Tasmania Police have unveiled their brand-new $13.4 million patrol vessel, marking the start of a new era for the force’s marine and rescue services.
The state-of-the-art PV Van Diemen vessel is the final of three to be delivered under a replacement program and follows the construction and commissioning of the $8.6 million PV Cape Wickham and $3.6 million PV Dauntless.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Felix Ellis said the Van Diemen will serve Tasmania Police and the community for years to come.
“With impressive speeds and world-class capabilities, Tasmania Police are in a better position than ever to protect our coastline and ensure the safety of our waters,” he said.
“Investments like the Van Diemen sends a clear message to those who feel they can do the wrong thing around our coastline – you will be caught.”
In a first for any Australian police boat, the vessel features a gyro-stabiliser, which provides a more stable platform for officers to work from in rough seas.
It also has advanced search and rescue capabilities, including a digital forward-looking infrared camera, sonar and 3D mapping and seabed mapping abilities.
Assistant Commissioner Glenn Keating said the Van Diemen will live in both Hobart and Launceston.
It will be used for search and rescue operations, marine enforcement and patrols.
“The vessel itself can travel up to 1,000 nautical miles from shore and also has … an inflatable winch and pole that can be launched very quickly to assist in coastal shoreline searches,” he said.
