SAFE Boats International (SBI) has been selected as one of four companies awarded a contract by the United States Coast Guard to design and build a Response Boat–Small (RB-S) demonstrator vessel. The award supports the Coast Guard’s ongoing evaluation of next-generation capabilities for one of its most widely deployed operational platforms.
The RB-S platform serves as a critical asset across a wide range of Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, ports and waterways security, and maritime response operations. Through this competitive demonstrator program, the Coast Guard will evaluate multiple vessel designs to inform future procurement decisions.
SAFE Boats brings decades of experience designing and manufacturing welded aluminum patrol and response vessels for federal, state, and local maritime agencies. As a 100% employee-owned company, SAFE Boats is committed to delivering mission-driven solutions grounded in operator feedback, rigorous engineering, and proven manufacturing processes.
“SAFE Boats is grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting the United States Coast Guard through this RB-S demonstrator program,” said Rob Goley, Chief Revenue & Customer Officer at SAFE Boats International. “Our team brings decades of experience delivering proven small-boat platforms to the Coast Guard, including earlier generations of this vessel. That experience is rooted in close collaboration with operators—listening to crews, understanding mission demands, and translating real-world feedback into practical design decisions. We approach this effort with respect for the mission, appreciation for the partnership, and confidence in our ability to deliver a capable, operator-focused solution that supports the Coast Guard’s evaluation process and future operational needs.”
The demonstrator vessel will showcase SAFE Boats’ continued focus on durability, performance, crew safety, and lifecycle support—key considerations in demanding maritime environments. The company’s in-house capabilities, from precision aluminum fabrication to systems integration and quality assurance, position it to efficiently deliver a fully integrated, evaluation-ready platform.
The demonstrator vessel is currently in production at SAFE Boats’ Bremerton, Washington facility and will be delivered to Coast Guard headquarters this spring for evaluation.
This award reflects SAFE Boats’ longstanding partnership with the Coast Guard and its ongoing commitment to supporting those who protect and serve on the water.
About SAFE Boats International
SAFE Boats International is a leading manufacturer of high-performance welded aluminum vessels for military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, and commercial operators worldwide. Headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, SAFE Boats is proudly 100% employee-owned and dedicated to building purpose-driven craft that perform when it matters most.