Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott today announced the arrival of seven new Class 2 patrol vessels for the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command.
This is a modern state of the art fleet representing a record $24 million investment by the NSW Government in maritime law enforcement along the entire NSW coastline and harbour systems.
“These patrol vessels will greatly enhance the operational capabilities of the Marine Area Command. The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the NSW Police Force has the resources and equipment needed to keep our communities and waterways safe.” Mr Elliott said.
The vessels were officially unveiled today during a commissioning ceremony at the Marine Area Command in Balmain. NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said the vessels are larger and are a greatly improved version of the retiring fleet.
“These Class 2 patrol vessels have been specifically designed to carry out search and rescue operations, marine enforcement activities and to respond to organised crime on the water. The new vessels are safer for the open water and can travel 900 nautical miles out to sea for up to five days,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Each vessel is equipped with a five-metre aluminium boarding vessel constructed into the stern which allows for medical evacuations at sea and the boarding of suspicious vessels entering Australia’s maritime corridors into NSW coastal waters.
The vessels feature the newest technology including a forward looking infra-red (FLIR) camera to assist police crews search for lost mariners or detect crime threats. The navigation and electronics are supported by the NSW Police Force integrated telecommunication and satellite systems.
The new vessels replace the aging 2005 Class 2 patrol vessels but will sail under their predecessors’ names: Alert, Falcon, Fearless, Intrepid, Vanguard, Victor and Vigilant. They will be located in Broken Bay, Sydney, Botany Bay, Eden, Port Kembla, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Tweed Heads and Coffs Harbour.
Skip to content