The Maldives’ newest Guardian-class patrol boat – gifted by Australia – sailed into its home harbour of Hulhumalé on June 15.
It was the culmination of a demanding journey at sea, months of preparation and a growing maritime partnership between Indian Ocean neighbours.
The transit spanned 11 days and stands as the longest voyage ever undertaken by a Guardian-class patrol boat. For the 19-member Maldivian crew, it followed more than four months of intensive training in Perth.
Accompanied by Royal Australian Navy (RAN) technical adviser Chief Petty Officer Lawrence Perreira, the crew experienced a spectrum of Indian Ocean conditions – from calm, glass-like seas to challenging sea states.
“I have supported Pacific Maritime Security Program fleets and their crews with Guardian-class capabilities before, but transiting the Indian Ocean, including a traditional ceremony marking the crossing of the equator, was a new experience and a career highlight,” Chief Petty Officer Perreira said.
The crew created bonds through shared meals, sometimes featuring freshly caught fish, along with birthday celebrations and quiet moments between watches.
“Sharing experiences on our common ocean has strengthened not just our professional ties, but our personal connections as well,” Chief Petty Officer Perreira said.
That sense of connection was evident when the vessel arrived in Maldives and was welcomed by families and officials from both nations.
In recognition of his contribution, Chief Petty Officer Perreira was presented with an official letter of appreciation from the Maldives’ Commandant Coast Guard Brigadier-General Saleem.
The vessel represents a significant uplift in capability for the Maldives National Defence Force. As its fourth and most advanced patrol vessel, it enhances the nation’s ability to secure its vast exclusive economic zone, counter illegal maritime activity, and respond to humanitarian and disaster relief incidents.
‘Sharing skills and culture builds strong people-to-people links and contributes directly to resilient capability that supports our shared regional interests.’
Importantly, this capability is underpinned by a well-prepared crew. Before departure, the crew completed comprehensive training delivered by Austal Pty Ltd and the RAN Sea Training Group.
The program covered advanced systems, vessel handling and complex operational scenarios – from damage control to casualty response – ensuring the crew was equipped to operate the vessel and sustain it into the future.
Throughout this period, the crew was supported by a second RAN technical adviser, Chief Petty Officer Brett Hopkins, who provided technical guidance and pastoral support.
“Working with a north-east Indian Ocean partner was a new and highly rewarding experience,” Chief Petty Officer Hopkins said.
“Sharing skills and culture builds strong people-to-people links and contributes directly to resilient capability that supports our shared regional interests.”
That exchange extended beyond training serials. In Australia, the crew observed Ramadan and engaged with the local Muslim community in Rockingham.
“I particularly valued learning more about Ramadan alongside the crew, and the hospitality of the local Muslim community during the holy month made a lasting impression,” Chief Petty Officer Hopkins said.
The delivery of this Guardian-class patrol boat marks the completion of all 24 vessels built by Austal under Project SEA3036-1.
Importantly, it is the first Guardian-class patrol boat delivered to an Indian Ocean nation through the Defence Cooperation Program, reflecting Australia’s growing strategic focus on the north-east Indian Ocean.
The region is a vital maritime corridor for global trade and energy flows, underpinning the prosperity and security of the Indo-Pacific. Supporting partners like Maldives to secure their maritime domain contributes directly to a more stable, resilient region.
