C4ISR Upgrades Help USCG in Record Seizure
The U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced the record maritime seizure of more than 42,000 pounds of cocaine by 378-ft. Coast Guard Cutters Hamilton and Sherman, both recipients of Deepwater C4ISR upgrades. As part of a two-phased effort, the Deepwater team upgraded communications capabilities on all 39 Coast Guard high- and mediumendurance cutters providing access to a secure data network via SIPRNET, image sharing through faster satellite communications (SATCOM) and improved target identification using Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). The 12 378-ft. cutters also received law enforcement radios allowing them to communicate in a protected environment.
4500 hp Azimuthing Stern Drive (ASD) Tugs. Part of this new-building project includes extensive training for both Naval Ship Pilots and Tug Operators. The PMI program is an integral part of the training process. For more information email GTrunnell@mates.org
AAPA Testifies on Goods Movement
Stressing port industry concerns over the growing volume of freight moving over America's already congested transportation system, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jean Godwin went before the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission on March 19 to urge Commission members to recognize the importance of efficient port access when making recommendations to Congress to address future surface transportation needs. Godwin will outline the freight infrastructure needs that U.S. public ports have now and will have in the future to guard against gridlock in the goods movement network. These include improved access roads to freight terminals, promoting projects of regional and national significance, appointing state freight coordinators, rail investment tax credits, new project financing methods, water transportation options (to reduce the highway cargo volumes), and more navigation dredging projects to improve access to ports by large, modern ships.
PMI Develops Z-Drive Tug Handling Program
The Pacific Maritime Institute, in partnership with Captain Jeff Slesinger, has developed and implemented a three-phase Z-drive Tug Handling Program. The program is oriented towards Captains and Mates that are experienced Tug Operators, but have little or no experience driving Z-drive tugs. Utilizing the Pacific Maritime Institute's state-of-the-art Tug Simulator, the Program guides operators through a series of "at sea" situations that are specifically designed to focus on and hone the specific skill sets required to operate a Z-drive tug. At the end of the nine day course of instruction, operators come away with a fundamental understanding of, and an ability to perform, the unique boat handling skills required to maneuver Z-drive tugs in light tug, barge, and ship assist work. The impetus for developing this program came from the Pilots and Tug Operators at the Puget Sound Naval Station (PSNS), located in Bremerton, WA. PSNS has embarked on an ambitious new-building project to replace their existing fleet of single-screw tugs with new
Bollinger Launches First of 10 for Rigdon
Rigdon launched the 4000 class PSV under construction at Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, La. The vessels are ABS classed DPS-2 and feature Rigdon diesel electric propulsion system. At 190 x 46 x 18-ft. the Rigdon 4000 class also feature three Z-Drives and two large forward tunnel thrusters. The first of ten is scheduled to deliver in late June 2007.
SeaArk Delivers Patrol/SAR Vessels
SeaArk Marine, Inc. has delivered three 44-ft. Dauntless Class Patrol/SAR vessels to be operated by the Egyptian Ports and Lighthouses Administration. These vessels are an integrated component of the Gulf of Suez Vessel Traffic Information Management System and are tasked with responsibilities for patrol, surveillance, search and rescue, port security, diving, antiterrorism and monitoring of vessels transiting the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. These vessels are part of an overall maritime Vessel Traffic Information Management System and Search and Rescue System provided by Lockheed Martin which include land-based radar, communications and computer systems being utilized to manage and monitor vessel traffic in the Gulf of Suez. These SeaArk 44-ft. Dauntless' are constructed of allwelded marine grade aluminum and feature deep-vee variable deadrise hulls that produce smooth, dry and stable rides. Recessed aft cockpits are installed to facilitate the vessels' mission, aiding in diving, recovery and towing operations and in boarding other vessels. These vessels are powered by twin Caterpillar 3126 inboard diesel engines, each rated @ 450 hp. Additional outfitting includes 12 kW generators. In order to carry out their mission, the vessels have extensive electronics suites for navigation, communication and vessel traffic monitoring as well as firefighting and extensive safety equipment. The boats are air conditioned for crew comfort and operation while under way. For more information email sales@seaark.com
And the game changes.
April, 2007 · MarineNews · 13
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