Canadian Coast Guard

Canadian CG, $5M Order for Zodiac RIBs

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) is making a significant upgrade to its small boat fleet following an order placed for 25 rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) from Zodiac Hurricane Technologies. The order is valued at $5m and represents a major commitment by the Coast Guard towards maintaining the quality and effectiveness of its equipment. The Zodiac Hurricane Model 753 boats will be manufactured at the company’s factory at Delta, British Columbia and will be used by the Coast Guard for both shore based and shipboard search and rescue work.   The new 26.2 ft Zodiacs have been chosen to replace earlier models that, in some cases, have been in service with the Canadian Coastguard for up to 17 years. In that time the boat has established a reputation for dependable seaworthiness by demonstrating an ability to work in 16.5 ft swells and, being powered by two 175 horse power outboards, the Zodiac 753 RIB has the ability to reach speeds up to 48 knots. The CCG operates its rescue boats with a crew of three which gives them the capacity to carry up to nine survivors.   Zodiac Hurricane Technologies enjoys a close relationship with the Canadian Coast Guard and has worked with it to develop a specification that meets its needs. The 753 model is a Transport Canada, IMO SOLAS approved rescue boat. By refining the specifications of the new boats, Zodiac has been able to supply new RIBS that provide the rugged seaworthiness and features that the CCG has become used-to.

Canadian Coast Guard Vessel to Undergo Refit

The Canadian Coast Guard heavy icebreaker, Louis St. Laurent, will spend the next several weeks at the Halifax Shipyard undergoing refit before launching its summer program. Coast guard spokesman David Jennings said the icebreaker is in drydock for a routine inspection, which is required by the Transport Canada’s Marine Safety branch. The $2-million project will include steel work on its interior and bulkheads, work on its steering gear and removal and mandatory inspection of the rudder.

U.S., Canadian Coast Guards: Operation Coal Shovel

The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards have commenced Operation Coal Shovel, seasonal domestic ice breaking operations in the southern part of Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair and Detroit River systems, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, starting Thursday, Jan. 3.   The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers work together to prevent ice jams in these vital economic waterways as conditions worsen throughout the winter.  

Newfoundland and Labrador Get Marine Navigation System

With the help of a small Canadian technology company, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has installed the first fully lit marine navigation system in the world. Carmanah Technologies Inc. of Victoria, B.C., has invented a small, powerful, lightweight - and, most importantly, inexpensive - solar-powered marine light that completes the CCG’s quest to build a low-cost lighted navigation buoy that runs for five years with no maintenance.

Bluewater International Ferry Shutdown Possible

Southern St. Clair County residents and tourists traveling to Canada may have to go the long way around - through Port Huron and over the Blue Water Bridge - to get to Ontario and back. The Bluewater International Ferry, which is located just east of state highway M-29, provides the fastest, most convenient rout to Canada, but, due to high marine service fees, ferry management is threatening to close for the winter.

New Canadian Research Vessel

ABCO Industries Limited recently launched a 60-ft Science Research Vessel for the Canadian Coast Guard. The vessel is currently undergoing trials and will be operating out of St. Andrews, NB on delivery.

STX to Design Canadian Icebreaker

STX Canada Marine Awarded Contract to Design the Canadian Coast Guard’s New Polar Icebreaker.   STX Canada Marine is pleased to announce that they have been awarded the contract to design the new polar icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced today the award on behalf of the Government of Canada. The work will be carried out at STX Canada Marine’s Vancouver office and be completed by the end of 2013.  

USCG, Alaska and Canada to Participate in CANUSDIX

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian coast guard, State of Alaska and other state and provincial government agencies are scheduled to participate in a combined oil spill and wildlife protection training and exercise in Ketchikan from September 24-27. The training will focus on response efforts in the Dixon Entrance area. The weeklong event will combine oil spill response training and wildlife protection and cleaning as it relates to an international oil spill scenario

Seaspan’s Selects PEMA Equipment for NSPS Project

The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) is an initiative of the Canadian Government to build new ships for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard. Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards won the right to bid on the non-combat vessels under this strategy, and as such is proceeding with a $200 million Shipyard Modernization Program to support execution. As a part of modernization project, Seaspan selected PEMA welding automation equipment for their panel production.

Atlantic Pride Sinks in Newfoundland

Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) Halifax, Canada reported a MAYDAY F/V Atlantic Pride to the USCG Atlantic Area Command Center. The six-person crew reported they were sinking, and were donning survival suits in preparation for abandoning ship. A British VC-10 aircraft was diverted along with an Air Station (AIRSTA) Elizabeth City C-130 aircraft. The VC-10 located a strobe light but no sign of survivors. Several vessels were diverted, including a Canadian Coast Guard vessel