ADV Ocean Protector Declared Operational
The latest addition to Australia’s maritime border protection capability, the ADV Ocean Protector has successfully completed its first assignment, working in the waters off north-western Australia targeting activity including people smuggling and illegal fishing.
Although it’s owned by the Australian Defence Force, ADV Ocean Protector is operated using Australian Border Force (ABF) Maritime Enforcement Officers, and is the sister-ship to the large-hulled ABF Cutter Ocean Shield (pictured).
Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Peter Laver, said: “This vessel significantly increases our reach and capability in the region.
“Maritime Border Command’s responsibilities include countering maritime arrivals; illegal foreign fishing; illegal activity in protected areas; piracy, robbery and violence at sea; prohibited imports and exports; marine pollution; biosecurity; and maritime terrorism.”
Ocean Protector served Australia as the Australian Customs Vessel Ocean Protector from 2010 to 2014, conducting maritime border security patrols throughout Australia’s maritime domain from Christmas Island to the Southern Ocean.