HMCC SENTINEL

Another Customs Cutter belonging to HM Customs and Revenue arrived at Greenock this afternoon. Built to a modified Vosper Thorneycroft design for the United States Coast guard, SENTINEL is the only vessel of her type in the UK. Built by Vosper Thorneycroft at their Portchester yard in 1993, SENTINEL is 34 metres long, and has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. Originally she was fitted with Paxman Valenta V12 diesel engines, but these were later replaced with two Caterpillar engines. These drive twin screws, giving her a speed of up to 26 knots, with an additional waterjet drive for low speed 'loitering'. She is crewed by 12 Customs personnel, who make use of the 6-metre RIB for boarding and interception duties.