Marine Units (MU)
Marine Units (MU)
Making Waves in Defence Policing
The Ministry of Defence Police operates the largest Marine police capability in the UK, providing specialist armed maritime policing across three strategic naval bases at Portsmouth, Devonport, and Clyde. Marine Unit officers serve as Waterborne Authorised Firearms Officers Counter Terrorism (WAFO CT), delivering continuous armed protection for Royal Navy assets, personnel, and UK's national security.
Our Marine Units utilise Island-class vessels, Police Patrol Craft, Intercept and Escort Craft, and RHIBs, providing a versatile and capable maritime policing capability across diverse operational environments.
Clyde Marine Unit
Clyde Marine Unit provides armed defensive maritime policing and security at HMNB Clyde and DM Coulport, patrolling dockyard ports across an extensive operational area in support of the Royal Navy, King's Harbour Master, and the UK's national security commitments. Officers carry out continuous high-profile armed patrols, security checks on vessels entering restricted areas, escort operations, intelligence gathering, and emergency response. The unit works closely with the Royal Navy in delivering its critical national security mission.
Portsmouth Marine Unit
Portsmouth Marine Unit provides dedicated 24/7 armed maritime protection at HMNB Portsmouth, home of the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. Officers patrol Portsmouth harbour and the wider Solent area, enforcing Dockyard Port Orders, maintaining security around naval vessel berths, and preventing unauthorised access. The unit works closely with partner agencies including Solent Coastguard and RNLI, providing rescue and first aid support when required. Officers also provide force protection for carriers deployed to other UK ports.
Devonport Marine Unit
Devonport Marine Unit provides armed defensive maritime policing and security at HMNB Devonport and the Port of Plymouth, supporting the King's Harbour Master and providing armed policing for Royal Navy and visiting forces vessels. Officers conduct armed patrols, vessel escorts, high-visibility patrolling, intelligence gathering, and emergency response across the dockyard port area. The unit supports partner agencies including Border Force and the Environment Agency.
Training Pathway
All Marine Unit officers follow a structured, progressive Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accredited training pathway completed over two years. Officers develop from 3rd Crew through to fully qualified Launch Coxswain and RHIB Coxswain, building competence and confidence at each stage before progressing.
MDP Launch 3rd Crew
The entry level for all Marine Unit officers, focusing on foundational maritime skills:
Valid MM1 Medical
MDP Marine Unit Swimming Test
RYA Day Skipper Qualification
RYA Sea Survival Certificate
Whole Body Vibration E-Learning
MDP Launch 2nd Crew
Building on initial qualifications with additional technical maritime skills:
RYA Day Skipper
RYA Diesel Engine
RYA Radar
RYA Short Range Certificate (VHF Radio)
Valid MM1 Medical
Whole Body Vibration E-Learning
MDP Launch Coxswain
The senior launch qualification, requiring advanced navigation and seamanship skills:
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Theory
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Practical
RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence (where RYA Advanced Powerboat not completed)
Firefighting for Work Boat Code 3 (where required by vessel type)
Valid MM1 Medical
Whole Body Vibration E-Learning
MDP RHIB Crew
Entry level for RHIB operations, focusing on powerboat handling:
RYA Powerboat Level 2
MDP RHIB Crew Course
Valid MM1 Medical
Whole Body Vibration E-Learning
MDP Restricted RHIB Coxswain
Intermediate RHIB qualification for officers progressing towards full coxswain status:
Restricted RHIB Coxswain Course
Valid MM1 Medical
Whole Body Vibration E-Learning
MDP RHIB Coxswain
The highest RHIB qualification, requiring advanced powerboat skills:
RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence
RYA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence (where RYA Advanced Powerboat not completed)
Valid MM1 Medical
Whole Body Vibration E-Learning
Specialist Roles
Marine Unit officers can progress into a range of specialist roles across all three bases, including:
Firearms tactical advising and operational command
Advanced maritime boarding and escort operations
Marine Support Group capabilities
Drone operations
Training and instructor roles
Planning and operational support functions
Water safety and specialist equipment management
Specialist role availability varies by base location. Officers are encouraged to discuss progression opportunities with their Marine Unit management team.
Essential Attributes
Successful Marine Unit officers demonstrate strong teamwork, problem-solving, communication skills, and the ability to multitask in a demanding and sometimes hazardous maritime environment. Flexibility, motivation, and adaptability are essential for operating effectively across changing weather and tidal conditions.