Mount Pleasant Magazine Jan/Feb 2021

175 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.VOICEofMPpodcast.com capability so we can locate something underwater, such as a boater overboard or a bridge jumper.” “We also have state-of-the-art GPS and radar so that we can scan the surface of the water and pinpoint what’s out there, along with an excellent night vision system so we’re not limited by darkness on the water. And of course we have a depth finder and plenty of spotlighting capability as well,” he continued. The lieutenant emphasized that the new Safe Boat’s primary responsibility will be patrolling, looking for any suspicious activity and rendering assistance to boaters as needed. “We work closely with the Coast Guard and all other agencies in our area,” he said. “We are all connected to Charleston County’s Consolidated 911 dispatch center via radio. The first agency on scene at an emergency starts the process, then when the agency with the proper mandate arrives, they take over.” There’s a good chance that Mount Pleasant police will be the first on the scene. Powered by twin 250 horsepower Yamaha outboards, their new boat has plenty of speed to get there, and with a 250-gallon fuel tank, it’s not likely they’ll run out of gasoline before the mission is completed. But the job isn’t always chasing down bad guys. In fact, Lt. Rosier noted that, “Our goal is to prevent arrests. However, if an arrest is appropriate, we’ll be well-equipped to handle it. Other times, we might just stop a boat, check their life jackets and offer additional water safety information. We want them to know what things they are supposed to have on board and make sure they actually know how to use them.” As for the safety of Mount Pleasant’s marine officers themselves, their new boat gives them protection. Their Safe Boat really is safe. In fact, it’s virtually unsinkable. The aluminum-bodied boat is encased in a patented foam collar system for flotation, stability and fending off docks and other craft, utilizing the same foam designed to insulate the Alaskan oil pipeline. In the unlikely event of a catastrophic hull breach, the foam collar will keep anyone on board afloat. Now that the Mount Pleasant police have a new boat to help them perform a marine law enforcement role, maybe the marine officers do need their own floating police station after all. Or maybe not. It’s hard to keep that police-issued coffee from sloshing out of mugs when the surf ’s up. Officer Ryan Culnon pilots the new Safe Boat around the harbor with Officer John Shaver at his side. Visit our website for live music line ups, weekly specials and our full catering service. 202 Coleman Blvd. 843.388.3625 TheShelterKitchenAndBar.com LIVE MUSIC 7 DAYS AWEEK HAPPY HOUR BUY ONE-GET ONE HALF OFF OF ALL SMALL PLATES AND PUB FAVORITES + DRINK SPECIALS around town