Belfast Harbour Police Introduce New State-of-the-Art Policing Boat for Water Safety

27th June 2021

Newly qualified Police Coxswains undertook their RYA Powerboat Advanced Course in preparation for deploying of the Belfast Harbour Police's first police boat, the Bowstead. The custom-built RIB boat, Afloat adds is a Redbay Stormforce 7.4, whose officers have been trained in boat-handling, seamanship, pilotage and navigational skills. Credit: Belfast Harbour-twitter

Belfast Harbour Police has welcomed the arrival of its first fully equipped Police boat which will improve water safety and crime prevention along the city's popular waterfront.

The patrol boat which forms part of a programme of investment in water safety, is named Bowstead, after John Bowstead, the first Constable appointed to police the quays in Belfast during 1824.

Bowstead will operate on waterways within Belfast Harbour, focusing on public access quays and areas popular with visitors.

A fully trained crew of Belfast Harbour Police Officers will be supporting the Harbour’s ambition to be a safe and attractive place for everyone.

The boat was manufactured by Redbay Boats in Cushendall, Co. Antrim and will also support Belfast Harbour Police’s joint operations with Lagan Search and Rescue, the PSNI and Border Force.

Published in Belfast Lough

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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