Looking at the following links it appears that some early versions of the MD Explorer (known as the MH-90 Enforcer) have already successfully carried out maritime operations with the US Coastguard as described in the following links:
MH-90 Enforcer
U.S. Coast Guard Aviation History
Those operations may have actually involved at least 4 of the helicopters and appears to have been successful and much liked by the US Coastguard.
I also suspect that back in those days less powerful engines may have been used than those currently available on the more modern MD902 Explorer. With even more engine power available I would have thought that would make them even better for maritime operations.
However, as I am not a pilot I cannot speak with any authority about that.