Coast Guard ramps up

The Canadian Coast Guard has taken delivery of a new ship and transferred patrol vessels to cover for sahips in refit and under repair.

In Quebec City, the CCGS Captain Molly Kool has joined the icebreaker fleet after an initial refit. The former supply vessel Vidar Viking is the first of three icebreaking ships purchased from Sweden last summer to supplement the fleet. Named for the legendary Saint John, NB woman who became the first Canadian female to be licensed as ship's captain, it will work on the St.Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers and Gulf this winter. Meanwhile the two sister vessels Balder Viking and Tor Viking will be fitted out for service in the north next summer. At that point Captain Molly Kool will complete its refit. Its base will be St. John's NL.

Patrol capability on the east coast has been supplemented with the transfer of Corporal Teather CV  and A. Leblanc from the Central and Arctic Region. The Halifax based Corporal McLaren M.M.V.  was damaged in drydock and will be out of service for repairs, leaving only G.Peddle to carry out patrols. All the patrol boats of this class were built at Halifax Shipyard.

 The  A. Leblanc, G.Peddle and Corporal Teather tied up in a row at the BIO this afternoon.

CCGS Corporal Teather CV

1. CCGS Corporal Teather CV in Narrows just after sunset.

CCGS Corporal Teather CV sailed just after sunset this evening. Halifax Shipyard launched the boat December 15, 2012 and the Coast Guard took delivery in February. Since then it has been outfitted at the Bedford Institute pier and conducted trials.
It is the third of the new Hero class Mid-shore Patrol Vessels to go into service with the CCG. After passing through the Canso Canal tomorrow morning, it will stop in Summerside PE before proceeding to Quebec City and on to its destination in the upper St.Lawrence River/Great Lakes region.
Next vessel in the class, Constable Carrière is due to be handed over this week.

2. Outfitted with a pair of fast inflatables,and other policing gear, the boat begins to pick up speed as it passes pier 9.

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Constable Carrière - sea trials today

1. Constable Carrière builds up speed in Bedford Basin.

Launched as recently as March 24, the newest Hero class patrol boat Constable Carrière conducted builders sea trials today in Bedford Basin and in the harbour approaches. At times the boat exceeded 25 knots (28 mph, 47 kph).

2. Returning from sea trials.

Sister craft CCGS Constable Teather CV remains at BIO. It was delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard in February. It conducted trials yesterday, also in Bedford Basin.

3. Constable Teather CV at speed in Bedford Basin 2012-04-21. [contributed]