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.”