New High-Tech Harbor Patrol Boat Enhances Safety in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The most high-tech Harbor Patrol boat to ever hit the waters of Santa Barbara is now in service.

Mayor Randy Rowse christened the vessel by breaking a bottle of champagne on its bow just after 8 a.m. during a coordinated presentation with the Santa Barbara Waterfront Department, Harbor Patrol officers, city leaders, the Santa Barbara Fire Department, and other officials.

The new boat replaces an aging vessel that has been in service for about 25 years.

“This is truly a state-of-the-art, next-generation fire rescue boat,” said Harbor Patrol Capt. Nathan Alldredge.

The M2 catamaran, manufactured by Moose Boats, is fully equipped as a rescue and marine firefighting vessel. It will also be used for marine law enforcement, emergency medical response, ocean rescue, search and rescue, and emergency towing operations.

“It’s a dual-hull platform, which makes it much more stable for a lot of the things Harbor Patrol does," said Harbor Patrol Officer Ryan Wiltshire. "It tows vessels and performs rescues, so for all the still-water operations that need to be done, it’s a much more stable platform. It has a significantly higher capacity for firefighters, and it’s definitely faster.”

The Harbor Patrol frequently works with police and fire crews on emergency calls, including some that require transporting first responders.

“All of our officers have their captain’s licenses, so they will spend the next month or so getting used to the technology and everything in this vessel,” Wiltshire said.

The Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol is the primary emergency response agency for the city’s harbor, marina, beaches, and wharf. Its coverage extends to near-coastal waters from Santa Barbara Point to Loon Point and up to three miles offshore. Rescue and mutual aid calls can take the vessel as far as Coal Oil Point near UC Santa Barbara, Rincon Island off the Ventura coast, and up to 12 miles into the Santa Barbara Channel.

The Harbor Patrol also works with the U.S. Coast Guard on certain enforcement and rescue operations in the Santa Barbara Channel when needed.

“Harbor Patrol officers wear many hats," Alldredge said. "We’re boat captains, lifeguards, marine firefighters, and harbor police. A vessel like this, with this type of platform, will enable us to protect the public and serve Santa Barbara for years to come.”