09 July 2007
The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) has launched a new boat to patrol their naval bases.
Sea trials of the new police patrol boat were unveiled at HM Naval Base Devonport in July.
Specifically built to the MDP's requirements, the 15m vessel will carry out policing and protection duties at three naval bases: Devonport, Portsmouth and Clyde.
In a first for the MDP, the new boats have been designed specifically for their needs. In the past, the MDP has been expected to use what was available.
Chief inspector Steve Parker, operations manager at HM Naval Base Devonport said: "The trials are proceeding very well and I have no doubt this launch will make a huge contribution to the effectiveness with which we carry out our marine duties. In terms of performance the vessel outstrips everything else we currently have."
The first of its type the boat will be built over a 15 month period by the Ministry of Defence's specialist boat team.
Giving top speeds of 30 knots it uses water jet technology, which makes it more agile, allows it to stop much quicker and also removes any danger from the propellers to people being rescued.
Once the trial has been successfully completed the boat will be based at HM Naval base Clyde and if it continues to meet the demands of the MDP it is hoped a further 15 launches will be built within the next 15 years. |