Newcastle to base new high-performance police tactical boat

31 May 2026

newy.com.au – Newcastle will be home to one of two new high-performance police tactical boats unveiled by the Marine Area Command as part of a $1.8 million upgrade to maritime policing across NSW.

The two Class 5 Zodiac Hurricane 753 rigid-hulled inflatable boats will replace vessels that have been in service for more than 15 years, with the second new boat to be based at Port Kembla. Both can be deployed anywhere along the NSW coast.

Police say the new RHIBs are designed for maritime law enforcement, tactical police operations, counter-terrorism and security activities, proactive maritime safety and enforcement, and marine search and rescue operations.

The boats are fitted with updated surveillance, communications and navigation systems, including HD and thermal FLIR camera technology capable of recording and streaming live footage to police operations centres. Enhanced suspension seating and a proven hull design are intended to improve crew safety and reduce fatigue in inshore and offshore conditions.

Powered by Mercury 200HP four-stroke engines, each vessel can carry a driver, navigator and six crew, with a range of up to 150 nautical miles and an estimated potential speed of up to 48 knots.

The 7.7-metre Zodiacs are 2.75 metres wide and made from a fibreglass composite. Police said 46 local manufacturers were involved in their construction, with the hulls built in Taree and fit-outs completed in Caringbah at a cost of $907,000 per vessel.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the boats reflected the government’s commitment to giving police modern equipment to keep the community safe.

“These vessels give our officers greater speed, agility and cutting-edge technology so they can respond quickly and confidently in challenging conditions,” Minister Catley said.

“This is about making sure police are supported with the right tools for the job, wherever they’re working. The latest navigation and surveillance technology on board makes a real difference to how effectively they can operate on the water.

“From search and rescue to high-risk incidents and counter-terrorism preparedness, this investment means our police are better equipped than ever to protect the community when it matters most.”

Marine Area Commander Superintendent Joe McNulty said the new tactical RHIBs would significantly improve the command’s ability to operate on the water.

“Their speed, manoeuvrability and state-of-the-art technology allow our officers to respond faster and operate safely in challenging conditions,” Supt McNulty said.

“Our officers work in some of the most unpredictable environments and having the right equipment is critical.

“These RHIBs provide improved advanced navigation systems and surveillance equipment needed for complex maritime operations.

“From counter-terrorism readiness to search and rescue incidents, these RHIBs give us the tools we need to meet modern maritime challenges head-on.”