- Published:
- Wednesday 2 September 2026 at 10:00 am
| The new VP03 boat is designed to assist in emergencies, rescues and multi-day tasks. |
More waters are within reach for Victoria Police thanks to the new police vessel joining the Water Police Squad.
VP03 was custom built to be the largest and most capable craft for Victoria Police at 18.6m long, 6.8m wide and a 35-tonne displacement.
Designed to carry six crew and up to 16 passengers, VP03 was built to increase the squad’s capability to remain at-sea for lengthy emergencies.
Water Police Squad Acting Senior Sergeant Dave McHenry said VP03 addresses a critical need that was highlighted during the 2019 Mallacoota bushfires(opens in a new window) where evacuations and provision of supplies were both critical to the community.
“In a situation like Mallacoota, where the fire impacted the only road in and out of the town, a water capability can be critical,” A/Sen Sgt McHenry said.
“Victoria has a number of remote coastal areas like Mallacoota that may require the same support in the event of a major emergency.
“With this boat, we’ll be able to move more people in and out, carry more assets and emergency equipment and reach areas where we have previously not had the capability or endurance to reach.”
New boat put to the test
Since its launch ceremony in August 2026, the vessel has already been integral to police tasks.
“VP03 has been deployed to two major search and rescue tasks already, both off Wilsons Promontory,” A/Sen Sgt McHenry said.
“As we speak, VP03 is heading 35 nautical miles south of Warrnambool into the Southern Ocean to assist a fishing vessel after an engine fire.
“With five crew on board, this type of off-shore protracted rescue is exactly what VP03 is intended to do.”
A/Sen Sgt McHenry said that the VP03 has been designed to complement the existing fleet, not replace it.
“Our current fleet performs an amazing role in supporting the community,” he said.
“The VP03 could be used for the same jobs, but its primary purpose is to support rescues and multi-day tasks across Victoria.
“Jobs that demand a faster, bigger and more efficient vessel.”
The VP03 has the capability to perform multiple-day operations as far out as the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone, if needed. That is 200 nautical miles, or around 370 kilometres from the Victorian coast.
A/Sen Sgt McHenry said the need for such a capability is growing.
“We have seen in increase in work that requires us to remain at sea,” he said.
“Often, we support agencies like the Australian Border Force and help to prevent the importation of border-controlled drugs, or we’re tasked to deploy specialist teams.
“This vessel gives us a big capability uplift to do that.
“With more endurance, space and seaworthiness, it is a gamechanger for us.”
The custom build of VP03 began in 2024 by Q-West Boat Builders in Whanganui, New Zealand. A high-speed vessel with a foiled catamaran hull, VP03 is powered by two turbo diesel engines. Its cruise speed is about 30 knots and sprint speed exceeds 40 knots.
Find out how to stay safe in and around the water at Vessel and water safety(opens in a new window).
Editorial Sarah Larsen
Photography Supplied
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