The deployment of catamarans as law
enforcement patrol vessels has become a trend among the U.S. patrol agencies. The Alaska Department of Public Safety (ADPS) recently joined this trend by taking delivery of a 65 x 25 ft. aluminum catamaran, the Cama'i. Constructed by Kvichak Marine Industries and designed by Crowther Multihulls, the Cam'i is scheduled to patrol the waters around Kodiak Island, the Alaska Peninsula and
Bristol Bay. According to Captain Al Cain of ADPS, research shows that catamarans offers a safe, stable work platform in the open seas, this along with increased fuel efficiency and increased usable deck space are factors for choosing the catamaran for the
new patrol vessel. ADPS requires a top speed of approximately 25 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots. These speeds are attained by the propulsion choice of twin Caterpillar 3196 engines 660 bhp at 2,300 rpm, driving 30 in. propellers through Twin Disc MG 5114A marine gears. The Cama'i will be used for protection of life and property, enforcement of commercial fishing regulations, search and missions, and support of multi-agency law enforcement efforts.