Australian Patrol Boat Group
During the 1960s to mid-1980s, the local Australia Patrol Boat was divided into three main squadrons which were ported in the regions of Sydney (NSW), Cairns (Qld) and Darwin (NT).
[1] In 2002, increased illegal activity in Australia's northern maritime zones instigated the relocation of the patrol headquarters and vessels.
On 18 December 2014, the RAN was forced to decommission the Patrol Boat group's HMAS Bundaberg of the Armidale Fleet.
[5] To supplement the Armidale class, Austal was commissioned for two additional Cape-class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), which were completed in 2017.
[6] Commencing in 1968, the Australian Naval Board changed the visual squadron designation of all RAN vessels to the US classification style.
The Papua New Guinea region squadron's Attack-class patrol boat insignia was unofficially displayed as a shark circling a palm tree.
[8] The 2012 Attorney-General Department stated the purpose for the bill was to "harmonise and simplify" existing legislation by creating a clear framework for the extent and abilities of Australian maritime enforcement powers.
[9] This framework outlines the authorisation of capabilities held by current vessels including Australian Patrol Boat Groups.
[11] Patrol vessels also enhance law enforcement aiding preservation efforts to retain the condition of Australian marine life, aquatic environment, and resources.
[7] All 14 vessels act as naval support for civilian authorities to enforce Australian regulation of maritime law and environment.
[7] Under the Policy, between its enactment and September 2018, Patrol boats intercepted and apprehended 33 vessels in Australian maritime zones.
[14] The federal defence initiative, the National Shipbuilding Plan aims to build 12 offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to supplement, and eventually succeed the current Armidale-class fleet.
"[21] The Arafura class was designed to enhance the capabilities of the current Australian patrol boat group to fulfil these constabulary, preventative and protection duties.
[23] The ordered vessels are constructed similarly to the current Cape class model, which is a “58 metre aluminium monohull patrol boat design”.
The National naval shipbuilding enterprise is an investment in maritime defence vessels, maintenance, and ship building locations by the Australian government.
