Our coast guard partner Defense enlarges its capacity 'Action State At Sea'

After an intensive period of training, our coast guard partner Defense welcomed its two new patrol vessels, P901 Castor and P902 Pollux, as"Full Operational Capability" vessels. At the same time, their predecessor A950 Valcke was given a fitting send off. The Valcke performed numerous operations with regard to 'Action State at Sea" during its active career and helped ensure the maritime safety and security of Belgian coastal waters.

The patrol vessels are available day and night for guard - and intervention operations in the Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone and the North Sea. In cooperation with other coast guard partners, the Castor and Pollux perform or help perform duties with regard to pollution control, fishery watch, police and customs tasks and search and rescue operations. Disaster reflief, as was the case with the sunk carrier Flinterstar, also falls within the scope of their range of duties.