On Friday, March 28, 2025, members of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard visited the AMAZON CHIEFTAIN, an Offshore Supply Vessel, which was moored at the Deep Water Harbour. During the visit, the Coast Guard had the opportunity to tour the vessel and engage with the crew, who provided valuable insights into the vessel’s impressive functions and operational capabilities.

The AMAZON CHIEFTAIN is a highly versatile vessel, measuring 250 feet (76 meters) in length and weighing 2,966 gross tons. It is equipped with a broad range of capabilities that make it an invaluable asset for offshore operations.

During the tour, the crew showcased the vessel’s operational flexibility and highlighted its key roles in supporting maritime activities, including bunkering, transporting supplies and materials, and towing large ships, typically starting at 20,000 gross tons and up. These capabilities demonstrate the vessel’s ability to perform complex operations in a variety of challenging conditions.

At the end of the tour, the Coast Guard received a generous donation of four immersion suits and one Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). These donations significantly enhance the safety equipment available to Coast Guard personnel. Immersion suits are designed to protect the wearer in cold water conditions by preventing death due to exposure and hypothermia. While the SCBA is a crucial piece of personal protective equipment that provides firefighters with a portable, pressurized supply of breathable air, enabling them to work safely in hazardous, toxic, or oxygen-deficient environments.

Mr. Eddie Hadeed, owner of the AMAZON CHIEFTAIN, expressed a strong commitment to supporting the capacity-building efforts of the ABDF Coast Guard. He pledged the availability of his crew and the use of his vessel for future training and exercises in an expression of his desire to contribute to the professional development and operational readiness of the Coast Guard. This collaboration reflects the growing partnership between the private sector and the Coast Guard in enhancing maritime security and response capabilities.

Lieutenant Naval Vaughn Simon, Acting Commanding Officer of the ABDF Coast Guard, expressed his gratitude for the generous donation from Mr. Hadeed. “This contribution significantly enhances the safety equipment available to our personnel and also improves our operational capabilities and response readiness. We deeply appreciate Mr. Hadeed’s support and look forward to future opportunities for collaboration,” Lieutenant Naval Simon said.

The courtesy call not only deepened the relationship between the ABDF Coast Guard and AMAZON CHIEFTAIN but also further reinforced the importance of collaboration in safeguarding the maritime environment. The ABDF Coast Guard is grateful for this meaningful partnership and looks forward to future opportunities for joint training and development.