PV Van Diemen: ‘Transformative’ new hi-tech patrol boat delivered to Tasmania Police
A new patrol vessel delivered to Tasmania Police has been described as “transformative” for the state’s marine policing capabilities. Inside the hi-tech boat.
Tasmania
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The delivery of a hi-tech new $13m patrol vessel marks a “new era” for Tasmania Police’s marine and rescue operations after the old PV Van Diemen was retired and sold.
Joining PV Dauntless and PV Cape Wickham in the large vessel police fleet, the newly arrived 24m offshore patrol vessel, which is also called PV Van Diemen, is more powerful than its predecessor, with a maximum range of 1000 nautical miles, as well as greater fuel capacity and minimum top speed and cruising speed.
It is also two metres longer than the old PV Van Diemen, has a twin keel hull, and an increased displacement of about 20 tonnes, providing improved performance in rough seas.
Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Glenn Keating said the vessel would alternate between bases in Hobart and Launceston.
“The arrival of the new police vessel, PV Van Diemen, in Hobart marks a new era for marine and rescue services for Tasmania Police,” he said.
“This vessel itself has a first for Australian police vessels: a gyroscopic stabiliser. And that’s commercial-grade. What that actually does is not only support the health and safety of our officers [and their] comfort and fatigue management, but also provides a more stable platform when they’re operating.”
The old PV Van Diemen was in service for almost 30 years before being sold to the Australian Federal Police and departing Tasmania for Papua New Guinea in May.
Tasmania Police is responsible for conducting operations within the state’s waters, including Bass Strait to within four nautical miles of Victoria.
Police patrol vessels undertake search and rescue operations, help protect marine resources, enforce marine safety, assist with medical evacuations, and uphold maritime state security.
Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis said the delivery of the new patrol vessel was “transformative” for marine policing in the state.
“Investments like the PV Van Diemen help our incredibly trained crew here to do the job that they’ve been trained to do, and we’re seeing really strong results from the capability that they’ve got,” he said.
“The new PV Van Diemen has … new technology that will enable our police officers to patrol up to 200 nautical miles from shore.”
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Originally published as PV Van Diemen: ‘Transformative’ new hi-tech patrol boat delivered to Tasmania Police
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