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Somebody mentioned in a previous post on this thread about the HM Customs vessel. Below is a photo of the cutter, Valiant.
Ive only seen this once sailing up Southampton Water, Im not sure if there is more than one? anyone else have any info of these.
There is another one called the 'Sentinal' about 30 odd mtrs. Saw her once in Newlyn. We were both going for the harbour mouth at the same time. She won!
Interesting to see that Valiant has a gun.
Last edited by Test Pilot; 16 February 2008, 16:13.
Is that a gun or some sort of fire fighting equipment??
When she passed up Southampton Water, it did look like an armanent. I could'nt get a close up look though.
I dug this up from the Customs & Excise Communications Division. No mention of any weapons though:
Valiant is one of four 42m class vessels built for HM Customs & Excise by Damen Shipyards, Gorinchem, Holland, and replaces a vessel of the same name. She has a crew of 12 and is powered by two Caterpillar engines that give a top speed in excess of 25 knots. Valiant is designed to combat smuggling, protect the UK coastline and enforce the canalised system of Customs control - ensuring vessels only dock and land cargo at Customs approved ports. The operations room and accommodation layout has been designed to achieve greater efficiency and endurance.
With her advanced tracking and excellent sea keeping capabilities, HMCC Valiant will be a worthy successor and an excellent addition to the Customs fleet. The design of Valiant is a development of the earlier Damen Stan Patrol 4100 produced for the Netherlands, Antilles and Aruba Coastguard under contract from the Royal Netherlands Navy. The vessel has been designed to carry out a wide range of law enforcement duties and tailored to meet the specific operational requirements of HM Customs & Excise.
Length overall: 42.80 m
Beam: 7.11 m
Draft: 2.52 m
Air Draft: 17.50 m
1.1.1 Hull and Superstructure Construction:
The hull and superstructure has been designed and constructed to meet the requirements of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Lloyds Register of Shipping.
The main structure of the hull, up to and including the weather-deck and all transverse watertight bulkheads are constructed from welded mild steel. The marine grade aluminium alloy superstructure is welded to the hull using explosively - bonded structural transitional joints to obviate corrosion due to electrolytic action.
The superstructure accommodates an upper 'flying' bridge, wheelhouse, operations room, Commander's and Chief Engineer's cabins, ships office, mess area and galley. Below deck the hull is divided into five watertight compartments including main and auxiliary machinery spaces and accommodation.
1.1.2 Accommodation:
Special care has been taken to provide a high standard of living accommodation for the crew during operations. Low noise levels and a relaxation area for those off-watch reduces crew fatigue. The large, well-equipped galley is designed to enable the crew to prepare meals and drinks in all sea conditions.
1.1.3 Engines and Electrical Outfit:
The propulsion is provided by twin Caterpillar 3516B DI-TA ELEC engines, driving two variable pitch propellers via Reintjes Gearboxes. The variable pitch propellers provided a loitering capability and with forward bow thrusters the vessel has excellent manoeuvrability enabling it to turn within her own length.
Two Caterpillar 3304 DI-T generators sets mounted in the main engine room provide general electrical supplies.
1.1.4 Boarding:
The aft deck slipway arrangement for the rapid deployment of the 7m Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) is one of the special features incorporated into the vessel's design. The RHIB is stored in the slip-way recess and can be launched by opening the hydraulic operated transom door and unlocking the quick release hook at the bow. Retrieving the RHIB can be accomplished at speeds of up to 8 knots. The RHIB can drive up the slipway almost to the stowed position under its own power. A hydraulic capstan can then bring the RHIB to the stowed position.
1.1.5 Wheelhouse and Operations Room:
The wheelhouse is fully enclosed with windows being fitted in a manner that ensures good all round visibility. In addition to the steering console and engine controls, there is a very comprehensive range of navigational equipment including radar, GPS, echo sounder, speed log, windspeed and direction indicator, Navtex, magnetic and gyro compasses.
The helm controls are replicated on the 'flying' bridge allowing the vessel to be controlled from there during boarding and when operating in confined waters. The operations room is fitted with very high quality communications outfit and the latest in operational surveillance equipment.
HMCC Vigilant too... UK Customs operate four of these 42m boats.
Looking at this picture it looks like it is fire fighting equipment (See the red where the canvas should be). I suppose it could be used for more then fire fighting
It was the year of fire...the year of destruction...the year we took back what was ours.
It was the year of rebirth...the year of great sadness...the year of pain...and the year of joy.
It was a new age...It was the end of history.
It was the year everything changed.
Looking at this picture it looks like it is fire fighting equipment (See the red where the canvas should be). I suppose it could be used for more then fire fighting
You are looking at a firehose box on the quayside. You don't cover fire monitors with canvas.
Meanwhile..
Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.
Are you talking about the square red box on the quay wall?
I was talking about the red object underneath that box which looks like a fire monitor.
It was the year of fire...the year of destruction...the year we took back what was ours.
It was the year of rebirth...the year of great sadness...the year of pain...and the year of joy.
It was a new age...It was the end of history.
It was the year everything changed.
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