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, including 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

02/09/2026
29/08/2026

When danger lurks, the Sydney Harbour Cops are there... 🚨

| September 15 on Channel 10 | Watch + Stream Free

Water Police are appealing for information regarding a kayak that washed up at the entrance of Jervis Bay at Point Perpe...
27/08/2026

Water Police are appealing for information regarding a kayak that washed up at the entrance of Jervis Bay at Point Perpendicular.

The kayak was located at approximately 10:00pm on Thursday 27th August 2026.

If you own this kayak or have any information, please contact Water Police on 93207499 and quote E105226476.

25/08/2026
On Tuesday, 25 August 2026, Port Kembla Water Police visited Illawarra Sports High School for the Emergency and Support ...
25/08/2026

On Tuesday, 25 August 2026, Port Kembla Water Police visited Illawarra Sports High School for the Emergency and Support Services Expo.

This fantastic expo gave students from several local schools hands-on, interactive sessions highlighting exciting career paths in emergency services and community support.

Port Kembla Water Police welcomed the students aboard the new high-performance, tactical rigid-hulled inflatable boat.

Students had the chance to chat directly with police, gaining a firsthand insight into the career pathways available within the Marine Area Command.

A great experience was had by all.

Come join us Moore Park
23/08/2026

Come join us Moore Park

Today, Port Kembla Water Police hosted a training day with Lake Illawarra Probationary Constables, covering facility ope...
19/08/2026

Today, Port Kembla Water Police hosted a training day with Lake Illawarra Probationary Constables, covering facility operations and highlighting key activities that contribute to waterway safety.

Was great to meet you all!

18/08/2026
Today we recognise our colleagues from PolAir - NSW Police Force Aviation Command on 🚁 World Helicopter Day 🚁 Flying the...
16/08/2026

Today we recognise our colleagues from PolAir - NSW Police Force Aviation Command on 🚁 World Helicopter Day 🚁

Flying the skies of NSW and keeping the community safe since 1979 👏🏽 🚨

On Wednesday 5 August 2026, Sydney Water Police hosted IPROWD (Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery) students ...
13/08/2026

On Wednesday 5 August 2026, Sydney Water Police hosted IPROWD (Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery) students from Dubbo. This program prepares participants for careers in law enforcement by building core skills, fitness and cultural resilience.

Was great to meet you, we wish you well in the future ⚓️👍🏽🚨

Address

4 Jubilee Place
Balmain East, NSW
2041

Telephone

+611800658784

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