County-class patrol vessel facts for kids
The County class is a group of special ships called offshore patrol vessels. These ships were built for the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard (JDF). They are based on a design from the Netherlands called the Damen Stan 4207 patrol vessel. The first ship of this type started working in 2005.
Originally, three of these ships were bought. Today, only one of the first three is still used by the JDF. In 2017, two more County class ships were purchased. Both of these newer ships are still in service as of 2023.
These Jamaican ships have a cool feature: a stern launching ramp at the back. This ramp helps them quickly put a small jet boat into the water or pull it back out. This is super useful for rescue missions or chasing other boats. The electronic systems on the ship's bridge, which is like the control room, were made by a company called Alphatron Marine.
Two of the Jamaican Coast Guard patrol vessels
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Quick facts for kids Class overview |
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|---|---|
| Builders: | Damen Group |
| Operators: | Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard |
| Built: | 2005–2006 |
| In commission: | 2005 – present |
| Completed: | 3 |
| Active: | 1 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Damen Stan 4207 patrol vessel |
| Length | 42.8 m (140 ft 5 in) |
| Speed | 26 knots (48 km/h; 30 mph) |
| Complement | 17 |
What are Patrol Vessels?
Patrol vessels are like the police cars of the sea. They are usually smaller ships used by navies or coast guards. Their main job is to patrol coastal waters. This means they watch for illegal activities like smuggling. They also help with search and rescue missions. Sometimes, they even help protect important areas like fishing zones.
The Ships in Detail
The County class ships are built by the Damen Group. They are 42.8 meters (about 140 feet) long. That's about the length of four school buses! These ships can travel quite fast, reaching speeds of up to 26 knots. A knot is a way to measure speed at sea. This speed helps them respond quickly to emergencies. Each ship has a crew of 17 people.
Names of the Ships
There have been five County class ships in total. The first three were named Cornwall (2005), Middlesex (2005), and Surrey. They joined the fleet in 2005 and 2006. Later, in 2016, two more ships were ordered. These new ships were also named Cornwall (2016) and Middlesex (2017). They started service in 2017.
| Name | Ship Builder | Commissioned | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMJS Cornwall (2005) | Damen Shipyard | October 27, 2005 | In service with Nicaraguan Navy | |
| HMJS Middlesex (2005) | April 7, 2006 | In service with SVG Coast Guard | ||
| HMJS Surrey | June 26, 2007 | In service with JDF Coast Guard | ||
| HMJS Cornwall (2016) | January 2017 | In service with JDF Coast Guard | ||
| HMJS Middlesex (2017) | January 2017 | In service with JDF Coast Guard |
Their Journey and Service
The County class ships have had an interesting history. In 2012, the Jamaican Fire Brigade needed help. Their own fireboats were not all working. So, they asked the County class patrol vessels to assist. These ships helped out until new fireboats arrived.
Later, in 2017, the country of Nicaragua bought the first Cornwall and Middlesex ships. Then, in 2019, the Middlesex was sold again. This time, the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard bought it. They renamed the ship Captain Hugh Mulzac. So, these ships have served different countries over the years!
