What Systems Are on TCSG Güven? The Coast Guard’s First Helicopter-Capable Ship
TCSG Güven (SG-702) is the second ship of the Turkish Coast Guard’s Dost-class search-and-rescue corvettes. Built by RMK Marine Shipyard, it entered service on 21 November 2013 at a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Interior. The Dost class was the largest combat vessel programme ever built by a private Turkish shipyard, and gave the Coast Guard its first ships with a helicopter deck and hangar.
| Quick Facts | |
| Class | Dost-class search-and-rescue corvette |
| Prime contractor | RMK Marine Shipyard |
| Entered service | 21 November 2013 |
| Length / Beam | 88.60 m / 12.20 m |
| Speed / Range | 22 knots / 3,000 nm |
Capabilities
The Dost-class ships were the Coast Guard’s first with a helicopter platform and hangar, enabling extended offshore search-and-rescue operations. They also carry marine pollution response and firefighting capability, and can remain at sea unsupported for 8 days.
Procuring authority: the Ministry of Interior
Unlike Navy vessels, the Dost class was procured not by SSB but by the Coast Guard Command under the Ministry of Interior; a 2007 contract named RMK Marine Shipyard as prime contractor. All four ships of the class (Dost, Güven, Umut, Yaşam) were completed in 2013.
Sources
Turkish Ministry of Interior (21 November 2013 delivery ceremony); Turkish Coast Guard Command official site; Mavi Vatan; Wikimedia Commons.
Part of the Indigenous Power of the Blue Homeland series.
