Work on a new KYD4.7m state-of-the-art marine base for customs, police and immigration officers is coming along, with phase one well underway.

The first phase involves construction of a sea wall, docking facilities and an engineering workshop, and it is hoped this will be completed by October.

The second phase will see a purpose-built category 5 hurricane building constructed, and tendering for this work is currently being carried out.

Meanwhile, two new boats being manufactured by Sea Ark in the United States are expected to arrive in the coming months. It is anticipated that the two final boats will arrive at the start of 2009.

"These additional resources are designed to complement the Marine Unit’s current fleet of two boats and five wave runners," commented Superintendent Mike Needham, who is overseeing the project, adding:

"It’s very encouraging to see both areas of the overall plan coming along well. We expect the 38-foot fast patrol vessel, bound for the sister islands, to arrive around August time. This will be followed shortly by the 65-foot patrol boat in December."

Contracts have been signed with Safe Boats International to build the last two 38- foot interceptors. These have an expected arrival date of January 2009.

The boats have a total cost of KYD3mn, bringing the total amount of government investment in the project to just over KYD7.7mn.

"Protecting our borders is a key priority for the RCIPS," added Superintendent Needham, concluding:

"Search and rescue operations and protecting the borders against drug importation and the illegal movements of people and property remains a key objective for the marine unit and there is no doubt that these additional assets will boost our capabilities tremendously."

The Marine Unit has been growing in strength and effectiveness over the last two years.

Throughout 2007, efforts focused on equipping staff with the necessary skills and abilities to carry out their role effectively, and officers completed a range specialist training in the area of border and maritime policing, notably with the British Navy.

The unit has a current complement of 17 officers, which is anticipated to grow to 28 once the new assets come online.