JDF now boasts Caribbean’s largest maritime presence

(Jamaica Gleaner) The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) recently received four new vessels from the Government of the United States (US) under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. The vessels, two 38-foot SAFE boats and two 37-foot Boston Whalers, were received by the JDF Coast Guard last week. Since 2015, the US Government has donated eight inshore patrol vessels (IPVs), four SAFE boats, and four Boston Whaler/Justice Vessels.

The acquisition of the vessels has significantly bolstered the unit’s fleet, now affording Jamaica the largest maritime presence in the Caribbean. The JDF Coast Guard now has two county-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and 10 IPVs.

“The new vessels give us various options with respect to flexibility and rapid responses within our maritime domain. We will continue to conduct operations in conjunction with, or in support of, our partner nations where possible”, said Major Basil Jarrett, civil-military cooperation officer at the JDF, when asked how the new vessels would be of service to Caribbean neighbours.

The recently donated vessels now provide the JDF with the best in maritime technology and speed. The SAFE boat, spanning 12 metres in length with a beam three metres wide, is able to carry 24 persons, that is 20 passengers and four crew members, safely aboard. The larger of the vessels also has a fuel capacity of 1,500 litres and a maximum speed of 30 knots.

SAFE Boats International is an American-owned aluminum boat manufacturer and leading supplier to military, federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as fire and rescue agencies throughout North America and around the world. SAFE has the they hold a reputation for designing and building highly reliable and extremely durable vessels that enable professional crews to excel at their jobs while keeping them safe.

The SAFE Full Cabin is an outboard-driven vessel used by the US Coast Guard, as well as US Customs and Border Protection. It is a proven platform for patrols, response, port security, law enforcement, and search and rescue in nearly any mission environment. The fully enclosed cabin can be climate controlled with an optional generator, air-conditioning system, and diesel heater.