It is fast, has state-of-the-art navigational gear and is perfectly fitted for a good night?s sleep.

Not bad for something that was built in the 1950s, even if it has undergone a few makeovers.

The is the pride of the Marine and Ports fleet of tugboats.

On Thursday, got a full tour of the vessel recently bought by Government for a bargain $1.25 million.

All the crew were on hand to aid in the exploration of the vessel, which will be used for search and rescue, training, backup support for the current tugs, and maintaining navigational aids,

Dockyard superintendent, Jerome Kent Robinson gave a most insightful tour abroad the decks and cabins of the 100 foot boat.

He briefly described the state of the art navigational equipment which includes auto pilot. Auto Pilot allows a desired route to be set using a compass course. This enables the vessel to navigate itself while the Captain sleeps or tends to other duties.

The was named after Bermudians Edward M. Stowe Sr. and Edward M. Stowe Jr., long time employees of Marine and Ports.

The Stowe family has served Marine and Ports for more than 80 years. The old name of the vessel was and it served the US Military before arriving in Bermuda.

The vessel was built by Higgins Shipyard in New Orleans and rebuilt by the US military because it was easier to get funding for rebuilding than for purchasing a new vessel. Its original purpose was to move around and vessels that Military sealift command took to war.

Government landed a bargain with the purchase of the new tug saving an estimated $13 million.

Director of Marine and Ports Barry Coupland said: ?We paid $1.25 million but a similar vessel could have cost between $12 to $14 million.?

The new tug was originally built in the 1950s and underwent a complete makeover in 1996. She was completely gutted and stripped. New machinery, pipe work, and electrical cabling were installed during the upgrade. The US decided to rebuild her because it was part of the US Army Fleet Modernisation Programme, said Mr. Coupland.

Bosun mate, Odwin Berkeley, said of the tug: ?She?s faster than the other two tugs, has a better hull, and more bunks.?

The can sleep 16 while the older tugs and can only accommodate eight. The bunks were a surprisingly comfortable size with mattresses that allow for a sound night?s sleep. The crew consists of six enthusiastic men who are proud of their new member to the current fleet. Mr. Robinson said not much of the old model from the 50s could be spotted on the vessel today.

The smoke stack and ventilation system are original, including the basic structure of the boat, he said. But the rest has been redone.

The kitchen is a functional size with new stainless steel appliances. The supervising engineer, George Peets, gave a thorough tour of the engine room, which Mr. Coupland likes to call ?the ladies heart?.

All of the equipment was replaced in 1995, said Mr. Peets, who is training Mark Gibbons to become the engineer designate.

The boat has two generators which supply power to her when she is in service.

?If the captain looses engine control on the bridge ? the boat can be operated from the engine room,? said Mr. Peets.

He pointed out: ?The original engine had 1300 horse power and the new engine which was refitted in 1995 has 2150 horse power.?

All of the accessories are up to date, declared Mr. Peets.

She is equipped with a new system called UMS (unmanned space) which means there are sensors everywhere. This allows the engineer to leave the engine room. If there is a problem the engineer will be alerted in his room and an alarm panel will highlight the specific problem, Mr. Peets explained.

The captain, Melvin Martin recalled voyages from Britain and the Azores.

?When we left the Azores for Bermuda it was very uncomfortable. The whole bow was basically under water. It wasn?t a fearful moment where you needed to put on a life jacket though ? it was just uncomfortable.?

Mr. Martin described another voyage where she was truly tested before reaching Bermuda. ?When we came from Britain it took six days with seas reaching 18 -20 feet. It was very uncomfortable and loud on the port quarter.?

The new boat will cater to in house training including: school leavers, Regiment, Police, Bermuda Maritime Employers, Search and Rescue, and all facets of Bermuda? Maritime Industry, said Mr. Coupland.

The will be open to the public this weekend at the Annual boat show in Dockyard from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.