Dorset Police has unveiled its new marine boat – thanks to sponsorship from Humber RIBS. The boat will be used by officers from the Marine Section, which is staffed by two police constables, assisted by specially trained officers from across the force.
Humber RIBS has sponsored the craft and provided it to Dorset Police at a significantly reduced rate. The boat can seat up to four people, with the capability to carry a total of eight, and replaces the force’s existing marine boat, which was no longer fit for purpose.
The craft is a Humber Ocean Pro 7.5m ACPO-coded RIB and is powered by twin counter rotating 140 Suzuki engines that encompasses Lean Burn Fuel Control, which will reduce the force’s fuel usage and carbon footprint.
Dorset Police engaged with a number of other specialist suppliers who have provided equipment at a discounted rate as part of their commitment to support policing in the county. Raymarine supplied the advanced navigation and electronic systems and Scot Seats provided the shock mitigation seating, which can be adjusted to suit individual officers.
Inspector Neil Leat, of the Marine Section, said, “We are delighted to have a sponsor like Humber RIBS who have provided us with a state-of-the-art craft which will enable us to continue to provide a visible presence on the water and help to protect our marine community.”
Paul Chick MBE, Head of Transport Services for Dorset Police, said, “Without the collaborative working between all parties we would not have had the budget to procure this fabulous craft that fully meets the needs of our marine section and ultimately the public we serve.”
Andrew Roffee, Managing Director of Humber RIBS, said, “When we became aware that Dorset Police were interested in acquiring a rib, we recognised that this was an opportunity not to be missed. Having supplied craft to other regional police forces, we understand the importance of the police having not just a capable craft but an exceptional craft to perform its duties to the highest standard.
“With our unique high performance hull and 50 years’ experience, we knew that we had the perfect product to supply. We would like to say that it has been a pleasure dealing with Dorset Police and we hope to have many dealings in the future with them and other police forces across the UK.”
The Marine Section of Dorset Police is based at Poole Quay and is responsible for policing the 89-miles of coastline in Dorset out to the territorial limit of 12 miles. The work carried out by the section is specialised and hugely diverse, and includes crime prevention patrols, responding to incidents on the water, searching for missing people, body recovery and boarding vessels with fisheries and ports officers.
