Extreme training of the American coastguard

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To bring rescue at sea when everything is calm is one thing, but it is with extreme conditions that the intervention of the Coast Guard is often decisive. The motto of the US Coast Guard, not by chance is the Latin phrase “semper paratus”, that is to be found “always ready” to act and to solve problems.

How can you be ready to face waves several meters high with a 14-meter boat, not only to “take home the skin”, but also to help others? With the exercises, trying first hand what it means to sail in those circumstances. Here are the photos of a training session of the U.S. Coast Guard in Ocean Beach, San Francisco in the midst of the breakers just steps from the beach.

An extreme motor boat for extreme conditions

The motor boat in the photos is the 47 foot MLB of the United States Coast Guard, successor to the historic 44′ MLB. This is the standard lookout provided in the U.S., an extreme boat designed to act in extreme conditions such as those that may occur overseas.

What can the 47 foot MLB withstand?

  • winds with the force of hurricanes, up to 60 knots
  • breakers up to 6 meters
  • with very strong impacts
  • to the overturning, in fact in case of “scuffia” this boat returns straight in less than 10 seconds without damage
foto di Dave Rogers
To succeed in all this, the hull is designed with a deep “V” line and is built entirely of aluminum. Thanks to these features, combined with the pair of 435 horsepower engines, the 47 foot MLB is able to develop up to 25 knots top speed with 22 knots cruising speed. Up to 30 people can be embarked on board, plus 4 crew members.
To control the hull in all conditions and situations there are also four different driving positions: two in the closed deck and two outdoors.

Technical feature

  • Displacement: 18 t
  • Length: 14.6 m
  • Beam: 4.27 m
  • Draft: 1.37 m
  • Propulsion: 2 × Diesel 435 hp (324 kW)
  • Fuel Capacity: 1,500 liter Speed:
  • Max. speed: 25 knots
  • Cruise speed: 22 knots
  • Range: 200 nmi (370 km) cruising
  • Passenger: 34 persons, 4 crew, 30 passengers
Image source: Facebook Norcalwild, photo by Dave Rogers

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