Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force

Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force A safe and secure NSW. We encourage contributions to this page, but please do NOT report crime here. By 1830 an independent Water Police Force was operating.

NSW has a large and busy coastline leading to an expansive system of waterways. The NSW Police Marine Area Command's (MAC) responsibility extends to all coastal area's of NSW to 200 Nautical Miles out to sea. From the earliest days of settlement, the state has required a dedicated water based policing service. The services provided by MAC are similar to those carried out by land-based police, incl

uding crime prevention and detection,search and rescue. Police vessels and personnel are strategically located at important commercial and leisure ports with the base at Balmain on Sydney Harbour. You can find the water police at Tweed Heads, Coffs Harbour, Port Stephens, Newcastle, Broken Bay, Sydney, Botany Bay, Port Kembla and Eden. Some remote country waterways are serviced by their Police Districts. Our Water Police hold the distinction of being the first civilian form of policing established in NSW. In 1789, one year after the colony was founded, Governor Phillip created a 'Row Boat Guard' to patrol Sydney Cove for smugglers and convicts attempting to pass letters to ships anchored in the harbour. It was merged, with all other Police units, into the NSW Police Department in 1862. In the late-19th century, the Water Police entered the 'modern era' of combustion engines with two steam launches, the 'Bileola' and the 'Argus'. These were used for nearly 35 years before they were replaced with motor launches. The NSW Police Marine Area Command commenced in July 1999. MAC employs 123 personnel, including operational water police, marine intelligence unit, marine crime prevention officer, licensing, operations, fleet, divers, training and education, search and rescue, detectives and the marine operational support team (MOST). With an increasing amount of commercial shipping and the immense expansion in the number and type of leisure craft on our waterways, the Water Police are being called on more and more to drive down marine crime. Their duties include:

policing the waterways of NSW to reduce marine crime
protecting life and property, both at sea and on inland waters
overseeing aquatic events and controlling spectator craft
coordinating search and rescue off the coast of NSW
carrying out diving operations and underwater searches for missing persons and evidence
maintain and service police launches
addressing marine crime prevention issues
safety and compliance reinforcement

02/06/2026
Happy Intergenerational Day! 👏🏽Today, Monday 1 June 2026, we celebrate the mix of experience, fresh ideas and teamwork t...
31/05/2026

Happy Intergenerational Day! 👏🏽

Today, Monday 1 June 2026, we celebrate the mix of experience, fresh ideas and teamwork that keeps our Command moving forward.

Different generations, one team, working together on and off the water ⚓️🤿🚨🌊🛟

30/05/2026
Are you owner of this Bay Sports 2 person kayak recently found on the Parramatta River, Five Dock Bay area. If you have...
24/05/2026

Are you owner of this Bay Sports 2 person kayak recently found on the Parramatta River, Five Dock Bay area. If you have any information, contact Marine Area Command 9320 7499 quote E104584054.

The message can not be any clearer than the warnings all agencies have put out this week. Remember it’s not just you tha...
21/05/2026

The message can not be any clearer than the warnings all agencies have put out this week. Remember it’s not just you that you are putting at risk by ignoring these messages. Stay away from the water from now and throughout this weekend, especially in the states North.

A Marine Wind Warning is in place for much of the East coast over the next few days with swell also expected to reach 4-...
19/05/2026

A Marine Wind Warning is in place for much of the East coast over the next few days with swell also expected to reach 4-5 meters in some locations. It is recommended the public avoid boating, swimming or Rock Fishing.

Please follow advice below to stay safe, failure to do so not only puts yourself in danger but also risks the safety of your potential rescuers.

🌊 Check the latest Coastal Waters Forecast or Local Waters Forecast at

http://bom.gov.au

❌Do not navigate a vessel or swim under the influence or drugs or alcohol
✅ Ensure you keep and proper lookout and travel at a safe speed
✅ Carry required safety equipment and enough clean fuel for your journey
✅ Always wear a lifejacket
✅ Log On with Marine Rescue NSW via their app or on VHF Channel 16

✅ Also check SLS nsw Beach Safe Ap https://beachsafe.org.au/appsas for information on patrol status and hazards in your area.

Today we celebrate the International Day for Women in Maritime ⚓💙A day to recognise the women whose skill, leadership an...
18/05/2026

Today we celebrate the International Day for Women in Maritime ⚓💙
A day to recognise the women whose skill, leadership and dedication strengthen every part of marine policing in NSW.

At the NSW Police Marine Area Command, women proudly serve across all levels, from frontline operations to senior management guiding strategy, capability and future direction. Their roles include:

👩‍🏫 Training & Capability Development

🛡️ Crime Prevention & Criminal Investigation

🚤 Masters and crew of police vessels

🏄‍♀️ Jet ski operators

🔱 Marine Tactical Team

🆘 Specialist marine search & rescue

Their professionalism keeps our waterways safe and our community protected every day.

Today we acknowledge and celebrate the women shaping the future of marine policing. 💙

Are you the owner of this surf ski located adrift off Potter Point, Kurnell on Saturday 16 May 2026 morning? If so, con...
17/05/2026

Are you the owner of this surf ski located adrift off Potter Point, Kurnell on Saturday 16 May 2026 morning? If so, contact Marine Area Command 9320 7499. Quote E88009759.

17/05/2026

Police are appealing for assistance from the public after personal possessions were found in Palm Beach earlier this evening.

Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command were called to Ocean Road after a kickboard, fins and a t-shirt were found about 6pm today (Sunday 17 May 2026).

Police have been told the distinctive purple board was seen earlier being carried by a man out of the surf. He is described only as being of South American appearance. Police were alerted when the items were still there some time later.

While no one matching that description has been reported missing, and there’s no swimmers or surfers unaccounted for, police are asking anyone with information to contact Dee Why Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Monaro Police District recently hosted a Regional Small Boat Course across Lake Eucumbene and Lake Jindabyne, delive...
06/05/2026

The Monaro Police District recently hosted a Regional Small Boat Course across Lake Eucumbene and Lake Jindabyne, delivered by the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command.

Five officers from Cooma and Queanbeyan stations successfully completed the program.

The training provided officers with practical, hands‑on experience across a wide range of maritime skills, including advanced boat handling, trailering and towing, accurate navigation and night‑navigation techniques, an understanding of marine legislation, and essential safety practices around vessels and waterways. At the conclusion of the training, all participating officers successfully passed and, in doing so, obtained their Boat Licence.

This training initiative strengthens the operational capability of the NSW Police Force by equipping regional officers with essential maritime competencies. These newly developed skills will enhance officers’ ability to undertake water‑based duties, support effective responses to incidents on local waterways, and contribute to the ongoing safety of the community.

The newly qualified officers are now authorised to operate the regional police vessels.

A special acknowledgement goes to the course Instructors from Broken Bay Water Police and the Diving Unit for their expert instruction and support throughout the course.

Great work to all involved.

Address

4 Jubilee Place
Balmain East, NSW
2041

Telephone

+611800658784

Website

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