The Maritime and River Police, which evolved from the former maritime police and expanded through the police reform of 2001, is part of the Integrated Police. Its area of operation includes seaports, marinas, inland waterways and all waters under Belgian jurisdiction. This requires a special approach, training and equipment.
The core tasks of the Maritime and River Police can be divided into port and waterway policing, border control and specialised support. In addition to basic police services such as community policing, intervention, police victim support and traffic enforcement, the Maritime and River Police focuses on combating illegal immigration, human smuggling and human trafficking. They work together with other services and use technical means such as CO2 meters and cargo scanners. The Technical Support Team (TST) offers technical expertise with specialised means.
The fight against drug imports is another crucial task, in which the Maritime and River Police acts against drug smuggling and trafficking, and carries out extensive checks on the chain. The import of drugs has a disruptive effect on the legal transport of goods. The frequent checks that are necessary to combat drug imports can cause delays and disruptions in the regular transport of goods. This hinders the efficient operation of ports and logistics chains, affecting legitimate trading partners. The Maritime and River Police therefore works closely with other enforcement agencies and partners to effectively tackle drug imports while minimising the impact on legal goods flows. In the case of environmental pollution, the Maritime and River Police conducts specialised investigations and works with partners to tackle illegal discharges and waste shipments. Every year, action weeks are organised to combat maritime pollution.
The fight against theft includes tackling theft of pleasure boats, accessories and vehicles. The Maritime and River Police works with national and international partners to trace stolen goods and organises prevention campaigns. In the event of an increased terrorist threat, the Maritime and River Police increases security in ports in cooperation with port companies.
The Maritime and River Police consists of four entities (Antwerp, Ghent, Coast and South), a Technical Support Team (TST) and a Maritime Security Centre (MIK). It has a fleet of patrol ships and boats, RHIBs and specific protective equipment and apparatus such as X-ray scanners, CO2 and explosive detectors, underwater sonars and an underwater robot. Thanks to these resources and partnerships, the Maritime and River Police can effectively contribute to safety and order on and around Belgian waters.
First Chief Superintendent Dirk Van Nespen – Director of the Maritime and River Police:
“The Maritime and River Police has a multifaceted and crucial role within the Coast Guard structure. Our service has an important task in guaranteeing policing in our seaports, at sea and on inland waterways. We strive to pursue an integrated and unified police policy, which is essential in the dynamic and sometimes challenging maritime environment. Our specialised approach, training and equipment enable us to efficiently provide police services in and around the water.
We combat various phenomena including illegal migration and human trafficking, with border control being one of our core tasks. Together with other Coast Guard partners, we also fight against drugs, environmental offences and prohibited fishing practices. With our intervention vessel, we intercept ships that enter a prohibited zone, for example around the wind farms. Our range of tasks at sea has many facets and challenges.
On land, we invest in the fight against theft from pleasure boats and port areas, and we contribute to the safety of our seaports and navigable waterways.
I am convinced that the dedication and professionalism of our staff, combined with close cooperation with our Coast Guard partners, enable us to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow and to guarantee safety on and around our waters.”