TNAG-1638-FCO40-2282-Future-of-Hong-Kong-withdrawal-of-the-British-garrison-1987 — Page 53

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MARINE POLICE (MARPOL) EXPANSION PLAN

APPENDIX 4 TO ANNEX B TO ATTACHMENT TO

CDS 7/87 (REVISED)

Garrison support

1. Anti II (Maritime) and Sea Support. for anti II and Sea Support duties is currently provided by one Peacock Class Patrol Craft (PC) at immediate readiness, with a second at 4 hours notice. (The PC are capable of conducting offshore anti-II and anti-smuggling patrols, particularly to the South and East of Hong Kong where sea conditions are unsuitable for police launches for part of the year). The Garrison also provides an anti-speedboat capability and small boat patrols - operated by No 3 Royal Marines Raiding Sqn (3 RMRS). MARPOL have considered and rejected the acquisition of the Peacock PC. Instead, they now plan to acquire 2 new Sector Command (SC) launches in 1987, a third in 1989 and to replace the original, older SC launches with 2 further new vessels in 1991. At that time, therefore, they will have a fleet of 5 modern launches. The Marine Police plan to expand their Small Boat Unit (SBU), and its maintenance facilities, to replace 3 RMRS in 1988.

2. S&R Duties. The Garrison's PC provide Hong Kong with an ocean-going S&R capability. This commitment will largely devolve

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unless to the proposed S&R-capable Dauphin N1 helicopters the MARPOL are equipped with (a) suitable vessel(s). However, the prevailing HKG view is that ICAO regulations do not demand

and do not more than the provision of a co-ordinating capability specifically demand the provision of operationally effective assets such as S&R helicopters, fixed wing aircraft or marine craft to cover all contingencies.

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COS S/185(2)

B4 - 1 of 1

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