The Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard added

to its maritime fleet on Friday (June 26), with the acquisition of the fast

crew supplier (FCS) 5009 Cutter for oceanic patrols.

The vessel, commissioned HMJS Nanny of the

Maroons, was designed and manufactured by the Damen Group and gives the JDF

more versatility to patrol the island’s exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

“The 1st District Jamaica Defence Force

Coast Guard yesterday, welcomed the arrival of the FCS 5009 Cutter, “HMJS Nanny

of the Maroons” to its fleet. This latest acquisition forms part of the ongoing

transformation of the JDF’s maritime capability,” the JDF noted on its official

Facebook page.

The newly commissioned HMJS Nanny of the

Maroons can be used as a crew boat and fast supplier, and can perform maritime

safety, security of economical waters and coastal boundaries, as well as search

and rescue missions.

The vessel is fitted with Sea Rogue weapon

system supplied by Reutech Group, a company based in South Africa.

The remotely-controlled weapon system

incorporates a 20mm cannon on bow deck and two 12.7mm browning guns, fixed at

the port and starboard of the wheelhouse respectively. The weaponry, which can

be operated by a hand controller, ensures accurate target-tracking.

The navigation and communication equipment

fitted aboard FCS 5009 vessels include magnetic compass, gyro compass, auto

pilot, differential global positioning system (DGPS), electronic chart system,

two radars, echo sounder, speedlog, searchlights and GMDSS A3 communication

system.

A figure for the purchase was not

immediately disclosed by the JDF.