MDP Clyde Marine Unit work with Caledonian MacBrayne ferries to protect the River Clyde.

Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) PCs Turner and Tanner from the Clyde Marine Unit (CMU) recently met with the Head of Maritime Security for Caledonian MacBrayne (Cal Mac) aboard M.V. Isle of Arran to talk about safe operations in the River Clyde.

On the Wednesday 8th May 2024, officers from the MDP Clyde Marine Unit (CMU) based at HMNB Clyde (Faslane) attended at Ardrossan Ferry Terminal to board the Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry M.V Isle of Arran. They were met by Euan Beynon the Head of Maritime Security for Caledonian MacBrayne (Cal Mac).

Once onboard the M.V. Isle of Arran, they met the master of the vessel, Captain Tony McQuade. During the crossing, the CMU officers were able to discuss operations on the River Clyde and working closely together during military manoeuvres to ensure Cal Mac and Defence operations not to conflict.  The officers also discussed communication protocols as we call all learn from each other.

The Cal Mac officers and crew who sail these waters all year round are very experienced and are a good set of eyes and ears out on the water. During their presentation on operations on the Clyde, the CMU officers talked about the intelligence / information reporting procedures should Cal Mac officers and crew see something suspicious in the area.

We look forward to working with Cal Mac colleagues again in the future.