The Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) recently took delivery of two new patrol boats in a series built by Metal Shark Boats of Jeanerette, Louisiana.
The vessels are the seventh and eighth vessels overall that Metal Shark has delivered to the PRPD since 2016.
Each of the new patrol boats has welded aluminium construction, a length of 36 feet (10.9 metres), a beam of 10.5 feet (3.2 metres), and expansive, non-skid flooring. Key features include grab handles, low-level LED pathway lighting for use during nighttime operations, and a dive door to facilitate access to and from the water.
The vessels are each equipped with a large console and an integrated welded aluminium top. A full-height, tempered glass windscreen provides optimum visibility from the helm station.
The helm has been designed to accommodate large multifunction displays, which are situated within direct view of the coxswain. All controls are placed within easy reach, reducing the effort required for manoeuvring and ultimately lessening the risk of an accident.