CH-CCH: PACIFIC REGION’S NEW HOVERCRAFT
ENTERS INTO SERVICE AT SEA ISLAND

RICHMOND, BC – Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) announced the entry of the region’s hovercraft, designated CH-CCH, into search and rescue service. The introduction of this additional craft brings the number of hovercraft in the Pacific Region, to two. The craft, officially designated as CH-CCH, is currently named Liv Viking but will be re-christened at a later date.

With a length of 25 metres, and width of 11 metres, the hovercraft will have a service speed of 45 knots depending on environmental conditions. CH-CCH is fitted with comprehensive communications gear and variable pitch propellers. In addition, it is equipped with three NightSun searchlights which provide 90-million candle power of illumination for night time operations.

The hovercraft was extensively rebuilt and modified by hovercraft manufacturer Hoverwork Ltd., of Ryde, Isle of Wight UK, to meet CCG specifications. All propulsion, navigation and electrical systems have been replaced and upgraded to ensure that the vessel meets and exceeds CCG search and rescue requirements.

In order to ensure that the craft met these requirements, the hovercraft has undergone extensive sea trials and testing. Now that acceptance and crew familiarization has been completed, CH-CCH will operate out of Coast Guard Station Sea Island in Richmond, BC. The introduction of an additional hovercraft demonstrates CCG’s commitment to providing fulltime hovercraft coverage to complement the existing rescue services at the station.

The Government of Canada has committed to maintain search and rescue coverage in the Vancouver area using a combination of conventional vessels, hovercraft and helicopters. This search and rescue system saves about 3,100 people annually in Canada, 1,500 in B.C. alone and saves more than 97% of lives at risk on Canadian waters each year.

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BACKGROUNDER: CH-CHH VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS

For more information, contact:

Dan Bate
Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(604) 775-8809