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34 st / March 2016 www.sea-technology.com the strong outgoing current, thanks to the joystick control system. Construction Among the boats being built inside the main Franklin assembly building was another 75-ft. Endurance, this one a freboat with large forward pusher knees; multiple RF- controlled fre monitors; command and control communi- cations suite; and positive-pressure chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive (CBRNE) sys- tem for crew protection in disaster response situations. "Since our boats are 100 percent digitally designed by our in-house team of naval architects, we can produce com- pletely custom vessels using proven hull designs," explained Allard. Metal Shark employs a large in-house team of naval architects that designs each vessel's structure utilizing ad- vanced 3D modeling software. Bends, lightening holes and aircraft style construction are utilized throughout to reduce weight while enhancing structural integrity. Metal Shark employs military-grade 5086 aluminum alloy exclusively, and every single aluminum component is router cut to as- sure precise tolerances. The company takes great pains to assure smooth, consis- tent welds, with multiple quality checks during each phase of the build process. Metal Shark recently implemented a state-of-the-art laser-guided robotic welding system to as- sure top-quality welds in hard-to-reach areas. Metal Shark prides itself on its relationships with its customers and its ability to respond to custom requests, working hand-in-hand with each client to deliver vessels specially tailored to suit a wide range of unique mission re- quirements. "Our processes are digitized but we're still a very human company," explains Allard. "We work closely with every customer to assure that they're a part of the process, every step of the way." ST Henry Myron is a Master 100 GT USCG licensed captain whose career in the maritime sector spans over 30 years. He specializes in corporate fnance and business development and provides a wide range of consulting services to mari- time interests. A Navy veteran and native of San Diego, Myron now resides in the Seattle area. cabin cool even in the most severe environments. The DSV is equipped with a full range of dive equipment. Most nota- bly, a massive Aqua-Air double-lock decompression cham- ber is housed in the aft deckhouse, where it is easily acces- sible from the aft deck via a dedicated entry hatch. Other dive features include a six-by-fve jet pump, dive control sta- tion, Nitrox oxygen-enriched diving station, video stream- ing system, diver hydraulics, diver hot water, massive dive tank rack, and a 5,000 lb.-capacity aft deck hydraulic crane. Wide side walkways provide easy transit pathways from bow to stern, low-level LED night lighting has been provid- ed, and careful consideration has been given to the location of all safety rails. The vessel has been equipped with port, starboard and stern rescue zones, a diver recovery system, and a deployable 11-ft. rigid infatable boat (RIB) for diver recovery. An expansive aft deck work area provides 19-by-22 ft. of open workspace for dive operations, with another 12-by-22 ft. of clear deck area forward. Even considering the stagger- ing amount of equipment on board, the DSV offers ample room throughout, and never feels cramped or cluttered. Sea Trial During a predelivery sea trial in March 2015 on Vermil- lion Bay near Metal Shark's Franklin, Louisiana, facility, the 75-ft. DSV fattened the chop while churning along at cruise, with the rumble of the twin C-18 diesels barely au- dible from within the vessel's insulated pilothouse. Putting the catamaran into a turn, the boat's response was smooth and compliant, biting into the turn with very little lean. The panoramic view from the helm, coupled with the onboard video camera system and elevated centerline po- sitioning, gives the helmsman a feeling of complete conf- dence while operating the vessel. Taking the helm, Allard demonstrated the maneuverabil- ity of the twin Hamilton water jets. "Even in wind and heavy seas, pivoting the boat or making it crab sideways is never a problem," he explained. Returning to Metal Shark's Franklin yard via the Charen- ton Bypass Canal, the Endurance DSV's draft-reducing cata- maran hull eased along, pushing less wake than one would think for a vessel of its size. Thanks to its ample heft and wide 24-ft. beam, the vessel exhibited very little roll while underway. Pulling up to the bulkhead was a breeze, even in