PV23

The Western Australian Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) took delivery of this versatile high speed patrol boat in mid-2025. Capable of 45 knots PV23 became the third Dongara Marine built vessel in DTMI’s marine safety compliance fleet.

Acquired for DTMI Maritime’s operations in Karratha, PV23 was supplied with a custom trailer enabling it to be deployed across the state. Its main function is to conduct marine safety compliance patrols. Additional tasks it is designed and equipped to support include oil spill response, deploying containment booms, installing marine signage and buoys, and performing rigging operations.

DTMI’s specification called for a proven hull design capable of operating in moderate to rough seas. To meet this core requirement Dongara Marine and Southerly Designs developed a variant of the Marine Rescue vessels Dampier Angel and Bay Watch which had been delivered in 2021 and 2023 respectively.

Like those vessels PV23 has a lockable enclosed forward cabin extending in front of the helm with a central semi-enclosed helm area and aft work deck sheltered with a lightweight roof.

Arranged for operation with two crew, the helm area has Shockwave suspension seats either side of the entrance to the forward cabin. A low wrap-around windscreen and removeable clears extending to the roof provides electronics and personnel from wind, spray, and rain. The clears are fitted with forward facing zip openings at the helm and crew positions to quickly increase visibility and/or air flow when required.

Electronics include Simrad multi-function displays (16-inch and 12-inch), HALO radar, sounder with structure scanning capability, TracPlus tracking, satellite phone, VHF, 27MHz, and police digital radio.

The port side crew position has a glovebox style stowage and can be used as a computer workstation with space for laptop with connection to the navigation display as a secondary monitor.

DTMI required shelter and shade from a lightweight roof above the helm area and part of the aft deck. As with previous vessels Dongara Marine utilised its composite materials capabilities to manufacture a carbon-fibre reinforced hardtop. Supported by an aluminium framework this lightweight structure provides a more robust, longer-lasting and lower maintenance solution than a canvas roof, while also providing thermal insulation properties.

The rear section of the aft deck has a full-width fold down bench seat and a tow post. Fully integrated into the vessel structure, this enables towing of vessels and containment boom when undertaking oil spill response activities.

The forward cabin has a small refrigerator and provides capacity to stow all survey equipment and crew’s personal carry-on items. A lockable waterproof hatch at the bow provides light, allows for crew entry and exit at the bow, and access at arm’s length to the anchor well and forward Samson post.

The contract to supply PV23 also included design and construction of the 8.3-metre PV22. Their delivery reinforces Dongara Marine’s capability to deliver high quality vessels for government and commercial use.

Dongara Marine also supplied a custom aluminium boat trailer, built to DTMI’s specifications by specialist manufacturer Duralite Trailers.