After nearly three decades of service in Tasmania Police’s fleet, the PV Van Diemen will embark on its final voyage from the state’s waters today.
Having joined the force in the 1990s, the Van Diemen has now been sold to the Australian Federal Police for relocation to Papua New Guinea.
Assistant Commissioner Robert Blackwood says the Van Diemen will be replaced by a new vessel that is scheduled for delivery towards the end of 2024.
“PV Van Diemen has been a significant asset to Tasmania Police and is renowned Australia wide,” he said.
“Since joining our fleet in 1995, the vessel has attained a highly successful patrol history and proven itself on the waters of the Bass Strait, Tasman Sea and rugged Southern Ocean.”
Over its tenure, the Van Diemen has covered a distance equivalent to circumnavigating Australia 16 times or Tasmania 150 times.
“Having assisted in the detection and apprehension of illegal fishers and being involved in numerous rescues at sea, PV Van Diemen has travelled approximately 120,000nm in total, around 4000nm per year,” Blackwood said.
The 23-metre vessel is built from marine grade aluminium, has a top speed in excess of 25 knots and accommodation for a crew of five.
