The work is centred around the towage, mooring and monitoring of the floating targets used for weapons testing and training at the range. These comprise mainly of simple rectangular barges and their associated fittings and instrumentation. When in use these purpose built target barges are connected to pre-laid moorings out at sea to await the arrival of bombs or missiles.

Damaged targets are replaced periodically and while trials or training is in progress instrumentation and monitoring is manned by range staff aboard the range support vessel. Although laying the majority of target moorings is not part of the support contract certain additional moorings have to be laid and retrieved, requiring particularly accurate positioning and orientation.

Duties also include range safety duties and helping to maintain a specified exclusion zone during operations. All of which sounds pretty straightforward until one considers the size and position of this offshore facility located in the exposed waters of Cardigan Bay. Much of the work is carried out at least 15 miles offshore and up to 70 miles from base in sea states that may be acceptable for aerial bombardment but difficult for craft working to tow and secure barges. New and refitted target barges are stored in the sheltered waters of Pembroke Dock entailing a lengthy tow to the range area.

The arrival of a new vessel in September last year improved the situation dramatically for both the client and the company.

Intrepid b is the result of a unique conversion carried out by the Macduff Shipyard in Scotland to turn a deepsea trawler into a purpose designed range support vessel and tug. Working in close collaboration with David Little, the various specialists within the Macduff Group of companies utilised much of the trawler's original hull and structure to produce a vessel ideally suited to offshore range support duties.

The vessel started life as the Peterhead based trawler Harvest Reaper III that had been damaged and flooded following a grounding in January 2000. Built in Poland in 1997 the heavily built vessel was in other respects in excellent condition and work started on this extensive conversion project in 2001 at the Macduff yard.

Intrepid b has an overall length of 27m, a waterline length of 23.92m, a beam of 8.8m, a draft of 5.0m and meets the requirements of Category 2 of the Workboat Code. A major feature of the conversion was to reconstruct the forward part of the vessel and the accommodation.

The large 'modern style' wheelhouse was moved forward virtually onto the forecastle, and much of the 'shelter deck' removed, completely changing the vessel's appearance, clearing much needed space aft and achieving a true tug configuration.

In other respects the hull remains unchanged, retaining the original single screw, Kort nozzle, and bulbous bow. The result is a vessel with exceptional sea-keeping characteristics, providing a good work platform for towing and offshore operation.

Modifications to the bulwarks at the junction of the shelter-deck and forecastle have resulted in a very dry working deck aft whilst towing and working at moorings offshore.

The original main engine and gearbox was removed and replaced with a new Mitsubishi SR12 diesel rated at 1285bhp at 1600rev/min driving a new tail-shaft and four blade Promarine propeller, through a ZF Masson 8.93:1 ratio reverse reduction gearbox. Manoeuvrability is enhanced by a 'Becker' type rudder and a hydraulically driven bow thruster. The latter has a massive 1m diameter propeller and is powered by a Cummins 855 G5 diesel of 415bhp, which also drives a back-up alternator of 175kVa. Electrical power is supplied by a Volvo powered 175kVa generator set and a 65kVa Deutz harbour set.

The after deck has been transformed to provide a good working area for towing, anchor-handling, lifting and transportation. A two speed, hydraulically powered, split-drum, towing and anchorhandling, winch was put together by specialists Smith's Marine using many of the major components from the vessel's original fishing winch. Situated in the sheltered location aft of the forecastle, the winch has a maximum line pull of 45 tonnes and brake holding load of 70 tonnes. The winch can be controlled locally or from the wheelhouse and is complimented by a stern roller with a 50 tonnes safe working load, a pair of towing pins and a 7 tonne tugger winch.

An essential facility for the vessel's current work is a Heila 140/tonnes/metre hydraulic deck crane with a lifting capacity of 8 tonnes at a reach of 14m, incorporating a 6 tonne lift winch. Power for the crane and winch is provided by two electrically driven hydraulic power-packs, each with a capacity of 60 litres/min. The crane can be controlled locally or by means of a radio controlled handset from anywhere around the vessel, a facility that has proved to be particularly useful in the current working environment.

A fast RIB is carried for range support work and is put at the disposal of the client's staff when required. The boat can be a vital tool in policing the range exclusion zone and for transporting personnel and equipment. A small workshop and store is available within the vessels extensive accommodation to facilitate onsite repairs to instrumentation and equipment.

The wheelhouse and accommodation has been fitted out, with joinery in Oak, to a very high standard in a manner that does justice to the large amount of space available internally. Three control positions are located on the full width wheelhouse, two forward and one aft, with CCTV available for monitoring winch and engineroom. A bridge electronics 'package' from Simrad includes radar, electronic charting and VHF DSC radios. From the principle control position on the starboard side of the forward console the master has all of the necessary propulsion controls to hand and a well designed array of radar, electronic chart, GPS and depth-sounder displays.

Engine start panels and other essential instrumentation is mounted on a 'U' shaped overhead console. A Robertson auto-pilot and an RGC 50 gyrocompass are also fitted and supplied as part of the electronic outfit. There is adequate space in the wheelhouse for additional range instrumentation or survey equipment.

Accommodation is available for a maximum of 14 persons, including a crew of three. A well-fitted galley is combined with a good sized mess room.

The space available for stowage is more than adequate for normal marine equipment and towing gear, with designated areas also available for range instrumentation and tools.

Range activities are further supported with the provision of a small workshop previously mentioned. Occasionally the vessel is required to carry out coastal trips to other ranges or to carry out trials work elsewhere, emphasising the necessity for onboard facilities of a high standard.

When describing the new vessel to Maritime Journal, David Little said; 'The Macduff shipyard group have done a wonderful job for us. Intrepid b was delivered on price and has exceeded our expectations. The new boat has transformed the way that we operate and the level of service we are able to offer our client.' David's son Alan, skipper of the vessel, was full of praise for it's performance while towing and as a stable work-platform when operating offshore.

Intrepid b joins another tug/ workboat in the fleet of D Little Engineering Ltd - the Defence, a smaller converted stern trawler that has been in operation with the company since 1989. This 25m vessel is powered by a Cummins KTA19 diesel of 500bhp and was used almost exclusively for range support work until Intrepid b arrived.

Defence will remain available for use at Aberporth when required. Both vessels have been used to carry out other coastal towage work and the occasional salvage task when availability permits. David Little's first small tug, Defiant, was recently sold after almost two decades of service with the company.