Victoria to go to Tender for the new vessel,
- Conducting an independent review of tender responses received by Parks Victoria to assist them in selecting a preferred tender,
- Providing technical support to Parks Victoria with negotiations during contract agreement and during the build, and
- Conducting a survey and sea trials of the vessel on completion to verify compliance with the function and performance specifications.
A DCV compliance survey was also performed to verify the delivered vessel is in compliance with survey requirements for 2C operations. The Function and Performance Specifications developed by MSA for the Tender to procure the vessel formed the basis for the survey, and the compliance of the delivered vessel was reviewed against each applicable function and performance requirement. This included; the vessel’s arrangement, accommodation and personal safety, watertight and weathertight requirements, construction, fire safety, machinery, electrical, stability, safety equipment, communications equipment, navigation equipment, and anchoring systems.
As a variant on PFG’s existing Aquatruck range, the Ecklonia’s design offers exceptional stability, performance and durability. Powered by twin Yamaha four-stroke 150-horsepower (110kW) outboards, she can reach a maximum speed of 43 knots, and comfortably cruises at 20 knots.
Her high-density polyethylene hull and inflatable collars provides the utmost stability and safety at high speed. During successful sea trials, she demonstrated excellent high-speed stability and seaworthiness. This included being able to remain completely manoeuvrable when coming alongside other vessels and quickly pulling away from vessels and stationary platforms. The vessel also demonstrated excellent manoeuvrability at high speed and was able to perform low speed sharp turns without propeller cavitation. Fully loaded, and carrying 220litres of fuel, the vessel achieved a fuel range of more than 120Nm.
The vessel was found to be well-built, more than fit for purpose, and was a pleasure to survey.
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Contact Maritime Survey Australia today to discuss your project requirements.
An Initial Survey is the inspection of a vessel, generally for the first time, to assess and approve its design and construction against the requirements of the NSCV or other standards that apply under Marine Order 503 (Certificates of Survey National Law) 2013.
Our initial marine surveyors will liaise with the vessel builder and designer to check compliance against the relevant survey standards to minimise delays, or prevent any last-minute headaches, to ensure a vessel is able to comply as a Domestic Commercial Vessel.
