At A Glance
- Client & Location: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at Shenango Dam, Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
- Primary Function: Dual-purpose operational platform designed for rapid-response rescue and close-quarters dam inspection.
- Engineering Focus: Built by SAFE Structure Designs featuring custom stability controls and integrated retrieval hardware.
- Naval Architecture: Tailored specifically for maneuvering in turbulent, dynamic hydraulic environments near major dam structures.
- Operational Readiness: Delivers immediate safety compliance for personnel performing critical water-infrastructure assessments.
SAFE Structure Designs, a U.S.-based defense and engineering manufacturing company specializing in mission-critical support equipment and specialized operational platforms, announced today the successful design, engineering, and manufacturing of a custom rescue and inspection vessel for the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) supporting operations at Shenango Dam in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
The purpose-built rescue boat was developed to assist USACE personnel responsible for dam inspection, maintenance, and operational safety oversight at the Shenango Dam facility. The vessel provides a dedicated platform for safely transporting inspection crews while allowing teams to perform critical dam infrastructure assessments on and around the reservoir.
We’re so glad you are here! Like what you’re reading? Make America’s Engineers a Google preferred news source.Outfitted with specialized marine safety and rescue equipment, the vessel enables personnel to respond to a variety of potential emergency scenarios while conducting inspection activities on the water. The boat is designed to support both routine inspection operations and rapid-response rescue situations, ensuring that personnel working near the dam structure can operate with enhanced safety and preparedness.
The custom vessel incorporates multiple safety features designed specifically to protect inspection crews operating in potentially hazardous environments around large-scale water infrastructure. In addition to providing a stable inspection platform, the boat carries a range of rescue and recovery equipment capable of supporting personnel rescue operations should an emergency arise.
“Having been around boats my entire life, this project was especially exciting for our team,” said Johnny Buscema, President and CEO of SAFE Structure Designs. “Designing and building vessels that support critical infrastructure and help keep crews safe on the water is something we take great pride in. It’s a responsibility we approach with a strong engineering mindset and a deep respect for the mission.”
SAFE Structure Designs has previously engineered and constructed other specialized marine platforms, including a highly complex floating paint barge engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds and high-sea conditions. The company maintains in-house naval architecture expertise to support advanced marine engineering projects and custom vessel design requirements.
The Shenango Dam rescue vessel further expands SAFE Structure’s portfolio of custom-engineered operational systems supporting federal agencies and mission-critical infrastructure.
By combining precision engineering, rugged marine design, and mission-driven functionality, SAFE Structure Designs delivers specialized equipment that enhances safety, operational capability, and infrastructure reliability for government and defense customers.
SAFE Structure Designs originally published their press release under the title, “SAFE Structure Designs Engineers Custom Rescue Boat for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Shenango Dam Operations.”
