NOAA Orders Research RHIB from Willard

Willard Marine, Inc.was awarded a contract by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to produce a 20’08” rigid hull inflatable boat for the Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) to facilitate their fisheries and marine mammal research in the Pacific region.   

Willard Marine will provide a slightly modified version of their SEA FORCE 730, a military-grade, aluminum, rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) that is designed with a deep-V hull for maximum stability in the roughest sea conditions. The 20’08” research RHIB designed for NOAA is constructed in accordance with ABYC standards and Subchapter S requirements, and is fitted with both lift fittings and a lift sling that are designed for hoisting 6,700-pounds of weight with a 6:1 weight ratio safety factor. Twin Honda 115hp outboard engines will propel the vessel throughout the Hawaiian islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Johnston atoll, US Pacific Remote Insular Areas and the Samoan archipelago as NOAA conducts various scientific sampling methods, including bottom fish collection, remote sensing survey, marine mammal population survey, and dive operations. 

The collar will be closed-cell foam with a polyurethane sheathing that covers the foam. Additionally, Willard Marine will provide a complete davit for deploying and recovering scientific equipment. The davit, which will have a mount for attaching winches/pot pullers, will be removable from the mounting bracket when not in use. Eight removable SCUBA tank holders and an aluminum engine guard will be installed, and personnel recovery cutouts will be provided on both sides of the collar.

Since its founding in 1957, Willard Marine has developed mission-proven boats for the U.S. military, Department of Homeland Security, foreign governments, law enforcement agencies, search and rescue organizations and private companies. Willard Marine is the exclusive builder of commercial vessels originally designed by SeaArk Marine and Crystaliner. Based in California with facilities in Maryland and Virginia, Willard Marine is ISO 9001:2008 certified and the sole American manufacturer of SOLAS rescue boats.