HMAS Maryborough (II)

HMAS Maryborough and the other 12 Armidale class patrol boats and two Cape class patrol boats are Navy's principal 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. In the event of war they would be tasked to control the waters close to the Australian mainland.

Armidale class patrol boats are highly capable and versatile warships which are able to conduct a wide variety of missions and tasks.

Most importantly, 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.

HMAS Maryborough has a range of 3000 nautical miles at 12 knots and a maximum speed of about 25 knots. It is equipped with high-definition navigational radar, high and ultra high frequency communications equipment, gyro compasses and echo sounder. HMAS Maryborough is also fitted with a satellite navigation system that enables the ship's position to be determined with great accuracy.