New fleet addition floats SAPOL’s boat

Police Launch 3 replaces a similar 10-year-old boat, however, design improvements have led to a safer, more comfortable and capable vessel.

Built by South Australian business Nautic Star at Lonsdale, Police Launch 3 is powered by twin 140hp Suzuki engines, is 6.2m long, and has advanced navigation and communications equipment, which will prove vital during marine search and rescue operations.

The high-quality vessel is the primary inland and inshore (coastal) dive platform for SAPOL’s Water Operations Unit and is the main inland patrol vessel. It is also utilised for proactive police patrols on the River Murray.

When it comes to operating the vessel, skippers are required to be qualified coxswains who operate with qualified and trained deck crews. All current Water Operations Unit members have been trained in its use.

Already proving to be ‘knot too shabby’, Police Launch 3 has recently been used for Operation Riversafe 2023/24 and involved in several vessel tows and diving operations. Since July 2023, it has also cruised through extensive sea trials.

Police Launch 3 will be used year-round and is capable in a variety of wind and weather conditions.

It is a welcome asset to the Water Operations Unit and provides enhanced capacity to keep water users safe.

South Australia Police has launched a new Water Operations Unit vessel – Police Launch 3.

Police Launch 3 has already proven capable in a variety of wind and weather conditions.

The high-quality vessel joins SAPOL’s fleet as the primary inland and inshore (coastal) dive platform for the Water Operations Unit.