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Feature 1 | PATROL & RESCUE BOATS Cool operators


Demand for compact, easily replaced onboard air-con units has secured Dometic Marine a number of high-profile Indian patrol vessel orders


vessels has been particularly notable in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, all regions subject to intense heat. In these environmental conditions, with crew often working around the clock, under pressure to stay alert, the installation of adequate HVAC systems remains an absolute necessity. Dometic Marine has become well


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acquainted with these markets, having supplied air conditioning solutions to a wide range of vessels deployed in equatorial climes, such as Safehaven Marine’s new, Mozambique-bound pilot vessel P8 (see p8). Earlier this year, the group also scooped a 14-vessel contract for a new series of Indian Navy patrol boats, intended to patrol both Indian waterways and open sea areas, where they will commit to 24/7 duties such as deterring illegal fishing activities, anti-terrorist surveillance and, in particular, safeguarding Mumbai’s offshore oil and gas assets. Constructed by Indian shipbuilding


and repair specialist SHM Shipcare, and described as ‘immediate support vessels’ (ISVs), the first of the 14 was launched in November 2012, and the remainder are expected to be completed by the end of 2013. Each vessel in the series features a length of 25m, a 5.6m beam and a depth of 2.75m, with a draught of no more than 1.25m. Developed to cope with sea state 6


conditions, the ISVs will be able to hit a top speed of 40knots, or 35knots when fully laden, while typical cruising speed has been recorded at 15-20knots.


Avoiding over-heating Dometic was contracted to work alongside SHM Shipcare in installing the air conditioning units, a process which also included training on operation, having previously supplied such units to a number of Indian Navy


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The R-140A Vector Compact units roughly measure 50cm x 38cm x 63cm


boats over the past 15 years, primarily via Sri Lankan yards. Ben Haynes, technical sales manager


at Dometic, says: “In these climates it is very hot and humid, so when crews are on patrol all day, crew health is very important. A cool, dry climate keeps crews comfortable and ensures they keep working week after week with no issues. “Effective air conditioning is also


vital to keep important electronics and supplies cool and dry, as ideal temperatures in engine rooms and machine spaces must be maintained to prevent critical components from overheating. On an already hot boat, most electronics create heat and any over-heating could lead to failure of a device, which could affect navigation, for example, or create safety issues, such as increased risk of a fire. “On patrol boats specifically, air-con


is turned off at the dock and back on when the crew jumps on the boat. This means that the equipment has to be sized so that the boat cools down very quickly. It is also important to take precaution that all equipment is mounted correctly due to the quick movements, hard turns and rough seas that these vessel types encounter. Additionally, the patrol boats want to


The first of the SHM Shipcare series of ISVs was launched in November 2012


use equipment that is easy to replace, such as self-contained units, so that, if issues do arise, they can have a spare unit for quick replacement, so the boat is not delayed between missions.” Each of the SHM Shipcare newbuilds


will be furnished with three units from Dometic’s R-140A Vector Compact series of air-con systems, each rated 27,000btu. Haynes states: “These units were engineered to harness and maximise the impressive performance of environmental ly safe R-410A refrigerant. The units offer direct expansion operation in a compact, low-profile format, with a seawater- cooled condenser and choice of controls. [Each unit’s] high-velocity blowers


are insulated to prevent


secondary condensation, and are fully rotatable for flexibility during installation.” Each unit weighs just under 59kg, has a height of nearly 50cm, a width of 38.7cm and a depth of 63cm. In addition to the SHM Shipcare


contract, Dometic has also been assigned to provide equipment for a 33-strong series of 12m loa, 35knot Indian Coast Guard patrol boats, under construction at Timblo Drydrocks, in Goa. To date, 10 of these vessels have been delivered. SBI


Ship & Boat International May/June 2013


he prevailing trend for larger patrol fleets comprising a greater number of smaller


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