Tasmania Police has taken delivery of 5 new vessels which will enhance its capability in marine safety and rescue, and policing of marine laws.

The seven metre LeisureCats are replacing the Department’s aging ‘Cat’ class vessels, which have provided 23 years of service.

The three year project for 5 vessels and 6 specialist vessel trailers has cost more than one million dollars;  $800,000 has been provided by the State Government and the remainder of the funds have come from the sale of the old Cats and selling seized marine assets.

After a tender process, the Western Australian company ‘LeisureCat Australia’, was selected to supply five Cat Class Vessels.  

Tasmanian companies have also benefited from the project, constructing six new specialist vessel trailers.  Five trailers are for Marine and Rescue’s ‘Sentinel’ class vessels and one is for a ‘Cat’ class vessel.

The fibreglass LeisureCat vessels are equipped with twin fuel-efficient 4-stroke engines and are capable of exceeding 40 knots fully laden and with a full fuel load.  The vessels have a range of 250 nautical miles.

“The vessels will enhance the ability of our Marine and Rescue officers to carry out marine law enforcement operations and will improve safety in marine search and rescue activities,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

“These vessels offer great flexibility; they are fast, light and easily transported if they are required for deployment elsewhere,” said Mr Hine.

The Minister for Police and Emergency Management, David O’Byrne, said the Government has worked closely with Tasmania Police to meet its strategic marine needs.

“Equipment needs are regularly changing over time, and I commend Commissioner Hine and his leadership team for planning ahead and finding flexible solutions,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“We’re pleased to be making this strategic investment, to support Tasmania Police’s top-class marine operations, and help protect Tasmanians at sea,” he said.

A review was undertaken for the strategic placement of these vessels around the State, in consultation with the fishing industry and marine safety organisations.

The new vessels are already in operation in St Helens, Stanley, Strahan and Flinders Island while King Island will receive their new vessel shortly.

The ‘disposal by tender’ process for the decommissioned Devil Cats and the last Seeker Class vessels is now well underway allowing interested local buyers the opportunity to purchase these vessels.