Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Cape Naturaliste is the first of 8 evolved Cape class patrol boats acquired to continue Navy’s contribution to the nation’s fisheries protection, immigration, customs and drug law enforcement operations. The vessels work hand-in-hand with other government agencies as part of the Australian Border Force. 

ADV Cape Naturaliste is one of 8 evolved Cape class patrol boats introduced into service with the Royal Australian Navy to replace the Armidale class patrol boat capability.

Patrols boats are a primary enabler of the Australian Defence Force contribution to Operation SOVEREIGN BORDERS, which is a whole of government effort to protect Australia’s borders and offshore interests.

Our operations in association with Border Force, Australian Fisheries and Australian Federal Police protect against unauthorised entry, breaches of customs, immigration and drugs legislation, other illegal activity and in support of law enforcement, preserve the integrity of our national fish-stocks, our marine environment and other natural resources.

When protecting our borders, Patrol Boat crews are typically employed on a range of constabulary duties involving tracking, intercepting, stopping and boarding other vessels, and sometimes arresting their crews and seizing cargo.

Specifications

ADV Cape Naturaliste
Commanding Officer
Lieutenant Commander Jeremy Michel Evain
Class
Evolved Cape Class
Type
Patrol Boat, General (PB)
Role Patrol Boat
Pennant
316
International Callsign
VKBR
Home Port
HMAS Coonawarra
Builder
Austal Ships, Fremantle
Dimensions & Displacement
Length 58.1 metres
Beam 10.6 metres
Draught 3.1 metres
Performance
Speed 26 knots (top speed)
Range 4000 nautical miles (12 knots)
Complement
Crew 25
Propulsion
Machinery 2 x Caterpillar 3516C diesels; 2 shafts; 1 bow thruster
Horsepower 6770
Armament
Guns Two 12.7mm machine guns
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