Stern launching ramp

Some modern patrol vessels are equipped with a stern launching ramp, for deploying smaller rescue or pursuit boats without requiring the parent ship to first come to a halt.[1][2][3] Typically the smaller craft are powered by water-jets, and can drive themselves up the ramp by their own power.

USCG long range interceptor using the stern launching ramp of the USCGC Bertholf -- a frigate sized cutter.
Aerial view of a USCG Marine Protector showing its short range prosecutor nestled in its stern launching ramp.

The stern launching ramps on the United States Coast Guard's Marine Protector cutters developed by David Cannell naval architects, require only a single crewmember to remain on deck when its short range prosecutor boat is deployed or retrieved.[4]

When the brand new USCGC John F. McCormick visited Astoria, Oregon, the station of its namesake John F. McCormick, Jeff Heffernan, of the Daily Astorian described how a stern launching ramp allowed a parent vessel to launch her boat in larger swells.[5]

References
  1. "Austal launches Malta patrol boats". Marine Log. 2009-10-05. A stern launching ramp allows the safe deployment and retrieval of a rigid hull inflatable boat and dive operations are also supported via low-to-the-water platforms located aft.
  2. "Austal patrol boats show their capabilities". Marine log. 2009-11-27. Archived from the original on 2011-12-02. Retrieved 2011-12-02. A stern launching ramp allows the safe deployment and retrieval of a rigid hull inflatable boat and dive operations are also supported via low-to-the-water platforms located aft.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
  3. Philip Ewing (2008-06-27). "New cutter struts at Inner Harbor". Navy Times. Archived from the original on 2011-12-02. Retrieved 2011-12-02. From the new muzzle-velocity radar in its 57mm deck gun on the foc’sle to the boat-launch ramp at the stern, the Bertholf brings a new set of capabilities to the cutter fleet, Stadt said.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
  4. Alix Wood (2013). Serving in the Coast Guard. The Rosen Publishing Group. ISBN 9781477714089. Boarding parties can be launched while the vessel is underway using the cutter's stern launching ramp.
  5. Jeff Heffernan (2017-03-10). "New cutter makes a stop in Astoria". Daily Astorian. Archived from the original on 2017-03-13. The cutter also holds a 26-foot stern launch boat that can glide from a lowered platform on the back of the vessel into the water. Its ability to slide into the water as opposed to being lowered allows crew members to use it on larger swells. 'We can get there farther and faster and once we’re at a scene, it makes it much easier to do law enforcement,' said Lt. Mike Moyseowicz, the cutter’s commanding officer.


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