Ships

Border Protection Command uses response assets from the Australian Defence Force, Customs and contractors to execute a particular operation during a particular period.  These ships and patrol boats operate in conjunction with surveillance aircraft.

The following vessels are available to Border Protection Command for response purposes:

• Australian Customs patrol vessels (ACVs) operate in conjunction with Customs Coastwatch aircraft and are often deployed in the joint operations involving Coastwatch aircraft and Navy patrol boats
• A Southern Ocean patrol vessel used to conduct year-round patrols of the Southern Ocean in virtually all weather conditions
• A Northern Ocean patrol vessel used to patrol and enforce the northern fisheries
• Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Armidale class patrol boats used to intercept and apprehend vessels in a range of sea conditions.
• Royal Australian Navy (RAN) major warships with roles including surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction
• Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Landing Craft Heavy ships which are capable of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment from larger ships to shore
• Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Mine Hunter Coastal ships which feature a unique hull design, outstanding shock resistance and an inherently low magnetic signature, allowing the ships to operate in hostile mine environments
• Other Defence and contracted response assets as required and assigned.