Windsor Port Authority and Windsor Police Services recently took delivery of a new 29-foot multi-mission rapid response boat for the Windsor Police Marine Unit from SAFE Boats International (SBI). The SAFE 29 Walk Around Cabin vessel is the first of its kind to be purchased in Canada and was launched and commissioned in a ceremony on April 10th, 2014 hosted by the Windsor Port Authority. The acquisition of the vessel was made possible by a collaborative effort between Windsor Port Authority and the Windsor Police Service in a strategic partnership with SAFE Boats International.
The aptly named “Defender” is the most advanced small security vessel and the first new SAFE Boat in service in all of Canada. It features SAFE Boats International’s high performance aluminum hull design, a fully climate-controlled walk-around cabin, SAFE’s patented, advanced solid foam collar technology and meets strict Canadian certification standards. The vessel is outfitted with twin 300hp four-stroke outboards, state-of-the-art navigation equipment, sonar capabilities and a fire monitor. “Defender” dramatically increases Windsor Police Services Marine Unit’s effectiveness and interoperability with its cross border partners such as U.S. Customs & Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard and St. Clair County Sheriff in neighbouring Michigan. They will work commonly with Ontario Provincial Police and the Canadian Royal Mounted Police in cross border security, first response, search and rescue (SAR), dive missions and firefighting operations.
“SAFE is honoured to partner with Port of Windsor and the Windsor Police Department and proud to have one of its vessels in service protecting the great city of Windsor and our shared border,” stated Dennis Morris, President and CEO, SAFE Boats International. “This boat marks our entry into the Canadian law enforcement market which we are confident will develop in the coming years. We could not have been as successful in this endeavor without this partnership”
David Cree, President and CEO of Windsor Port Authority stated that “Obtaining this boat was a huge collaborative undertaking and we’re very proud. From the beginning of the project all parties worked with the utmost organization and professionalism. Our partnership with Windsor Police Services is an excellent example of support by agencies all along the Detroit River and the Port of Windsor.” This included defining the specifications for the vessel based on operational requirements. Windsor Police Services established and managed an efficient contracting process as well as had extensive involvement with Windsor Port Authority throughout the design and build process and detailed planning of the launch and dedication ceremony of the delivered craft. “Our partnership on this boat and other matters is very strong”, said Cree referring to Windsor Police Services and SafeBoat International. “We look forward to continuing this relationship to increase the safety and security at the port of Windsor”.