VESSEL REVIEW | Self-righting patrol and SAR craft for Future Defense USA

Irish builder Safehaven Marine has handed over a new coastal patrol and search and rescue (SAR) craft to Future Defense USA.

The newbuild, which possesses both self-righting and all-weather capability, features a deep “V” hull design with midships and transom deadrise of 24 degrees and a very fine wave-piercing bow of 65 degrees giving excellent head sea capabilities.

A wide beam ensures high levels of stability in big beam seas and excellent dynamic stability in following seas. A twin chine arrangement ensures a very dry ride.

Measuring 45 by 12.4 feet (14 by 3.8 metres), the craft is powered by a pair of Caterpillar C8.7 650hp (484kW) EPA Tier III-compliant diesel engines that drive France Helices SD3L surface drive propulsion units via ZF 380 two-speed gearboxes. This arrangement delivers a maximum speed of 43 knots and a cruising speed of 32 knots. Safehaven said that at the latter speed, each engine will consume just 18 gallons (69 litres) per hour to enable the vessel to sail for up to 600 nautical miles in between refuelings.

The main cabin has Shoxs shock-mitigating seats for the vessel’s crew of four. The starboard helm console is ergonomically designed with all critical vessel controls and displays within easy reach of the coxswain. Seated at the port forward console is the navigator, who has access to a separate set of displays at well as radio communication equipment. The two remaining crewmembers are seated directly behind. The main cabin can also accommodate two passengers who will be seated on an aft bench.

The main cabin front screens use ballistic glass, which is able to withstand the forces from breaking seas over the bow, while the side and upper windows use polycarbonate for light weight and high strength.

The self-righting ability is just one attribute that ensures the vessel can continue to operate under its own power even after a capsizing. Other key features include automatic closing engine room air vents, with all components engineered to be durable enough to withstand a complete inversion during roll-over.

Even with its somewhat compact size, the vessel nonetheless boasts adequate liveaboard accommodations. These include a forward space with two berths, dinette seating, a full galley with electric stove, microwave and refrigerator, and separate heads. All interior spaces benefit from an 18,000btu air conditioner.

The craft is fitted with a very comprehensive array of Garmin navigation equipment including two 15-inch and a 12-inch display screens, ECDIS, radar, and sonar, and two DSC VHF radios. CCTV cameras cover the deck areas and the engine room. Power for the onboard systems is supplied by a Paguro 5kW generator set.

An integral transom platform and dive ladder allows for dive operations from a spacious aft deck. Wide side decks allow for safe alongside shipboarding, and the craft is well-protected with substantial PU bonded fender along the deck edge. The aft cockpit and foredeck are enclosed by outboard safety rails whilst the side deck passageways have an inboard handrail to facilitate boardings.

A Humphree full stabilisation system is also fitted, comprising two 500mm interceptors outboard and two 300mm interceptors inboard to allow full control of the craft’s running trim, improve ride comfort, and reduce rolling in rough sea conditions.

See all the other news, reviews and features of this month’s Maritime Security Week right here.