USCG receives new response boat

The US Coast Guard Station St. Joseph, Michigan, has taken the delivery of its first 45ft Marinette Marine-built response boat (RB), aimed to enhance ability to respond to search and rescue missions and law enforcement cases.

The new craft will replace the aging fleet of 47ft motor lifeboats and separate nonstandard boats being used nationwide at Coast Guard stations.

Incorporating advanced search capabilities and featuring forward-looking infrared search technology, the new vessel is powered by twin jet propulsion and boasts a top speed of more than 40k.

Capable of acting more rapidly when compared to previous vessels of similar size, the vessel can navigate in shallow water compared to earlier boats of same size.

The deep-V, double-chine hull offers a balance of performance and stability, while the boat’s self-righting ability enables it to sustain in rough sea conditions.

Designed with a full cabin to protect the crew, provide heating and air conditioning, the new RB features shock-mitigating seats, can accommodate light machine guns, an advanced navigation system and a communication system to interact with other federal, state, local and homeland security partners.

The response boat is also capable of dealing with waves up to 12ft high and can ferry around 24 people.

In addition, the US Coast Guard Station Erie has also taken the delivery of a new 45ft response boat, which is the 157th in a fleet of 170 being delivered to Coast Guard stations on a national scale.