In 2008 the Port Phillip Sea Pilots (PPSP) began the process of acquiring 2 new pilot boats. As they had previously lost a pilot boat and crew when the boat overturned, PPSP considered it essential to have new pilot boats that were self-righting. They considered designs from all around the world and after a thorough comparative assessment they chose the French Pantocarene self-righting design and Hart Marine as the builder. From their investigation PPSP realised that the Pantocarene pilot boat design is in a league of its own for all aspects of pilot safety.
The 14m pilot boat was the 2nd pilot boat built by Hart Marine for Port Phillip Sea Pilots (PPSP). Construction began 4 months after the 18m pilot boat started. Both boats met their projected milestones and were delivered with immense customer satisfaction. Ranger III was delivered mid 2010 and operates out of Flinders providing pilot services to Western Port.
PPSP have been so happy with their first two ORC Pilot Boats from Hart Marine that they have recently ordered a third boat.
