U.S.Coast Guard Purchases "Defender Class" Homeland Security Response Boats

Release Date: 03/31/03 00:00:00

The President announced today the purchase of up to 700 Homeland Security Response Boats from SAFE Boats International of Port Orchard, Washington to support the United States Coast Guard and its continuing mission to protect our nations ports and waterways. The new "Defender Class" boats will replace nearly 300 non-standard shore based boats and provide a standardized platform for the Coast Guard's new Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSST's) which were established as a result of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

The Coast Guard selected SAFE Boats International to manufacture the boats after a two-phased competitive process. Three vendors were selected from their written proposals to produce a prototype of their design. Coast Guard personnel then tested the boats and a single successful contractor was selected. SAFE Boats International is a "Small Business" as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and will produce the boats at their manufacturing facility in Port Orchard, Washington. The total value of the contract is $145 million. Each boat will cost approximately $180 thousand.

The 25' Response Boats, "add valuable capability to the Coast Guard as well as being more efficient in terms of training and costs," said Capt. James Maes, Acting Chief, Office of Boat Forces. The boats have increased maneuverability and are capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots (46 mph) with twin outboard engines.  The full cabin provides crew protection from the elements and is equipped with a state of the art navigation system, heater, shock mitigating seats and a communication system capable of communicating with other Federal, State and Local Homeland Security partners. The boat is also designed to be transportable by road or by C-130 aircraft."

Delivery of the first boat is expected in July 2003 and will continue to arrive at Coast Guard units at a minimum of 2 per week.  The Coast Guard will purchase up to 700 boats as needed over the next seven years and represents the largest single acquisition of identical response craft ever purchased by the Coast Guard.

This page was last modified on 03/31/03 00:00:00