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KHM Portsmouth / Safety and regulations

Harbour patrol

The patrols include the Volunteer Harbour Patrol, who are on the water during the summer months; KHM Patrol, which runs throughout the year conducting safety and enforcement patrols; and the Ministry of Defence Police Marine Unit, who are responsible for the security of the port.

Warship arrives in Portsmouth harbour with a police patrol boat escorting it

KHM Safety and Enforcement Patrol

KHM operates a year round Harbour Patrol throughout Dockyard Port Waters.

Crewed by KHM staff, the primary purpose of the patrol is to educate, advise and assist port users; to monitor the marine environment and the condition and operability of port facilities; and to manage a fair and consistent enforcement policy that aims to ensure compliance with regulations that are in place for the proper protection of the Dockyard Port and the safety of all port users.

QE Aircraft carrier in Portsmouth harbour with still waters

MoD Marine Police Unit

The Ministry of Defence Police Marine Unit are responsible for the security and policing of the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth, which embraces not only the harbour but also much of the north-eastern Solent. The Ministry of Defence Police Marine unit consists of fast motor launches and rigid inflatable boats (RIB's) that provide a high profile security and policing service to protect warships transiting and berthed within the port area, together protecting the waterfront area of the Naval Base.

The Police Marine unit Officers work in close liaison with their colleagues from the Hampshire Constabulary Marine unit, HM Customs and Excise, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the UK Border Force in order to contribute towards safety and port security.

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