SERVICE: Coast Guard
DESCRIPTION: High-speed patrol craft
FEATURES:
The Coast Guard's Surface Effect Ships are a new concept in patrol craft. They are used primarily for law enforcement, especially drug and illegal migrant interdiction, marine environmental protection and search and rescue work. The 39-foot beam of the SES provides an exceptionally stable platform in most seas conditions, while its maximum speed of more than 30 knots assures rapid response for rescue cases. pollution containment and law enforcement. Its hull is welded marine aluminum. At lift speed a pressurized air cushion forms under the vessel, while the side walls pierce the water surface, forming a shallow-draft catamaran hull. They are highly maneuverable even at low speeds, with an 1,800-hp diesel engine, propeller and rudder in each side hull.
