Dorset Police takes delivery of new marine asset
Dorset Police has taken delivery of a new marine boat to patrol the 98 miles of coastline along the Dorset coast.
Capable of being out in all weathers, the 10.5m rigid, inflatable boat (RIB) has been custom designed and made to the specific requirements of the Dorset Force Support Group. It will be used to tackle organised crime, as well as for search and rescue and to reassure local communities.
The Buccaneer OM26 Poole is powered by Twin Suzuki DF325 engines and can travel 200 miles on a single tank. It has a top speed of 50 knots.
In commissioning the boat from UK manufacturer Ribcraft, Dorset Police specified that the boat needed to provide a comfortable working platform for the crew, of up to eight, along with all-weather protection for year-round usage.
The boat features a spacious wheelhouse with frameless reinforced windows. This gives the interior of the cabin an increased sense of space and light. It is fully insulated and lined; it has a heating system, on-board toilet and shock mitigation seating for increased crew comfort.
Police Constable Bruce Murdoch, chief training instructor for the Force Support Group, and in charge of all the equipment, commented that the addition of the cabin greatly improves conditions when the boat is out in all weathers, operating day and night.
