Capable of 18 knots, Skomer can carry a complement of 12 persons in patrol and launch mode or up to seven pilots and crew in the pilot boat role.

Skomer features an all steel hull and deck structure designed to withstand the rigors of pilotage work in the demanding conditions which prevail in the approaches to the Haven. MHPA operate in a compulsory pilotage area of up to 20 nautical miles from a safe haven. It is expected that the structure will be subjected to 1,000 vessel impacts per year and will typically operate in swells of up to 5m significant wave height.

The duty cycle is expected to be an average of 3,000 hours per year. Slow speed cruising will account for between 25 to 50% of the operating hours, with the remainder at service speed.

The complete superstructure is an independent aluminium alloy structure mounted on eight flexible mounts designed to reduce on board noise levels. Careful attention has been paid to weight control to produce a robust and sea friendly craft fit for its demanding role. In view of operational requirements, weight refinement was not taken to the limits allowed by classification rules but has been carefully considered to combine robust construction with efficient operation. The design pays careful attention to the preferences and requirements of the user and in this context, the requirement for speed has been considered secondary to the need to operate in a hostile environment.

Skomer has been designed to have a minimum service life of 15 years in its harsh environment.

The structure is designed and built to the requirements of the Lloyds Register of Shipping Special Service Craft Rules. It meets the MCA Small Commercial Vessel and Pilot Boat Code and is issued with a Pilot Boat Certificate (PB1).

The hull is fabricated in mild steel grade 43A and is fitted with principal girders, transverse frames and bulkheads. Side and bottom frames are fitted at 600mm or 800mm centres as appropriate throughout the boat. Additional flat bar stiffeners are fitted as secondary stiffening.

The gunwale panel is designed to accept a substantial closed cell polyurethane elastomer coated fender supplied by Hippo Marine to absorb the impact loading. It is supplemented by aircraft type fenders to augment the impact load absorption and provide for friction to mitigate the vessel movement when alongside transferring pilots. Skomer also has the facility to take on up to five tons of ballast water to give additional stability in the seas that will be encountered.

Twin Caterpillar C18 main diesel engines with a modified 'D' rating of 800hp drive five bladed fixed pitch propellers through Twin Disc MGX 5145SC QuickShift gearboxes with 1.96:1 reduction. Couplings were supplied by Marine Ventures and stern gear was manufactured and supplied by BT Marine.

In trials, the vessel achieved a top speed of 18.8 knots at 2,200rpm.

The steering system is a Kobelt/Wagner electro-hydraulic type supplied by Hamilton Jet.

A jog type control is fitted alongside the wheel at the helm position and at an aft emergency station where it is well placed when assisting with the recovery of casualties. IC Brindle supplied the rescue slings.

The engine controls are Twin Disc Commander units with a slow speed control option fitted, supplied and commissioned by Marine Industrial Transmissions.

A 24V DC electrical system with two main battery banks and a charging system is fitted.

A 230V, 50Hz system is fitted capable of operating from either of the two C2.2 16kVa Caterpillar diesel powered gensets or from shore supply.

The wheelhouse is the focal point of the craft and is equipped with a full suite of navigation equipment including AIS, radar and chart plotter. The forward area is dedicated to the helmsman who, from his central helm position has complete unobstructed access to both sides of the wheelhouse. A high standard of outfitting has been achieved and, because Skomer will be host visiting dignitaries, the services of an interior design consultant were employed to give a modern appearance with references to traditional boatbuilding finishes.

The main wheelhouse area is raised above the single deck access point, giving exceptional all round visibility.

Comfortable accommodation for a crew is provided below deck, comprising a simple galley and mess room together with a separate WC supplied by Cleghorn Waring, shower space and storage.

With Skomer operating off the UK's only true coastal national park, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, marine environmental issues have been acknowledged with the incorporation of a holding tank for wastewater .

Skomer joins MHPA's other pilot boats as a new era dawns in the development of Milford Haven as the UK's premier energy port.

MJInformation No: 21944