Work is well underway at Titan Boats in Sidney building the new Falkins Class Type 2 for Station 45 Masset.
RCMSAR 45 will be the ninth Type 2 in RCMSAR service. The last delivery of a Type 2 was in 2014 to Station 60 – Comox.
Construction progress is reviewed with Titan Boats
The Type 2 have proven a reliable and safe platform for RCMSAR volunteers. It is designed and built as a self-righting vessel capable of operating in winds up to 50 knots and seas in excess of three meters.
Refinements have been made based on construction practices of the previous two builders and six years of operating experience. A noticeable upgrade is the use of 12” navigation screens which provide a much clearer picture. Improvements have been made to the air conditioning / dehumidification system and fire suppression systems as well. Standard Type 2 equipment includes a Taiyo radio direction finder, AIS-DMB, 48” open array radar, David Clark intercom system. Davit and LED lighting. For northern operation it is equipped with a satellite compass. Powering the Type 2 are the twin Volvos driving Hamilton Jets.
Almost ready for the paint shop
Substantial funding for the vessel construction from BC Community Gaming Grants with community support notably from the Port of Prince Rupert and the Haida Trust.
Vessel completion is planned for later this year.
By Alistair Duncan