ADV Cape Naturaliste

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.