Stereo Equipment News

What began in 1996 as a contract from the U. S. Coast Guard to Bollinger Shipyards, Inc., of Lockport, La. to build one 87-ft. Marine Protector Class Coastal Patrol Boat (CPB) with options, has led to the delivery of 67 of the CPB's, and the signing of eight more CPB’s. Because of increased homeland security and other mission requirements, the Coast Guard has received authorization and has contracted with Bollinger to build eight additional CPB's. The Marine Protector Class boats are multi-mission platforms capable of performing Search and Rescue (SAR), Law Enforcement (LE), and Fisheries Patrols, as well as drug interdiction and illegal alien interdiction duties up to 200 miles offshore. The Bollinger built CPB's are based on the Damen STAN 2600 design developed for the Hong Kong police.

No one ever said that working on the inland rivers or in the Gulf of Mexico on a vessel was a picnic. It is axiomatic that the hours are long, the work physically demanding and the workplace environment potentially dangerous. That is why newer deliveries emphasize crew habitability. Vessel owners and operators know that well-rested and well-fed crews are safer crews and safety cannot be over emphasized in this severe setting. That is why there has been a significant upgrading in crew accommodations, galleys and entertainment and communications options. The three workboats profiled below offer proof positive that today's "crew friendly" boats are safer and more enjoyable places to work. No vessel type has more personnel on board than a crew boat.