The RMK Marine Coast Guard Search and Rescue Vessel is an offshore patrol-class platform optimized for sustained maritime security presence in Turkey’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), including the Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, and Black Sea.

Operational Role and Mission Profile

The vessel is designed to perform:

• Offshore Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Maritime patrol and surveillance
• Anti-smuggling and anti-illegal migration operations
• Fisheries inspection and resource protection
• Environmental protection and pollution response
• Maritime firefighting assistance
• Law enforcement and boarding operations

Unlike smaller coastal patrol boats, this platform provides persistent offshore presence and command capability, making it suitable for both humanitarian and high-tempo maritime security missions.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

The ship supports an offshore continuous presence doctrine, enabling long-duration missions in open-sea conditions. With 3,000 nautical miles of operational range and 15 days of endurance, it ensures sustained maritime domain awareness.

Operationally, the vessel:

• Conducts wide-area surface and air surveillance using onboard sensors
• Extends operational reach through embarked helicopter operations
• Deploys RHIBs for boarding and interdiction
• Integrates with shore-based command centers via secure communications networks

It can operate independently or as part of a coordinated maritime security task group.

Platform Architecture

Sensor Layer

Publicly available sources do not disclose specific radar models. However, as an offshore patrol vessel, it is expected to include:

• Surface and air search radar
• Navigation radars
• Electro-optical surveillance systems
• AIS (Automatic Identification System) integration

Detailed detection ranges and tracking capacity are not publicly disclosed.

Effectors

As a law enforcement-focused platform, it is equipped with stabilized weapon stations suitable for maritime security operations. Exact weapon models are not publicly specified.

This vessel is not designed as a high-intensity naval combatant; its armament reflects its constabulary mission profile.

Command and Control

The vessel is integrated into the Turkish Coast Guard’s maritime command structure and capable of real-time data sharing with shore headquarters and other assets.

Aviation Capability

One of the most significant force multipliers of this platform is its helicopter support infrastructure.

The ship includes:

• Flight deck capable of operating helicopters up to 10 tons
• Telescopic hangar for medium-class helicopters
• NATO-standard JP-5 aviation fuel system
• Day and night flight operations capability
• Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) capability while underway

It is compatible with the AB-412 helicopter, enabling:

• Beyond-horizon surveillance
• Rapid SAR response
• Aerial tracking of suspect vessels
• Wide-area maritime reconnaissance

Survivability and Seakeeping

With a full-load displacement of approximately 1,700 tons and a draft of 3.5 meters, the vessel is optimized for open-sea stability and endurance. Its hull form and compartmentalization follow naval-grade safety and damage control standards.

Specific ballistic protection levels are not publicly disclosed.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Displacement

• Length Overall: 88.6 meters
• Beam: 12.2 meters
• Draft: 3.5 meters
• Full-load displacement: approx. 1,700 tons

Performance

• Maximum speed: 22+ knots
• Economic cruising speed: 15 knots
• Operational range: 3,000 nautical miles
• Endurance: 15 days without resupply

Personnel Capacity

• 92 personnel

Aviation Infrastructure

• 10-ton helicopter landing capability
• Telescopic hangar
• JP-5 refueling system
• VERTREP support

Logistics and Replenishment

• NATO-standard fuel systems
• Fresh water and lubrication oil stations
• Compatible with at-sea replenishment procedures

Electronic Warfare and Defensive Systems

Publicly available sources do not specify electronic warfare systems. As a coast guard vessel, advanced naval EW suites are not confirmed in open sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of this vessel?

• It is designed for offshore search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, EEZ protection, and environmental security operations.

What is its operational range?

• The vessel has a range of 3,000 nautical miles at economic cruising speed.

How long can it remain at sea?

• It can operate for up to 15 days without logistical resupply.

Can it operate helicopters?

• Yes. It supports helicopters up to 10 tons and includes a telescopic hangar compatible with the AB-412.

Is it a warship?

• It is not a frontline combat warship like a frigate. It is an offshore patrol and law enforcement vessel with limited defensive armament.

Does it support NATO standards?

• Yes. It includes NATO-standard aviation fuel systems and is compatible with vertical replenishment procedures.

Sources

• RMK Marine official publications
• Turkish Coast Guard Command public releases
• Defense industry open-source technical briefings
• Public maritime security project documentation