Vatka was constructed by Hike Metal Products Ltd. of Wheatley, Ontario and launched in 2003. The vessel was completed and accepted into service as Vatka whose meaning is of Icelandic origin meaning "watch, guard or patrol". The vessel is home ported at the Canadian Coast Guard base in Gimli, Manitoba on Lake Winnipeg. The Coast Guard unit in Gimli is tasked with placing navigational markers on Lake Winnipeg and leading search and rescue missions on the lake.
