Tomorrow Tasmania Police’s vessel ‘Vigilant’ marks 50 years of continuous operational service.

Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said the Tasmanian-built PV Vigilant has made an outstanding contribution to both maritime law enforcement and safety since it was welcomed into the Tasmania Police fleet in 1971.

“Many Tasmania Police officers have proud memories of working aboard PV Vigilant, and we know Tasmanians have strong recollections of its presence in historical events over the last 50 years,” said Assistant Commissioner Bodnar.

“It played an integral role in the aftermath of the Tasman Bridge collapse, where it was used as a dive support vessel. It searched for the cargo ship Blythe Star when it was lost off Southwest Cape in 1973 and was involved in policing the Franklin River protests.”

“More recently, in 2006 it towed the Lady Nelson to safety in Hobart when it had engine trouble in Storm Bay with a group of school children on board.”

“Then in 2011, Vigilant came across craypots set illegally in marine parks on the south coast of Tasmania. This led to a Tasmanian fisherman being fined $130,000 and was the first detection and conviction by any agency in the country relating to the new marine conservation parks.”

“PV Vigilant continues to perform an important role as part of Tasmania Police’s marine capability and the vessel’s operations include regular patrols of up to six days, travelling around the southwest and east coasts of the state.”

“50 years of continuous operational service is a testament to the vessel’s design and construction, and I would like to recognise the efforts of crew members and contractors who have managed and maintained the Vigilant to such a high standard over so many years.”