Clyde Marine Unit - PC Zasada

From the Royal Navy to Rapid RHIBs

After 11 years as a Royal Navy Medical Assistant and 7.5 years as a Police Scotland Detective Constable in Public Protection, PC Zasada found their way to a role combining both worlds: the MDP Clyde Marine Unit.

Charting a new course

Missing the structure and purpose of Defence and maritime environments, a former colleagued shared the opportunity, advertised on Instagram, to join the CMU.

"I knew it was exactly what I was looking for - a way to combine my policing skills with maritime work."

Training for the water

Even with prior police experience, PC Zasada knew joining the CMU meant an extensive training pipeline: the training course at Southwick Park, the Initial Firearms Course, then specialist courses with Clyde Marine Unit - Competent Crew, Sea Survival, Operational Passenger, and Initial Waterborne Firearms Tactics - culminating in qualification as a Waterborne Authorised Firearms Officer Counter Terrorism.

A unique niche

He highlights the specialised nature of Marine Unit work. "The training was genuinely world-class. Learning from National Firearms Instructors and RYA-accredited instructors gave me confidence in a completely new operational environment."

The biggest challenge wasn't policing skills, but the training. "Navigating different administrative systems across police, Civil Service, and military platforms. That took real adjustment."

Advice for others considering the role

"This role is genuinely unique - there's nothing quite like it in UK territorial policing. Whether you're an experienced police officer thinking about joining or not, don't hesitate."

Interest in joining our Clyde Marine Unit?

Find out more about our Marine Units and how to apply.