The 175-foot Keeper Class Coastal Class Buoy Tenders, along with the Juniper-class
225-foot seagoing buoy tenders, represent the new wave in buoy tending.
They are the first Coast Guard cutters equipped with Z-Drive propulsion
units instead of the standard propeller and rudder configuration. They are
designed to independently rotate 360 degrees. Combined with a thruster in
the bow, they give the Keeper-class cutters unmatched maneuverability.
With state-of-the-art electronics and navigation systems including Dynamic
Positioning System (DPS) which uses a Differential Global Positioning System,
and electronic chart displays - these buoy tenders maneuver and position
aids more accurately and efficiently with fewer crew.
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