State Police Marine Section Patch "Over 105 years of dedicated marine enforcement"


The first state patrol vessel, the steamer "Lexington", was built in 1898 and assigned to enforce fishing laws off Cape Cod. A second shallow water vessel named "Lotus" soon completed the fleet. In 1924 the patrol vessel "Protector" was launched and Boston was her home port.

 

Facility- Links to Large Photo
Boston remains as the current base-of-operations for the State Police Marine Section. The current facility was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is attached to the Metropolitan District Commission flood control plant for the Charles River. The design incorporates a three story indoor heated boat bay and complete fuel and maintenance facility.

The log of the old patrol vessel "Protector" lists a variety of patrol functions - ranging from inspectional boardings, criminal investigations, environmental protection, regular ice breaking in the Charles River basin and marine security during the visit of the "H.M.S. Scarborough". These duties embody much of the current responsibilities of the State Police Marine Section.

Law Enforcement

The Marine Section has a primary patrol responsibility for the Charles and Mystic rivers; as well as the Harbor Islands National Park. The Section has a close and ongoing relationship with federal agencies such as the Coast Guard, Navy, Secret Service, D.E.A., U.S. Customs and U.S. Marshals. The State Police maintain a variety of vessels on trailers which can be transported across the state. This mobility enables the state to target areas experiencing particular enforcement problems and to respond to increased public safety concerns generated by occasional harborfests, tall ship parades, fireworks displays, etc.

Education

 

North American Safe Boating Campaign
The Marine Section's commitment to the concept of community policing enables our vessels and troopers to actively participate in public service activities such as parades, seminars, boat shows, and D.A.R.E. events. As an adjunct to the State Police Academy, the Marine Section is host to developing maritime training for public safety officers.

Search & Rescue

The Marine Section maintains a constant vigilance for suicidal individuals who jump from the Mystic-Tobin Bridge and other structures along the Charles River. The section maintains a ready state as a responder to Logan International Airport's Emergency-Disaster Plan. The Section's resources often provide logistic support to the State Police Underwater Recovery Unit which is comprised of troopers stationed across the state, as well as several whom are stationed at the Marine Section.

Maritime Security

 

U.S.S.C. Security -Links to Large Photo
The Marine Section regularly provides security for the U.S.S. Constitution, visiting cruise ships, naval vessels and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tankers, whether at berth, anchor or underway. Troopers from the Marine Section are also assigned to the presidential and executive-diplomatic security details ranging from Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket to commencement ceremonies at universities along the Charles River. The Marine Section was recently issued M-14 semi-automatic rifles. Troopers with these tactical weapons are now on patrol in Boston Harbor providing immediate response capability in support of Homeland Security.

Jet Ski Program

The Marine Section has 2 jet skis, which are used for training, security zone enforcement, patrol and public relations. Section members receive special training designed around Personal Watercraft (PWC) use and search and rescue techniques. The Section hosts training opportunities for other state, federal and local public safety agencies on PWC use.

 

Jet Ski photo
The troopers assigned to this unit often target patrol areas with heavy PWC activity, to encourage safe and responsible use of personal watercraft and voluntary compliance to boating laws. Troopers work closely with USCG and Naval Forces to provide regular security around the U.S.S. Constitution and other vessels of a sensitive nature.

Equipment/Vessels

The Marine Section maintains a variety of specialized vessels and support equipment which are ready to deploy as needed - whether the response be a law enforcement action or search and rescue effort. The vessel inventory consists of:
 

  • 20' teflon-hull airboat for ice and swamp conditions
  • 13' to 25'; center console Boston Whalers
  • 24' to 27'; enclosed Boston Whalers for inclement weather
  • 27' catamaran-hull Nightcat high speed boats
  • 32' aluminum-hull Jet Drive dive boat
  • 41' former Coast Guard patrol boats
  • 44' former Coast Guard motor lifeboat
  • Kawasaki jet skis

Personnel

The troopers and officers are assigned to the Marine Section only after acquiring years of various patrol and investigative skills. Prior military experience, Naval or Coast Guard ratings and post graduate degree work separate candidates for Marine Section openings from other members of the State Police. As members of a specialty unit, each officer must maintain a higher standard of physical fitness. They must be exceptional swimmers. Members must also be committed to continuous training programs in the maritime field.

For further information contact the State Police Marine Section at (617) 740-7820.