The four new SAFE BOATS purchased by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force will bolster the Caribbean nation’s ability to monitor its waters and increases the RBDF’s domain awareness. ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENCE FORCE
THE WATCH STAFF
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) commissioned four new SAFE boats on May 30 at the RBDF Harbour Patrol Unit. The commissioning ceremony marked the culmination of a strategic defense procurement program that began in January 2024.
The new vessels, which can reach speeds of 40 knots, are aimed at strengthening border security and territorial defense, enhancing maritime surveillance, and improving response capabilities during natural disasters. The Secure All-around Flotation Equipped, or SAFE boats, also will help guard the nation’s exclusive economic zone and bolster efforts to counter illegal activities such as drug trafficking and poaching in Bahamian waters.
Attending the commissioning ceremony were Glenys Hanna-Martin, who was acting prime minister during the event, Minister of National Security Wayne R. Munroe, Commodore Floyd Moxey, opposition leader Michael Leader, senior RBDF officers and other high-ranking government officials. Also present was U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish.
At the ceremony, Munroe emphasized the importance of strategic investments in maritime law enforcement and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to support the RBDF as it safeguards national sovereignty, according to a story on the RBDF Facebook page. Hanna-Martin commended the RBDF for its unwavering dedication to national security.
The four new SAFE boats are custom-built, 12.5-meter vessels, costing about $4.6 million, the Our News website reported. The manufacturer, SAFE Boats International, is based in Bremerton, Washington.
The company builds vessels for military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, and other agencies. More than 2,000 SAFE Boats are in service in over 60 countries around the world, the company says.