NWIFCA has four offices in Carnforth, Barrow, Whitehaven and Liverpool and employs 23 staff who work in a variety of roles such as science, administration and enforcement. We have three patrol vessels, as well as a fleet of pick-up trucks, vans, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and drones.

Patrol Vessels

North Western Protector

The FPV North Western Protector is a 20.47m aluminium catamaran. It was commissioned in early July 2018 and is a former wind farm supply vessel that has been completely stripped out and rebuilt to the specifications of the enforcement and science officers in conjunction with marine surveyors. It has two Man 1,100hp 12 cylinder 1,200rpm engines that power the Ultra-Dynamics UJ575 waterjets giving a cruising speed of 23 knots.

Protector Gamma

The FPV Protector Gamma is a 6.3 metre “Humber Ocean Pro” RIB. It was commissioned in 2011 to patrol close inshore around Barrow and North Morecambe Bay. The vessel has twin 60hp 4-stroke “Suzuki” engines, giving it a top speed of 30 knots. The RIB has its own trailer so it can assist elsewhere when needed. It is coded with the Small Commercial Vessel Certification of Category 3R. It is operated by two officers and can carry up to six people in total.

Bay Protector

The FPV Bay Protector is a 7.5 metre “Humber Ocean Pro” RIB. It is powered by twin 150hp Yamaha engines, giving it a top speed of 50 knots. It was commissioned in 2014 and patrols the inshore waters of the River Ribble, River Mersey and further north if needed. The vessel is coded with the Small Commercial Vessel Certification of Category 3R. It is crewed by 2 officers and can carry up to 6 people in total.

Patrol Vehicles and All Terrain Vehicles

The Authority operates with a fleet of vehicles and ATVs (quad bikes) which are located throughout the district. We also have two drones used for enforcement and scientific work.