Following an extensive review of its mode of operation over the last three years, Marine Region has identified a new, two-part operational strategy to provide an improved police service at reduced cost. The review has considered current and future policing needs along with Hong Kong's commitment to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code of 2004.

The overall strategy is called Versatile Maritime Policing Response (VMPR), under which 14 Damen Mark III launches and seven Harbour Patrol Launches, their respective small boats, and 26 other obsolete craft will be replaced by smaller craft offering a more flexible policing response.

The Hong Kong sea boundary will be monitored by new day-and-night cameras integrated with an existing radar system, which is known as the Central Command System (CCS). The cost of the CCS and new craft is substantially less than a like-for-like replacement of existing launches.

On June 10, the Legislative Council Finance Committee approved the $445-million project and tender drafting is underway.

VMPR will come into operation in a number of phases, between 2007 and 2010. In all, 42 new vessels will be purchased. Two will be Barge Operating Platforms (BOPs), similar in design to the successful Deep Bay Barges. They will be deployed in Marine North Division (MNDIV).

Twenty-three Divisional Fast Patrol Craft (DFPCs) will be deployed from both the BOPs and divisional bases to respond to targets identified by the CCS, together with 17 Medium Patrol Launches (MPLs). The CCS will be operated by an enhanced Regional Command and Control Centre, Marine (RCCC MAR).

Fast and flexible response

Marine Regional Commander Au Hok-lam said: "The Region will be downsized by some 212 posts after VMPR has been fully implemented. This reduction in posts will be achieved by carefully balancing recruitment with natural wastage over the next few years. This will ensure the post reduction caused by VMPR will not result in highly trained mariners having to leave the Region."

The new craft are based on existing craft that have proved reliable, have low maintenance and enhanced safety features in line with current occupational safety and health (OSH) guidelines. The MPL is a longer and faster version of the successful Inshore Patrol Craft, and the DFPC will be a larger and tougher version of the Fast Pursuit Craft, operated by the Small Boat Division.

"VMPR will provide a fast and flexible police response to the challenges of both watch and ward duties, and major incidents," said Mr Au. He also stressed the importance that had been placed, throughout the project, on OSH issues.

"Officers can be assured that both craft and RCCC MAR equipment will be designed with this important issue in mind.

"My thanks also go to the VMPR team members, who have developed this new strategy while ensuring that we achieve the important goal of value for money," Mr Au added.

The Barge Operating Platforms (BOPs) will be similar in design to the successful Deep Bay Barges