Some modern patrol vessels are equipped with a stern launching ramp, or simply 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.
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]
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.
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.
Boarding parties can be launched while the vessel is underway using the cutter's stern launching ramp.
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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