New pilot boat to serve Mississippi’s Pascagoula Channel

Lousiana boat builder Metal Shark Boats has delivered a new pilot boat to the Pascagoula Bar Pilots’ Association (PBPA) of Mississippi.

The welded aluminium, 55- by 17-foot (16.7- by five-metre) Singing River Island is the second Metal Shark Boat to be delivered to the PBPA. It will be operated primarily in the Pascagoula Channel.

The pilothouse features Metal Shark’s patented “pillarless glass” reverse-raked windscreen to significantly reduce blind spots. The cabin has seating for a coxswain and six pilots/passengers as well as HVAC units.

Belowdecks accommodations include an enclosed head compartment with fresh water sink, bunks, and individual storage lockers for crewmembers’ personal items. Acoustic insulation and flooring are employed throughout the vessel to reduce noise and vibration.

Power is provided by two Caterpillar C18 803hp (598kW) engines that deliver a maximum speed of 30 knots and a range of 280 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 25 knots.