Fishery Patrol Vessel

A fishery patrol vessel is a constabulary ship operated by a coastal state or fisheries agency to enforce catch limits, gear rules, and licensing inside the exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles under UNCLOS Article 56. Crews board and inspect fishing vessels, verify logbooks and gear, and detain offenders; the UK Royal Navy’s Fishery Protection Squadron is the oldest frontline squadron of the fleet. Hot pursuit of a foreign vessel from inside the EEZ onto the high seas is authorized by UNCLOS Article 111. The type is typically a fast, lightly armed offshore patrol vessel with sea-boats for boarding.