Canada issues RFI for industry feedback on Coast Guard lifeboats

The Government of Canada has floated a request for information (RFI) to seek industry feedback on the next generation of coast guard search and rescue lifeboats.

The RFI aims to directly engage with Canadian shipyards, the potential suppliers of the new vessels to be built as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy’s (NSPS) small vessels programme.

The small vessels programme includes development of 18 to 21 new vessels for the Coast Guard fleet.

Other than the two selected under the NSPS to build the large vessels and their affiliated companies, Canadian shipyards will compete in individual procurement processes on a project-by-project basis.

Canadian Fisheries and OceansministerGail Shea said the new lifeboats will continue to upholdthe Coast Guard commitment to the safety of all people on the water.

With construction scheduled to commence as early as 2014, the shore-based self-righting lifeboats support operations up to 100nm from shore.

Canadian public works and government services minister Diane Finley said, "The Government’s commitment to build these ships in Canada will result in long-term jobs and economic growth for our country, stability for the industry, and vital equipment for our men and women in the Canadian Coast Guard."

The new boats will significantly replace the existing Arun-type vessels, which have an average age of 18 years for the Canadian Coast Guard.

Image: Illustration of Canadian Coast Guard’s lifeboat. Photo: Robert Allan Ltd./Canadian Coast Guard.