Orca class training vessel

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	Orca-class patrol boat
Image:Navorca-1.jpg
Class Overview
Class Type	Patrol boat & training
Class Name
Launched
Preceded By	YAG 300-class
Succeeded By	N/A, latest frigate class authorized
Ships of the Class:

The Orca-class are new training and patrol vessels being built for the Canadian Forces Maritime Command. A $70 million CAD contract for 6 vessels, with an option for a further 2, was awarded in early November 2004 to Victoria Shipyards.

The new ships are replacements for the aging YAG (Yard Auxiliary Gate) 300 series training boats, which were built in the 1950's. As such, their primary role will be training junior regular and reserve naval officers. All the boats will be based at CFB Esquimalt in British Columbia.

Although the boats were designed with the Junior Officer Training requirement in mind, they may also provide a secondary inshore patrol capability on the West Coast. At 20 knots, these vessels will be 5 knots faster than the Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defense Vessel (MCDV), but slower than many purpose-built patrol vessels such as the 30-knot US Coast Guard Island Class cutter.

[edit] External links

• DND/CF press release NR-04.086 announcing the Orca class purchase.
• DND/CF Backgrounder BG-04.038 detailing the purchase process behind the Orca class.
• CdnMilitary.ca Article on the Orca class.
• Canadian American Strategic Review - Source of Orca-class image.