Birdon completes 12th lifeboat for U.S. Coast Guard

Port Macquarie maritime engineer Birdon has completed upgrades and delivery of the 12th Motor Lifeboat (MLB) it is refurbishing for the U.S. Coast Guard at its Bellingham, Washington State shipyard.

The vessel was the third and final boat to be delivered to the coast guard’s Station Umpqua River, located along the Central Oregon Coast.

West Coast MLB Program Manager Patrick Kinser said: “We’re proud to play a role in equipping the U.S. Coast Guard with state-of-the-art equipment it needs to perform lifesaving rescue missions.”.

The 47 foot vessel was refurbished in Birdon’s facility and is designed for operation in high surf and heavy weather conditions, are what allow these vital surf stations to maintain operations.

In addition to performing rough water rescues, Station Umpqua River’s duties include enforcement of laws and treaties, marine environmental protection, maritime law enforcement, boating safety and implementation of commercial fishing vessel safety regulations.

In 2019, Birdon was awarded a 10-year contract perform a 20-year service life extension for up to 117 47’ U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Motor Lifeboats (MLB), extending their life through 2047.

The 47’ MLB is the Coast Guard’s primary search and rescue platform and is capable of operating in intense surf and heavy weather conditions.

It has self-righting capabilities and the ability to operate in winds up to 50 knots, seas up to 30 feet and surf up to 20 feet.

Founded in 1977 in Port Macquarie, Birdon expanded to the United States in 2009 where it is a partner of the United States Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.

Further reading:
Port Macquarie’s Birdon wins big in US defence market

Picture: Birdon