Emergency Service Vessel News Roundup | September 27 – US and Italian patrol vessels, Canadian and UK rescue boats

Newbuild patrol vessels have been delivered to law enforcement agencies in Italy and the US state of Florida and the Canadian Coast Guard places a locally-built rescue boat into service. A regional police department in Ontario, Canada, resumes operational sailings of one of its existing vessels following upgrade works at a local yard. Finally, a UK equipment manufacturer unveils a new series of inflatable boat capable of rapid response, especially in areas hit by flash flooding.

Offshore patrol vessel delivered to Italy’s financial police force

Italy’s Guardia di Finanza (GdF) financial police has taken delivery of a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) built by local shipyard Cantiere Navale Vittoria.

The Damen-designed Osum will serve as the GdF’s newest flagship. It measures 60 metres long and is powered by a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system that delivers a maximum speed of 26 knots and a range of 2,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 18 knots.

The OPV also has deck space for two nine-metre rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Florida sheriff’s office acquires ratrol RIB

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office of Duval County, Florida, recently acquired a new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) from Alabama boat builder Silver Ships.

The vessel will be used primarily for law enforcement patrols and emergency response missions on the St. John’s River.

Features include an enclosed centre console, Garmin navigation and communications electronics, Whelen law enforcement lighting and siren systems, and a custom-designed locking weapon stowage.

Canadian Coast Guard welcomes rescue boat into service

The Canadian Coast Guard has formally welcomed a new locally-built search and rescue (SAR) boat into service for operation in the waters of New Brunswick.

CCGS Shediac Bay was acquired by the Canadian government in May 2022. It can operate up to 100 nautical miles from shore and can maintain a maximum 30-minute state-of-readiness, which means it will be ready to respond as soon as an alert is received.

The new boat was built by Hike Metal Products of Ontario.

Patrol boat rejoins Ontario’s Peel Regional Police following refit

Hike Metal Products has completed incorporating upgrades on a patrol boat operated by the Peel Regional Police of Ontario, Canada.

Marine 1 is now fitted with new Volvo Penta D6-380 diesel engines, Raymarine displays, a Rhotheta radio direction finder, a Westerbeke generator, and a 16,000btu AC unit.

The boat’s hull also underwent sandblasting prior to the application of new livery.

UK firm unveils new fast rescue boat series

UK survival equipment manufacturer Survitec has introduced a new series of inflatable fast rescue boat capable of rapid single-point inflation.

Based on military-grade technology, the seven-person, 4.2-metre-long boat is unique in that it can be rapidly inflated using just one nine-litre, self-contained carbon air cylinder. The boat is lightweight and is easily deployed, handled, and operated to the criteria of DEFRA.

Survitec said the single-point inflation feature will meet the unique demands of waterborne SAR operations by emergency services agencies.

The boat has a maximum payload of 903 kilograms. It is designed for rescues in fast flowing waters and areas prone to flash flooding.

The boat is manufactured from durable Hypalon 1670dtex fabric. It also incorporates reinforced grip patches and military grade C7 interchangeable inflation valves, which Survitec said are strategically positioned to minimise any air loss during inflation.

Any damage to valves can be easily replaced using a simple hand tool.