Typical Specifications

Metal Shark’s 38 Defiant Fire Rescue is a proven welded aluminum monohull vessel ideal for use in a wide range of coastal and nearshore environments. It is quick and highly maneuverable and serves as an excellent inshore first responder, and also offers the heft and stability to venture offshore. The 38 Defiant is a globally proven platform in service with the US Coast Guard, US Navy, foreign militaries, fire departments, and numerous law enforcement agencies. Each 38 Defiant Fire Rescue vessel is fully tailored to meet the unique challenges of its intended AOR and the detailed requirements of its operating agency. Now, Metal Shark has introduced the 38 Defiant NXT, built on the proven 38 Defiant hull design, but with a next-generation, crew-friendly topsides arrangement optimized for firefighting. The versatile 38 Defiant is offered with multiple propulsion options including twin inboard diesels coupled to waterjets, stern drives, or conventional straight shafts. The 38 Defiant NXT shown here was built for Orange Beach Fire Rescue. To see a previous generation 38 Defiant, click here.

Hull Design, Construction, and Performance

The 38 Defiant NXT features a proven Metal Shark hull design that has been engineered and built to precise tolerances, and proven over the delivery of 100+ vessels to operators worldwide. To achieve its superior hull life rating, the vessel’s hull, deck, and superstructure are composed entirely of heavy, precision-welded plates of corrosion-resistant 5086 aluminum-magnesium alloy. The Defiant-class running surface has been designed for maximum efficiency and performance. This efficiency, combined with the vessel’s durable construction, results in the lowest possible operating cost while at the same time assuring maximum performance.Thanks to its wide beam, pronounced reverse chines, and ample heft, the 38 Defiant is exceptionally stable while underway, at rest, or pumping water. To meet specific mission requirements, the 38 Defiant may be equipped with triple outboards or twin inboard diesels with water jets, straight-shaft inboards, or stern drives.

Modern, Crew-Friendly Layout

The 38 Defiant NXT ushers in a new era of capability, with a modern, crew-friendly layout that allows firefighters to perform their work more safely and efficiently. Crews enjoy smartly configured, wide-open workspaces that facilitate safe and surefooted movement from bow to stern, even while wearing heavy firefighting gear. Wide, non-skid walkways feature low-level LED lighting for night missions, and careful consideration has been given to the placement of all rails and grab handles. A WING urethane-sheathed, closed-cell foam collar provides impact resistance during alongside maneuvers, and the available bow pusher knee provides added utility. From bow to stern, heavy emphasis has been placed on accessibility and ease of use, resulting in a purpose-built fire fighting machine with next-level capabilities and a crew-friendly layout that fire fighters will love.

Best-in-Class Visibility

The 38 Defiant NXT features an innovative pilothouse designed to deliver best-in-class visibility. The use of Metal Shark’s signature “Pillarless Glass” significantly reduces blind spots compared to the industry’s legacy pilothouse fireboats with their smaller, framed windows. A reversed-raked windshield with prominent brow shade reduces heat load and glare. An overhead skylight array provides an unobstructed upward view while operating alongside ships or elevated structures, or during helicopter hoisting operations. Large, quickly-sliding side windows and the extra-wide cabin door facilitate communication to crew members in the cockpit and allow quick and easy ingress/egress while wearing full gear. The result is mission-enhancing visibility and access throughout the complete range of firefighting and rescue scenarios.

Crew Accommodations

The 38 Defiant NXT’s roomy, crew-friendly cabin is offered with multiple seating configurations including shock-mitigating seats. The vessel shown here has been equipped with SHOXS shock-mitigating seating for three, with one seat at each console, plus a port-side bench seat with integrated storage and backrest that quickly converts to twin stretcher bunks. A pair of large, sturdy, overhead grab rails running the length of the cabin are always within easy reach of standing crew. Meanwhile, vibration-dampening, shock-absorbing, non-skid flooring material provides additional comfort and safety. The 38 Defiant NXT is offered with either an open or closed bow with cuddy cabin. The cuddy, which is accessed via an extra-wide companionway, may be outfitted with an enclosed head compartment, galley, and v-berth, although some departments choose an entirely open belowdecks area for maximum dry storage. Alternately, the vessel may be configured with a deep and roomy bow cockpit, which is accessed via an extra-wide watertight door in the forward cabin.

Firefighting Equipment

The 38 Defiant NXT is offered with a complete list of pre-engineered optional accessories including a formidable array of tactical firefighting equipment. The vessel shown here is equipped with twin PTO-driven 1,500 GPM PTO-driven fire pumps each drawing from its own dedicated sea chest and pumping into a manifold main. Flow is diverted and directed as needed via electronic valves remotely operated from the fire control station at the port helm. This vessel is equipped with a remote-operated rooftop monitor, two aft-mounted manual monitors, two 5 hand line outlets, and a 5″ hydrant outlet with Storz fitting. From fire pumps and monitors to foam reservoirs, hydrant connections, Command and Control communications systems, and positive-pressure Chemical, Radiological, Biological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosive (CBRNE) crew protection systems, Metal Shark is adept at the seamless integration of firefighting hardware. Contact Metal Shark today to begin the process of building a 38 Defiant Fire Rescue vessel for your agency.

38 Defiant NXT Fire Rescue Image Gallery