SEARCH AND RESCU
Police Scotland launches its first-ever fully recyclable boat to help missing person searches
SEARCH and rescue teams will be assisted by the firstever fully recyclable boat as Police Scotland’s Dive and Marine Unit expands its fleet. Fitted with the latest technology and design features, the vessel will boost officers’ response to incidents in the water such as missing person searches, event patrols, body recovery and intelligence-led searches as part of investigations.
The force was approached by Ultimate Boats in July 2020 with an opportunity to co-design a purpose-built boat to be offered on a research and development cost-free loan for operational use.
It will be loaned to Police Scotland for a three-year period with an agreement in place which covers the cost of insurance, maintenance and servicing.
Police Scotland’s Dive and Marine Unit worked closely with the company to develop the boat to ensure it was fit for operational purposes.
Assistant chief constable Mark Williams, lead for Operational Support, said: “This unique opportunity should allow us to benefit from a high performing asset that will make a positive difference to our capability.
“We have a duty to explore new projects that look to improve the working environment for our officers and staff, as well as the response we can provide to the public.
“This opportunity was available for our Dive and Marine Unit and we will continue to review other projects that have the potential to improve our service.”
To boost its green credentials, the boat is fully recyclable and it has a covered seating area to enhance staff welfare and give weather protection.
It has better radar technology to make it more effective when diving for missing persons.
The boat is also more fuel efficient due to a hull design that makes it more stable in the water.
Clyde-based Ultimate Boats is a naval architecture and engineering-led organisation looking to develop the world’s ultimate range of Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIB).
The chief designer and one of the founders of Ultimate Boats is a hull designer who has designed boats for the Special Forces, RNLI and military.
ExoTechnologies founder and CEO Shane Mugan said “We are proud that this pioneering and internationally significant project is being delivered in Scotland, by our talented Clyde-based workforce, in partnership with Police Scotland.
“To witness the first ever fully recyclable boat, in action, made from our patented DANUTM composite material is incredibly rewarding after several years of research, development and investment.
“It demonstrates how the UK maritime industry continues to develop market leading technologies capable of accelerating the green transition to a circular economy.”
Last month the Glasgow Times joined the Dive and Marine Unit to see how it supports local policing and national divisions.
The unit carries out search missions for missing persons, body recovery, property recovery and intelligence-led searches.
Specialist officers also carry out counter terrorist security searches and marine policing – boat patrol, ship boarding, operation specific waterborne patrol of strategic and vulnerable sites or maritime enforcement.