The Marine Emergency Team currently operates a 2008 26-foot and a 2016 23.5-foot vessel.  Both of these vessels are well under the industry-recommended expectation of a first responder vessel.  With the continual increase in marine traffic and weather changes, these vessels are not meeting the expectations or requirements of providing the most efficient, timely, or safe response to the incidents we are responding to. The Marine Emergency Team expects to provide the best service to our community while ensuring the safety of our responders.  Our team understands the importance of being available when the call is received and the understanding that we may be the only option to ensure that someone goes home safe after enjoying the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay.   The Team is currently working on identifying the manufacturer for the project and expects to procure between a 32 and 35-foot all hazards response vessel, capable of providing a safe and effective response to our area of responsibility even on the worst days.