Media release – Tasmania Police, 6 May 2024
Police Vessel Van Diemen departing Tasmania Police fleet
After nearly three decades in Tasmania Police’s fleet Police Vessel (PV) Van Diemen has been sold and is departing Tasmania today.
“Following nearly 30 years of service patrolling waters around Tasmania and its islands – PV Van Diemen has been decommissioned from service with Tasmania Police and leaves our shores today,” said Assistant Commissioner Robert Blackwood.
Under a State Government funding allocation for the procurement of a new Offshore Police Patrol Vessel for Tasmania Police – PV Van Diemen is being replaced with a new vessel which is scheduled to be delivered in the third quarter of 2024.
“PV Van Diemen has been a significant asset to Tasmania Police and is renowned Australia wide,” said Assistant Commissioner Blackwood.
“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.”
“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) – that’s the equivalent of circumnavigating Australia 16 times, or Tasmania 150 times.”
“Today PV Van Diemen will depart the Hobart dock for the last time – but it’s not the end for the vessel which has been sold to Australian Federal Police and is being relocated to Papua New Guinea.”
Media release – Tasmania Police, 20 May 2022
Contract awarded for new offshore police patrol vessel
Tasmania Police has awarded a $13.4 million contract for a new fit-for-purpose offshore police patrol vessel.
Assistant Commissioner Specialist Support Adrian Bodnar said that the contract for the 23.9 metre vessel has been awarded to Australian aluminium boat builder, Fine Entry Marine of Western Australia. The new vessel is expected to arrive in Tasmania in early 2024.
Fine Entry Marine previously successfully delivered the PV Cape Wickham, which has been patrolling Tasmania’s waters since 2017.
“The design and build process for a police patrol vessel of this nature is complex and it needs to be fitted out with the latest sophisticated technologies to enable our marine police to be able to effectively and safely operate in adverse weather conditions, and at night,” Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said.
“It’s important to Tasmania Police, that a vessel that meets the specifications, is fit-for-purpose and represents value for money has been selected.”
The new vessel will incorporate strategic innovation and design, with world class state-of-the-art search and rescue technology including a long range, digital Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera, sonar and seafloor search and 3D mapping capability.
Enhanced occupational health and safety features were a critical consideration for selecting this vessel and include a commercial gyroscopic stabiliser, a first for policing vessels within Australia, which reduces fatigue and increases crew comfort and safety by providing a more stable platform.
The aluminium constructed, twin keeled vessel is powered by twin 2000hp diesel engines and incorporates stern and bow thrusters to increase manoeuvrability and station holding capabilities.
The vessel will operate around all of Tasmania’s coastline out to 200 nautical miles, with a range of 1000 nautical miles.
A high-speed rigid hull inflatable can be quickly launched and retrieved from the vessel which allows even greater access to the coastline.
The vessel’s operational functions will include search and rescue response, marine safety enforcement, patrolling of State and Commonwealth Marine Reserves and State security operations.
The Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management commenced the project to replace the PV Van Diemen in 2019, which was built by Geraldton Boat Builders in Western Australia, and has been in service for over 27 years.
“A rigorous procurement process was undertaken involving a comprehensive evaluation of tender submissions, site inspections and vessel trials since March 2021 overseen by an independent probity advisor,” Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said.
This is the final stage of Tasmania Police’s Large Vessel Replacement Program funded by the State Government.
The program has also recently seen the delivery of a new 11.95 metre, jet powered fast response vessel, PV Dauntless, which was launched in 2021.
“Tasmania Police’s first-class marine and rescue service will be even better equipped for marine rescues, fisheries enforcement and protection of State marine resources with this new police vessel,” said Assistant Commissioner Bodnar.
