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River Thames: OTB-02 and OTB-08

These two odd little boats came speeding up the River Thames this afternoon, with possibly a third behind them. On Marine Traffic they were specified as Military Ops so I had ideas of them communicating in dramatic terms, like in movies. Dutifully, they slowed down as they passed between Gravesend and Tilbury: it's the law.

OTB actually stands for Officer Training Boat; I'd have expected them to look a bit more - well, threatening - but actually, why ?

It seems there are 8 of these vessels, quite advanced and with interesting design features - a catamaran hull design and power via waterjets, top speed of 28 knots and space for 12 cadets. They are normally based in Dartmouth and presumably heading to London for 'ops'.

 

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Uploaded on July 3, 2025
Taken on July 3, 2025