Working Together on the Maritime Boundary
29 June 2011 By LEUT Andrew Ragless
The Armidale Class Patrol Boats and their crews are doing the Navy proud as they spearhead Operation RESOLUTE, the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the Australian Government’s commitment to border security.
A patrol earlier this year by HMAS Albany in the Ashmore Reef area reflects the challenges Patrol Boat crews face, and their adaptability to the high tempo.
The Ardent II crew based in Cairns, flew 2600km to Darwin, the home port of HMAS Albany, in March to take command of the ship and continue patrolling the maritime border, while their usual platform HMAS Bundaberg underwent long-term maintenance in Darwin.
Members of Armidale Class Patrol Boat (ACPB) crews are keeping busy patrolling and responding to maritime security threats within the Australian maritime domain. The Armidale Class Boats have contributed to the achievement of an extremely high interception rate of Suspect Irregular Entry Vessels (SIEVs) despite a recent increase in arrivals.
A combined effort under Border Protection Command, the Navy patrol boats, Customs and Border Protection and partner agencies are achieving outstanding results. In addition to achieving a high rate of SIEV interceptions, the number of Foreign Fishing Vessel (FFV) apprehensions has dropped markedly in the last five years; due in part to the deterrent effect of surface patrols conducted by the patrol boats.
Ardent II Commanding Officer, LCDR Carlton Longhurst, said his crew is trained and ready to respond to a vast array of civil maritime security threats including illegal foreign fishing (IFF), potential irregular maritime arrivals, drug interdiction and terrorism.
“Working with other agencies under Border Protection Command gives us greater range and response options to counter maritime border threats,” he said.
The ADF contribution to civil maritime security via Operation RESOLUTE also includes surveillance from RAAF AP-3C Orion Maritime Patrol aircraft, Army Regional Force Surveillance Unit patrols - which conduct land based security operations - and a Transit Security Element comprising sailors who supplement the existing Navy boarding party team and provide additional security onboard apprehended vessels.
The Patrol Boat Divisions work hand in glove with the Customs and Border Protection Marine Unit and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority in responding to civil maritime security threats.
Bruce Grant, a Custom’s Enforcement Commander in charge of a team of 28 Maritime Enforcement Officers, said the environment was unique and it’s all about relying on each other.
“In the Ashmore Reef area, often Navy Patrol Boats are the first response vessel to intercept irregular maritime arrivals,” he said.
“Customs and Border Protection officers will often attend after an initial boarding of a SIEV by a Navy vessel, to take custody of the passengers and effect transfer of passengers to Australian Government authorities at Christmas Island.”
Customs and Border Protection Service also contribute heavily to surveillance with fixed wing Dash-8 aircraft each capable of searching an area of more than 110,000 square km.
An Australian Fisheries Officer may also join the crew of an ACPB on patrol to provide expertise and knowledge in IFF interventions under the Fisheries Act.
Deployed in HMAS Albany, Jamie Cox from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) said his service did not have the assets to conduct their own fishery patrols and therefore it was vital to link in with Defence and Customs and Border Protection platforms.
“While we perform our duty, we also complement the skills of Customs and Border Protection and Defence personnel and educate officers about the environmental and legislative issues raised by illegal foreign fishing,” he said.
“Partnerships between Defence, Customs and Border Protection and AFMA are strong and they let us into the team. We participate in training activities, general maintenance of the vessel as well as personal training and other tasks.”
The profile of the Patrol Boat Group has certainly lifted in recent times with media and public attention following the increased arrival of SIEVs and the smash hit TV show, "Sea Patrol". However, while the spotlight shines on certain incidents, much of Navy’s important role in Operation RESOLUTE occurs far out at sea, often unseen and unheard by the general public.
“Every day is a real-time operation for the team, and their contribution is something they can be very proud of,,” LCDR Longhurst said.
In an ACPB he added, individuals undertake a broader range of responsibilities, and he relies heavily on even the most junior sailor for their creative input and individuality.
“Once we get away from the wharf, it’s me and my team, and it’s good fun ,” he said.
As Albany arrived in her home port of HMAS Coonawarra after 13 days at sea, LCDR Longhurst boasted “not a scratch” as he brought her alongside effortlessly.
“I just love driving my Ship,” he said with a broad grin.
With her seven operational relief crew members including the Executive Officer and the remainder of her Ardent II crew half a continent away from home, she certainly seemed to perform like a well-oiled machine.
The Operation RESOLUTE Area of Operations covers approximately 10 per cent of the world’s surface and includes Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone which extends up to 200nm around the mainland and islands.
The Navy operates 14 ACPBs with 21 rotational crews, of which at least seven are engaged in Operation RESOLUTE at any one time.
The Transit Security Element consists of about 38 security-trained Navy personnel conducting rotational deployments embarked in Navy ACPBs.
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