The Marine Area Command has unveiled a new generation of state-of-the-art maritime assets to better respond to high-risk situations across the state's coastline.
At a cost of $1.8 million, two new advanced rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) are replacing two vessels that have been in service for more than 15 years.
The 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.
The RHIBs are fitted with the latest technology in marine law enforcement, including surveillance and search and rescue equipment with 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.
Crew safety will also be augmented by enhanced suspension seating with a proven hull designed to minimise risk and reduce fatigue in both inshore and offshore conditions.
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 Zodiacs are 7.7m long, 2.75m wide and made from a fibreglass composite, with 46 local manufacturers involved in the construction of the vessels.
The hull was manufactured in Taree with the fit-out completed in Caringbah at a cost of $907,000 per vessel.
The boats will be based in Newcastle and Port Kembla and are able to be deployed anywhere along the NSW coast.
The high-performance capabilities make the boats safer, faster, durable and more diverse than their predecessors, enhancing policing across NSW waterways and offshore.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, 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," Minister Catley 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.
"From search and rescue to high-risk incidents and counter-terrorism preparedness, this investment means our police are better equipped than ever to protect the community when it matters most."
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," Supt McNulty 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."
