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Mid Caption: Australia has provided twenty-two Pacific Patrol Boats totwelve Pacific Nations as part of the Pacific Patrol Boat Program, which is an initiative of the Defence Cooperation Program.

The role of the Pacific Patrol Boat Program is to assist Australia’s Pacific neighbours to independently patrol and protect their exclusive economic zones.

The patrol boats provide Pacific Island countries with a visible and effective maritime surveillance capability, as well as a search-and-rescue capability. They represent Australia’s most significant defence commitment to the South Pacific and illustrate Australia’s strong commitment to meeting the securitychallenges of the region.

Three Royal Australian Navy (RAN) personnel are posted to Honiara as operational and technical advisers as part of the Pacific Patrol Boat Program to assist the Maritime Unit of the Solomon Island Police Force (SIPF).

The team, led by Lieutenant Commander Scott Mason with Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Damien Dingle and CPO Matt Quigley, aim to assist in the development of sustainable maritime surveillance capabilities, whilst also providing assistance and support for personnel operating Pacific Patrol Boats.

The RAN has also provided infrastructure and support for the SIPF Maritime Unit through wharf and support facility construction.