USCG orders OTH-IV boats

SAFE Boats International has received a $4.76 million order from the US Coast Guard (USCG) for the delivery of 11 over the horizon-IV (OTH-IV) cutter boats, it was announced on 6 July. This order takes the total number of OTH-IVs ordered until to 66.

Of the 11 boats, eight will go to medium endurance cutters; one to a Fast Response Cutter (FRC) which is currently under construction; and two to the Munro National Security Cutter, which is in production with delivery planned for December 2016. All the boats are expected to be delivered by mid-2017.

To date 40 OTH-IVs have been delivered, including 17 for FRCs and five for NSCs. These boats deliver boarding teams to vessels of interest for port, waterway and coastal security; law enforcement; search and rescue; and defence readiness missions.

The OTH-IVs have a top speed of 40 knots and are 26ft long. When compared with the OTH-III, the OTH-IV features higher speeds, increased cargo space and seating, and compatibility with both stern and side-davit launch and recovery systems.