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New high-tech RHIBs launched to tackle crime on Hunter water

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Newcastle will be home to a new state-of-the-art rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) to tackle crime on the water.

The Marine Area Command (MAC) officially launched its fleet of RHIBs in Sydney on Wednesday 17 November.

The four Class 5 boats are fitted with the latest technology in marine law enforcement, including satellite tracking, ballistic protection and a high-definition camera with forward looking infrared (FLIR) and real-time streaming capabilities.

With twin 400hp engines powering the vessels, a 10-person crew can travel up to 100 nautical miles per hour.

The high-tech capabilities make the boats safer, faster and more durable and diverse than their predecessors.

They’ll be based in Newcastle, Sydney, Sans Souci and Port Kembla and support the MAC with inshore and offshore operations, including:

  • Criminal detection, crime reduction strategies including boarding operations
  • Counter terrorism operations
  • Fast roping operations
  • Maritime and port security operations
  • Offshore operations
  • Search and rescue
  • Emergency management responses

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Malcolm Lanyon, Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter and Marine Area Commander Superintendent Murray Reynolds unveiled the vessels.

The multi-functional tactical RHIBs can be quickly reconfigured by removing all seats for fast roping operations or multi-medivac recovery operations.

The MAC has trained an additional 10 tactical drivers and 15 MAC boarding officers to respond to these jobs.

Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said those attached to the Marine Area Command were instrumental in the design of these fit-for-purpose tactical vessels.

“These class 5 RHIBs are highly-manoeuvrable and are fitted with the latest navigation and communication equipment, as well as surveillance and tracking systems,” he explained.

“Importantly these fast, agile and responsive vessels are a significant boost to our capabilities to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime on the water.”

Superintendent Reynolds said the RHIBs will play a key role in large multiagency operations.

“The RHIBs will continue to play a pivotal role in assisting with large and challenging operations offshore, including drug interdictions.”

“Their manoeuvrability, speed and advanced technology make them a huge asset to NSWPF and our partner agencies in crime detection and disruption, in a range of scenarios.”

The boats were funded by the NSW Government’s Marine Vessel Replacement Program at a cost of $4.1 million.

Australian company Zodiac Milpro Pty Ltd purpose-built the vessels in consultation with the Marine Area Command.

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