For Immediate Release

March 7, 2002

Coast Guard to Purchase New Security Boats
From Port Orchard Manufacturer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $2.7 million contract for the initial purchase of 18 small boats from a Port Orchard, Wash. manufacturer for use by the Coast Guard's new Maritime Safety and Security Teams for port security missions across the United States, U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks said Thursday.

            The contract, awarded to Safe Boats International of Port Orchard, includes options for additional boats and spare parts, with a potential value of up to $10 million, the congressman said.

            Safe Boats International currently produces 27-foot search and rescue craft for the Coast Guard as well as a wide array of other boats for government and commercial customers.   The company, which employs about 60 employees, specializes in fast, custom-built boats that are foam stabilized through a patented system. 

            The new boats will be compact, high-speed 25-foot craft that can be easily transported and used by the new Maritime Safety and Security Teams in U.S. waters.

            "This contract award represents another strong endorsement of the company's unique capability to manufacture a fast, capable and safe boat that has an enormous number of Homeland Security applications," said Rep. Dicks. 

            Since the Sept. 11th attacks, the Coast Guard has increased its role in maintaining port security, including boarding and inspecting incoming commercial ships and maintaining protective perimeters around port facilities.  It acts in coordination with other federal and local agencies in coordinating efforts for the federal government's Homeland Security function.

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