Maritime police get cutting

One of the new generation police boats to be based at Port Kembla. Photo: NSW Police.

Port Kembla will be home base for a new, state-of-the-art police vessel with advanced navigation systems and surveillance equipment.

Marine Area Command is replacing two 15-year-old vessels with a new generation of advanced rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), one at Port Kembla and the other at Newcastle.

Marine Area Commander Superintendent Joe McNulty said the new tactical RHIBs significantly enhanced the command’s operational capacity on the water.

“Their speed, manoeuvrability and state-of-the-art technology allow our officers to respond faster and operate safely in challenging conditions,” he said.

“Our officers work in some of the most unpredictable environments and having the right equipment is critical.

“These RHIBs provide improved advanced navigation systems and surveillance equipment needed for complex maritime operations.

“From counter-terrorism readiness to search and rescue incidents, these RHIBs give us the tools we need to meet modern maritime challenges head-on.”

At a cost of $1.8 million, the two Class 5 Zodiac Hurricane 753 RHIBs are designed for maritime law enforcement, tactical police operations, counter-terrorism and security activities, proactive maritime safety and enforcement and marine search and rescue operations.

They are fitted with the latest technology in marine law enforcement, including surveillance and search and rescue equipment with the latest HD/thermal FLIR camera system capable of recording and streaming live footage to police operations centres.

The RHIBs also include communications and navigation systems with state-of-the-art electronics, improving coordination and situational awareness.

Powered by Mercury 200HP four-stroke engines, a driver, navigator and a crew of six can travel up to 150 nautical miles at an estimated potential speed of up to 48 knots.

The boats will be based in Newcastle and Port Kembla and are able to be deployed anywhere along the NSW coast.

Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said the new boats reflected the government’s ongoing commitment to backing police with the modern equipment they needed to keep the community safe.

“These vessels give our officers greater speed, agility and cutting-edge technology so they can respond quickly and confidently in challenging conditions,” she said.

“This is about making sure police are supported with the right tools for the job, wherever they’re working. The latest navigation and surveillance technology on board makes a real difference to how effectively they can operate on the water.”

Original Article published on Region Illawarra.