Hi-tech US boats delivered to Bahrains Coastguard

Patrol vessels equipped with latest technology to tackle trafficking at sea have been delivered to Bahrain’s Coastguard.

As part of a $30 million agreement, three new coastal patrol vessels have been delivered by the US government, while three additional boats are scheduled to be handed over in February next year.

The vessels, known as Response Boat-Medium or RB-M, are the first to be used by a coastguard in the region.

VISIT

Details announced yesterday by the US Embassy revealed that the new vessels were delivered to Bahraini authorities following the visit of Department of Homeland Security acting deputy secretary David Pekoske to Bahrain.

Mr Pekoske along with Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Margaret Nardi visited the Coastguard headquarters in Muharraq, where he inspected the three new coastal patrol boats.

“The three boats are the first delivery of a six-boat $30m order paid for in full by the US government,” said the embassy in a statement issued yesterday.

“A second delivery of three additional boats is planned for February.”

The RB-Ms are widely used by US Coastguard personnel due to their speed and handling capability, along with a water jet propulsion system that cannot be entangled in nets or injure swimmers or damage marine life.

“The boats were purchased under a State Department programme to build partner nation capacity to stop illicit trafficking,” added the embassy.

“They include the latest low-light imaging technology for night patrols and enhanced air conditioning systems for the cabin to handle the high air and sea water temperatures around Bahrain.”

The US Coastguard has also conducted familiarisation training for their Bahraini counterparts that covered maintenance and operating procedures of the new vessels.

“The boats are controlled by two joysticks rather than a traditional steering wheel,” explained the statement.

“They are the first RB-Ms in use by a coastguard in the region and the first water jet propulsion boats in use by the Bahrain Coastguard.”

The GDN reported in April that plans were being implemented to upgrade Bahrain’s decade-old Coastguard fleet to tackle emerging maritime threats.

Bahraini Coastguard Commander Commodore Ala’a Siyadi said at the time that they wanted to enhance the existing fleet with the latest capabilities.

He said the Coastguard has implemented the Automatic Identity System (AIS) systems, the maritime tracking device introduced in 2016, in 80 per cent of small boats.

He added that the Coastguard recorded some incidents of smuggling of ammunition and guns in 2017 – but none last year.

sandy@gmail.com.bh

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