Bertram-class air-sea rescue boat

The Bertram class was a two-ship class of air-sea rescue vessels of the Royal Australian Navy. Purchased to replace the old World War II class of 63-foot air-sea rescue vessel, they were found to be unsuitable for the proposed role.[1] The vessels were subsequently employed as harbour personnel carriers and based at HMAS Waterhen. The vessels were disposed of in 1988.

Class overview
NameBertram
BuildersBertram Boat Company, USA
Operators Royal Australian Navy
Cost$138,356 each
Built1966
In service1967 to 1988
Completed2
Active0
Retired2
General characteristics
Type
  • Air-sea rescue (planned)
  • Harbour personnel carriers
Displacement12 tons full load
Length38 ft (12 m)
Beam12 ft (3.7 m)
PropulsionDiesel, 2 GM 8V53 motors, 500 brake horsepower (370 kW)
Speed22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph)
Range200 nautical miles (370 km; 230 mi)
Complement2

Ships

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  • 38101, launched in 1966 and in service in 1967
  • 38102, launched in 1966 and in service in 1967

Citations

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  1. ^ Gillett 1986, p. 61.

References

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  • Gillett, Ross (1986). Australia's armed forces of the eighties. Brookvale: Child & Henry. ISBN 0867770813.