- DCO-I Organization & Phone Directory
- Training and Technical Assistance
- Foreign Military Sales
- International Visits
- Official Passport Procedures
- Publications & Resrouces
- Contact Webmaster >
Security Levels
Motor Life Boat 47-Foot MLB
International Affairs (CG-DCO-I)
The 47 ft Motor Lifeboat (MLB), in service with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), is designed to perform heavy weather rescue in hurricane force winds and 20-foot breaking seas. This all-aluminum marine innovation withstands impacts of three times the acceleration of gravity, and can even survive a complete roll-over, self-righting in less than 10 seconds with all machinery remaining fully operational. Th
e MLB is available in the USCG 47-ft. configuration or a commercial 52-ft. design; this versatile craft is attracting international attention for use in search and rescue, patrol, firefighting and other law enforcement and paramilitary activities.
Naval architects at the USCG Engineering and Logistics Command in Baltimore, Maryland designed it as the Coast Guard's next generation of heavy weather multi mission craft, and together withTextron Systems (the MLB manufacturer) over 100 MLB's have been built, with more to be constructed. The MLB is well suited to adverse weather and sea conditions and provides a safe environment for a crew to complete a mission effectively.
The MLB carries a mix of equipment to carry out its many missions. For towing other vessels, it has 900 feet of 2 3/4 inch and 600 feet of 2 inch towline for towing astern and side lines for alongside tows. Vessels that are taking on water can be pumped out with a portable diesel operated pump that is carried on board.
The MLB includes 4 control stations (two on the open bridge and two in the climate controlled enclosed bridge). Also included are amidships retrieval ports for easy personnel recoveries, boardings and rescues, and bridge windows designed for low glare and protection from wave action, as well as all stainless steel fittings for corrosion resistance
Physical Characteristics
- Length overall: 47 feet 11 inches
- Beam: 14 feet
- Draft: 4 feet, 6 inches
- SHP: 870 via 2 Detroit Diesel DDEC-III
- 6V-92TA (Horsepower 435 bhp each)
- Displacement: Approx 40,000 lb
- Construction: Marine grade aluminum
- Propellers 2 4-blade 28x36 inch
- Accommodations:(9); 4 Crew, 5 Passengers
Operational Characteristics
- Speed: 25 knots (max speed), 22 knots (cruise)
- Fuel Capacity: 400 gallons
- Range: 200 nautical miles (cruise)
- Maximum Winds: 50 Knots
- Maximum Seas: 30 Feet
- Towing Capacity: 150 displacement Tons
- Maximum seas: Wind 60 knots Breaking Surf 20 feet
Electronic systems
Communication:
- Raytheon RAY 152 HF-SSB radio
- Raytheon RAY 430 Loudhailer
- Simrad TD-L1550 VHF-FM direction finder
- Motorola Spectra 9000 VHF50W radio
Navigation Systems:
- Raytheon RAYCHART 620
- Electronic Chart system
- Raytheon NAV 398 GPS/LORAN system
- Raytheon Autohelm ST 50 PLUS depth
- Raytheon Autohelm ST 30 heading indicator
- Raytheon R41X AN/SPS-69 radar
Control and Alarm:
- Raytheon RAYPILOT 650 Autopilot
The MLB can be outfitted with an excellent array of Navigational gear, including a Global Positioning System (GPS) with charting capability, radars in the enclosed bridge and the open bridge, and radio direction finders. For communication the MLB can be outfitted with the latest VHF and Single Sideband marine radios. The MLB diesel engines are computer controlled to ensure that they are running at optimal efficiency at all times.
Increasingly, modern navies, marine police agencies, coast guards, firefighters and civil patrols require rugged vessels that can operate effectively in multi-mission roles. Because the MLB is capable in 60-knot wind conditions and 20-foot surf, the operating window for missions is much larger than in years past. The MLB is a proven multipurpose platform that offers unparalleled survivability.
Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF)