New $1 million inflatable boat with latest technology for Sans Souci water police

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon on Wednesday to "unveil" four of the Marine Area Command's new 11 metre long vessels, each of which can carry 10 people.

The other boats will be based in Sydney Harbour, Newcastle and Port Kembla, but can be deployed as far north as Tweed Heads, and Eden to the south.

Mr Elliott said the Class 5 rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) had "multi-purpose capability and will be used for criminal detection and counter terrorism operations, search and rescue, port and maritime security and high visibility policing".

"Importantly these vessels will enhance boarding capabilities and fast roping for police in operational settings," he said.

Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said officers attached to the Marine Area Command were instrumental in the design of the boats, which were "highly-manoeuvrable and are fitted with the latest navigation and communication equipment, as well as surveillance and tracking systems".

"Importantly, these fast, agile and responsive vessels are a significant boost to our capabilities to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime on the water," he said.

Each vessel has two 400hp four-stroke outboard motors and can reach speeds of 53 knots.

They are fitted with a forward looking infra-red (FLIR) camera to assist police crews search for lost mariners or detect crime threats. The navigation and electronics are supported by the NSW Police Force integrated telecommunication and satellite systems.

The RHIBs, which were built by Sydney based Zodiac Milpro Australia.