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The Response Boat-Medium (RB-M) is an all-aluminum, 45-foot boat with twin diesel engines and with water jet propulsion was launched at Commencement Bay in Tacoma, Wash. This small boat, which recently completed a successful Builder’s Trials on March 3, is expected to be the primary non-heavy weather, multi-mission capable boat for the U.S. Coast Guard. The RB-M will have increased maneuverability and be capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots (46 miles per hour). A full cabin will provide crew protection from the elements and will be equipped with a robust navigation system, heating and air conditioning, shock mitigating seats, and a communication system capable of communicating with other federal, state and local Homeland Security organizations. The RB-M’s missions will include Search and Rescue (SAR), Enforcement of Laws and Treaties (ELT), Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS), Defense Operations (DO), Marine Environmental Protection (MEP), and Recreational Boating Safety (RBS).

These boats will replace the 41-foot Utility Boats (UTB) which have been the workhorse of the coastal stations for the past 25+ years. (source: USCG, photo by Lt. Mark Piber) [Continue Reading →]

Our friend Richard Rodriguez of the BitterEnd Blog had an excellent post titled VTS - Working with large vessels, that gives Puget Sound boaters tips on communicating with the numerous large ships transiting to and from port.

The post had me thinking about my frequent dealings with Vessel Traffic Services worldwide like the time we entered the Singapore Straights and our Captain ordered, despite loud protests, the deck crew to finish chipping paint on the Flying Bridge. The result… the mate on watch missed a few critical calls from the local vessel controllers and they basically shut down the port for 20 minutes to give us plenty of sea room…. and a $25,000 fine!

Once my mind was past reminding me of few sea stories to tell at the next CAMM meeting I started to realize that I had no idea what the VTS stations I have been calling look like. So here they are:

United States:

The Volpe Center recently implemented a vessel communications and tracking network for the Saint Lawrence Seaway. The network, based on the automatic identification system, promises improved safety, security, and efficiency throughout the Seaway. Above, the new system in use at the Eisenhower Lock vessel traffic control center in New York. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Kam Chin)

New York, NY - Seaman Operations Specialist Jason Dailey, sector operator at the Vessel Traffic Center at Coast Guard Activities New York, Staten Island, N.Y. monitors vessel traffic in the New York Harbor. USCG photo by PA2 Mike Hvozda. [Continue Reading →]

 

 Vessel Traffic Services Overview: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download