USCG Accepts Delivery of New Response Boat

Industry

USCG Accepts Delivery of New Response Boat

The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Station Marblehead, Ohio, has accepted delivery of the station’s new 45-foot Response Boat-Medium.  The RB-M was built by Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wis., and will replace the MLB at a later date.

The RB-M can respond faster than previous boats of similar size with a top speed in excess of 40 knots and has advanced search capability with an installed forward-looking infrared search technology. Additionally, with twin jet propulsion, the vessel is able to respond in shallower water.

The boat has a deep-V, double-chine hull, which provides a balance of performance and stability. The vessel is also self-righting. If it capsizes in rough seas, the boat is designed to right itself. It can handle heavy seas and waves up to 12 feet and carry up to 24 people.

The RB-M augments Station Marblehead’s current craft complement of one 47-foot Motor Life Boat, two 33-foot Law Enforcement Special Purpose Craft, one 25-foot Response Boat-Small, one 20-foot Special Purpose Craft-Airboat and one Skiff-Ice.

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Press Release, September 23, 2013; Image: Navy