VESSEL REVIEW | Eaimer & Tebaurua – Taiwanese-built patrol RIBs donated to Nauru Police Force

The Taiwanese Embassy to Nauru recently handed over two new rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) to the government of Nauru for operation by the Maritime Unit of the country’s Police Force.

Built by Taiwanese shipyard Karmin International, the 10-metre-long sister vessels Eaimer (“King of the Sea”) and Tebaurua (“First Canoe”) were delivered as part of an agreement signed in late 2019 wherein the two countries will cooperate on coast guard-related matters. The Nauru Police Force will utilise the new boats for search and rescue missions in addition to their primary role of coastal patrol within the waters of the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Power for each boat is provided by two Yamaha outboard engines. A wrap-around railing protects the outboards against possible impact damage while manoeuvring in more restrictive waters. Tow posts are also fitted to allow the RIBs to assist vessels that have become disabled in the water.

The electronics suite on each RIB includes a Lowrance radar. The air-conditioned pilothouse can accommodate a coxswain and five other crewmembers. The pilothouse exterior has handrails fitted on the side to enable safe transits across the deck while keeping the perimeter open to allow transfer to and from the boat via various points.

During regular operations, the two RIBs will be manned by mixed crew complements that consist of Nauru Police Force personnel and personnel from the country’s other maritime border protection, customs, immigration, and emergency service agencies.