The pilot house of the Marine Protector Class is a dramatic improvement over the aging Point Class cutters. The fully integrated system is housed in an area of 205 square feet as opposed to the 42 square feet on the Point class. The command and control console stretches the full width of the pilot house and has been ergonomically designed to accommodate varying crew member heights, since the crews are typically represented by 5% female and 95% male. Visibility is a full 360 degrees with no obstructions from mast, exhaust, or other hull structure. There are seventeen heated windows, including two sliding windows, to ensure that the commanding officer has a full view of the surrounding area.

The navigation station faces forward and can accommodate full sized charts without folding. The Electronic Chart Display (ECDIS) with radar overlay, is visible from the Navigation station, the helmsman's position, and the Commanding Officer's chair. The ECDIS system is a Windows-based computer system that has pre-programmed search and rescue patterns including trackline, expanding square, and sector searches.

The vessel has a ship's office to house the U.S. Coast Guard Standard Workstation (Personal Computer) and a fiber optic Local Area Network (LAN) that can be used internally or externally when connected to a shore tie. Accommodations for two safes for the storage of classified material are also provided in the ship's office.

The vessel's internal and external communications system is a fully integrated system developed originally for the Canadian Coast Guard and includes features for:

The 1500 HP Main Propulsion Engines are a proven design used very extensively in yachts and patrol craft around the world. The system includes a slow speed drive capability to ensure that the vessel can maneuver in restricted waters as well as tow small pleasure craft after a successful search and rescue mission. The engine control and monitoring system is equipped with an operational data recorder to provide for performance-based maintenance and to improve logistic support. To increase endurance, the vessel is equipped with a 250 gallon per day reverse osmosis water maker.

The Rib Launch and Recovery System allows for the safe and rapid deployment and recovery of the RIB with minimal assistance from the crew of the "mother" ship. To commence the launch, the boat crew boards the vessel and starts the diesel water-jet engine. The transom gate is then raised hydraulically from the down position to an open position parallel to and over the main deck. The crew then activates a quick release hook, allowing the force of gravity to slide the RIB down a thirteen degree incline and out of the stern. For recovery, the coxswain can either drive the RIB into the notch and up the incline where a crew man passes a line over a Samson post to capture the craft or the coxswain can winch the RIB into the notch using a high speed electric winch mounted on the main deck of the "mother" ship. The aluminum hull RIB has a foam collar with an inflatable bladder beneath it to provide durability and safety. The Rib has a top speed in excess of 20 knots when carrying six crew members but approaches 30 knots with a two person crew.

Crew comfort is achieved though the use of four two-person staterooms and one four-person stateroom. Each stateroom is provided with internal telephones and sound-powered phones as well as sinks and potable water service. There are two water closets and two showers to give maximum utilization to the sanitary facilities. The mess deck has seating for nine crew members and is furnished with television, VCR, and stereo equipment for crew relaxation.