Fearless luxury

security

On Raffles security in every meaning of the word is very important and some of the leading specialists in the world are advising on best practices.

Physical Security

Raffles is built with a hull that is near to nuclear icebreaker in strength and massively subdivided with a fatigue life of at least 100 years confirmed by Lloyd’s structural analysis. It is provided with at least twice the equipment found on conventional cruise ships, so must be considered amongst the safest ships afloat.

Raffles’ full double hull is the only one in the world in this type of vessel and contributes to its 100-year life. This a claim no other vessel can currently make. (See Technical).

Technical security

Raffles is provided with an optional 5 year unconditional guarantee by the builders, who will then also operate it with British / Commonwealth officers for the same period. Once the guarantee has expired the owners can chose to operate Raffles on their own, or can hire a cruise shipping company to do this for them with the initial 5 years of operation also designed to establish a solid data base of operating costs for owners future use.

Raffles is designed, built and operated under Lloyds Registry, “Rules for international passenger vessels”, the highest standards in the world. These in practice are much more stringent than those applying to 5 star hotels or even jumbo passenger aircraft and provide unequalled peace of mind. Raffles is registered in Isle of Man, a British Crown Dependency, subject to British company / maritime (Admiralty) law, and enjoys the protection of its police and armed forces.

Based on the wide use of materials and technology developed for the harsh North Sea offshore oil industry, and Arctic exploration, Raffles is super safe / ultra long lasting. Its construction features the latest in high quality materials and composites, stainless sea inlets, and valves, glass fibre reinforced piping and systems and equipment, including many items that no other commercial ship has yet introduced. Its propulsion system is diesel – electric with 8 generators and 4 x 360^o propulsors providing a back up / get you home capability unequalled in any ship afloat today.

Operational security

Raffles safe method of operation is governed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that dictates how all the world’s ships can be utilized and with due regard for the environment and its protection. The Isle of Man Government will also inspect her annually to confirm safe operation / best practices. The safety measures / equipment on Raffles exceed, in some cases by as much as 300% the demands of international regulations and are unmatched by any other vessel afloat or planned.

Operating at speeds up to 14 knots (16 mph) its twin 360^o main aft cycloidal propulsors and twin 360^o forward jet thrusters (the only ship in the world with this system), provide unmatched manoeuvrability that allows it to safely dock, even in very small villages, or navigate far up rivers such as the Amazon. It can also maintain its position (dynamically), +/ - 1 meter, even in the deepest part of the Pacific or in the shallow fragile waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Lloyd’s Register, answering to and acting on the instructions of the trustees / owners, will continuously inspect and independently report on Raffles method of operation and maintenance.

Medical security, safety / superb health care

A fully equipped hospital with operating theatre, pharmacy, laboratory, dental and doctors surgeries run by British qualified doctors and nurses ensures the highest quality of detection / diagnosis / medical care, anywhere you are in the world, day and night. Audio / visual high-speed dedicated satellite link to one of the worlds finest teaching hospitals, University College in London and their world famous surgeons, and consultants (HarleyStreeonthe15th), or your own family doctor, are provided. Only medicines, outside / specialist consultant fees and special nursing care are charged for at rates dramatically lower than in most developed countries. A monthly medical check up and continuous dietary advice is free to owners (mandatory for crew).

In case of an emergency Raffles carries its own 6-seat floatplane (which is also used as an air ambulance) and has the capability to accept the largest shore based long-range evacuation helicopters, if necessary.

Healthy environment

Raffles is also uniquely eco friendly. Its 13-mw power station operates on heavy fuel with only sufficient power to meet varying demand economically provided from 1 or all 8 of its generators. All fresh water is produced onboard and the vessel also boasts its own bio sewage plant for zero discharge of effluents. Its full double hull means that all potentially polluting liquids are always isolated, carried in internal tanks until they can be safely discharged and disposed of in port.

Life aboard Raffles offers endless fresh sea air, as much outdoor activity as you can handle, fresh food, pure water and ultra modern sanitation.