Alaska Department Of Public Safety News

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.

Since the 9/11 attack there has obviously been increased emphasis on getting more eyes, ears and in some cases firepower on America's ports and inland waterways. Homeland security has become a top priority for the U.S. Coast Guard and numerous other Federal, state and local agencies. Patrol boats offer a relatively low cost solution to increasing security on America's waterways and in and around ports. These vessels range from RIB's with outboard motors to aluminum-hulled craft with high horsepower diesel engines enabling them to quickly reach and maintain high speeds often required for interdiction. Fortunately America was building capable patrol boats before 9/11. The mission of these vessels prior to 9/11 was mostly drug interdiction, search and rescue and/or border security.