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The Hong Kong Police Marine Region has over the past few years developed a new state-of-the-art central command system with a fleet of smaller, faster vessels, allowing police to attend and deal with incidents more quickly, whilst at the same time providing a strong deterrent to those engaged in illegal seaborne activity.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Tang King-shing, made the above remarks at the Commissioning Ceremony of five Medium Patrol Launches (MPL) and six Divisional Fast Patrol Craft (DFPC) at Joss House Bay, Sai Kung today (December 10).
"Facing the rapid development and integration of the Pearl River Delta region, the Hong Kong Police recognise the need to provide a versatile response to the new maritime policing requirements, including the port facilities, the outlying islands and the new Pearl River Delta road links.
"These new craft represent our determination to upgrade our capability to satisfy those requirements," he said.
The MPL is 19 metres in length and five metres in width with a draft of one metre. Driven by three diesel engines using water-jet propulsion system, the launch has a maximum speed of 45 knots.
It is fitted with advanced electronic navigational equipment, including the Differential Global Positioning System, echo sounder, radar, electronic navigational chart and satellite compass. The wheelhouse is characterised by 360-degree panoramic field of vision, which gives officers a full view of surrounding waters.
The DFPC is about 10.8 metres in length and 2.5 metres in width with a shallow draft of 0.6 metre. Driven by two 275HP outboard engines, it is capable of speeding up to 50 knots.
The craft is equipped with the Differential Global Positioning System, radar and electronic chart.
The new vessels will replace the ageing Damen Mark III and Harbour Patrol launches that have been in service since early 1980s.
Police Report No. 20
Ends/Friday, December 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:00
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