The vessel, operating within the Territorial Sea (TTZ) and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), plays a crucial role in monitoring our coastal waters. The vessel is manned by 10.5 full-time equivalents and a number of reserve boarders to ensure a 24/7 service. They work in 12-hour shifts. The vessel and crew is provided by a coast guardpartner DAB Vloot. Police personnel on board the SPN01 are trained for maritime policing and border control, and due to the specific nature of the training, can provide reinforcement to other services on inland waterways or even at the airport, and vice versa, if required.
The Marine Police currently has three vessels: the SPN01 and two RHIBs(Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat) SPN 15 and SPN 12, the latter frequently deployed from 15 June to 15 September in function of coastal surveillance in support of rescue services.
Operations start daily by going through news reports and the coastal weather report. Orders come in through various channels such as MRCC, MIK, SPN, DOUANE, Fisheries and DG Environment. Along the way, priorities can change quickly. Marine police mainly focus on persons and illegal acts of persons. The assignments hold various themes such as traffic violations, accidents, and intrusions into wind farms and sea farms, alcohol and drugs, transmigrants, rescuing drowning persons and checking crew and passengers on merchant and cruise ships. In case of violations, seafarers are questioned and the information is passed on to the relevant authorities who are responsible for administrative processing.
