New Zealand-designed boats donated to the Philippine police

One of the four 31-foot Naiad patrol boats that was donated to the PNP

The US government donated four boats designed by New Zealand company Naiad to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in a ceremony held in Puerto Princesa on 16 August.

 
Naiad has been the world specialist in the design and construction of rigid-hulled inflatable boats since 1975.  Their boats are used by governments around the world for customs surveillance, fisheries protection, coastguard duties and of course for maritime policing.

More than 75% of New Zealand’s coastguard units use Naiad boats as their principal vessels for search and rescue operations.

The ceremony in Puerto Princesa was attended by US Ambassador Harry Thomas, PNP Director-General Jesus Verzosa and Secretary for the Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo, as well as New Zealand embassy Deputy Head of Mission Andy White.

Ambassador Thomas said the donation of the four “sophisticated and capable” patrol boats was part of the US’s commitment to maritime policing in the Philippines.  “Policing the maritime environment in the Philippines is vital for local, regional and even global security,” he said.

The boats will be used by the PNP Special Boat Unit that has been established in Puerto Princesa with further support from the US government.