New Weapon against Poachers

This is a formidable new enforcement vessel. I wouldn't want to have them in pursuit!

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s new 57’ high-speed catamaran serves as a long-range law
enforcement patrol boat in the Lower Keys. The primary operating area is the remote Tortugas Ecological Reserves
70 miles west of Key West. Because of the long distance between home port and patrol area, a fuel efficient
high cruise speed is required, along with the ability to sprint at very high speeds during pursuit. A Teknicraft
hydrofoil assisted catamaran powered by Detroit Diesel and propelled by Hamilton waterjets was selected as a
replacement for an aging Coast Guard cutter.

Staffed by cross-deputized state and federal law enforcement officers, this vessel remains on station for several
days at a time in the Lower Keys and Tortugas Reserve areas. The vessel patrols in deep water as well as sensitive
coral reef and mangrove areas where a shallow draft and very low wake wash are required. The Teknicraft
catamaran design has demonstrated very low wake wash characteristics.

A state-of-the-art electronic joystick control system, along with a low-boarding area, allows the law enforcement
officers to safely inspect vessels and provide other emergency response services.
P/V Peter Gladding will be managed and maintained under NOAA’s new vessel management data base program
for small boats and is designed to enhance the overall safety of vessel operations and effectively manage
NOAA’s assets. The data base will include updated management and scheduling software to track inspections,
preventative maintenance, training and operational budgets in a central data base.

The vessel is named for Peter Gladding who was a leader in the commercial fishing community and had the vision
and focus to work tirelessly to help establish the Tortugas Ecological Reserve. Gladding was known for his love of
the ocean and pursuit to protect it from overfishing.

http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/pdf...r_gladding.pdf