Police Scotland launches first-ever fully recyclable boat

A new article from Glasgow Evening Times

link - Police Scotland launches first-ever fully recyclable boat | Glasgow Times

SEARCH and rescue teams will be assisted by the first-ever fully recyclable boat as Police Scotland's Dive and Marine Unit expands its fleet.

Fitted with the latest technology and design features, the vessel will boost officers' response to incidents in the water such as missing person searches, event patrols, body recovery and intelligence-led searches as part of investigations.

The force was approached by Ultimate Boats in July 2020 with an opportunity to co-design a purpose-built boat to be offered on a research and development cost-free loan for operational use.

It will be loaned to Police Scotland for a three-year period with an agreement in place which covers the cost of insurance, maintenance and servicing.

Police Scotland’s Dive and Marine Unit worked closely with the company to develop the boat to ensure it was fit for operational purposes.

Assistant chief constable Mark Williams, lead for Operational Support, said: “This unique opportunity should allow us to benefit from a high performing asset that will make a positive difference to our capability.

“We have a duty to explore new projects that look to improve the working environment for our officers and staff, as well as the response we can provide to the public.

“This opportunity was available for our Dive and Marine Unit and we will continue to review other projects that have the potential to improve our service.”

To boost its green credentials, the boat is fully recyclable and it has a covered seating area to enhance staff welfare and give weather protection.

It has better radar technology to make it more effective when diving for missing persons.

The boat is also more fuel-efficient due to a hull design that makes it more stable in the water.