I currently have an Avon 14' RIB which I use for diving either in the sound or up to 1 mile offshore in the ocean. Inflatables are great stable dive platforms but don't expect alot of elbow room. you have to learn to be an 'inflatable diver' but when you do, the versatility is great. They are fast, stable, and lightweight. Usually RIB's are trailered rather than inflated on site, but they are more responsive in turns than the inflatible keel models. My first Avon was an inflatable keel boat which I used extensively for 20 years, but when it's time was up, the RIB's were on the market and they are much better. Basically to dive an inflatible, you have to drop gear lines in the water to remove your gear before getting back on board. Sometimes I float the tank and BC in the water and jump in with wetsuit mask and fins on and don the tank in the water. Weight integrated BC's make this easier. Inflatibles are cramped so it's not likely you'll have an extra person to stay with the boat, that's why I limit myself to inshore diving so I can carry enough scope for the anchor line. I use a primary (BRUCE) anchor and a long heavy chain before I tie into the rope. Never have had a problem but I do get carried away setting the hook and if on a wreck I wrap the chain so I know I'm in for the duration. We have a system where we clip a bright plastic 2" disk on an easy to use clip and hook one for each diver on the anchor line. We all try and return to the line and when we do each diver takes one disk. If you get to the anchor and there's only one disk left, it's your job to undo the chain and place the hook in the sand. This system has served us well and rarely do we have to bounce a dive to retrieve the anchor. Usually the diver without a disc clipped on his BC gets the job! :doctor:
