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ABFC Thaiyak

The Australian Border Force Cutter (ABFC) Thaiyak (pronounced 'tie-yak') is stationed at the Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve and Cartier Island Marine Reserves. It operates at the reef for 300 days continuously per year. The two marine reserves, covering an area of 750 square kilometres, are about 320 kilometres off the Australian coast but only 150 kilometres south of the Indonesian Island of Roti. The reserves coral ecosystems are internationally significant. Turtles, dugongs, sharks and seabirds that use the reserves for feeding and breeding are under threat from illegal fishing and poaching.

Under a project called the Long Term Ashmore Capability (LTAC), a contract was awarded in early 2013 for a replacement. The new ship is 40 metres in length and is being built in Vietnam. The ship was due for delivery in 2014. MMD finished the design for the replacement vessel Ashmore Guardian, Thaiyak for Australian Customs and Border Protection. The vessel is a 40m on station vessel with an endurance of 120 days and 2750 nm. The vessel is constructed in steel with an aluminium superstructure. The vessel was built in Vietnam by Strategic Marine and was launched in March 2014. The vessel will be stationed at Ashmore Reef off north western Australia.

The ABFC Thaiyak allows conduct of enforcement operations and assist with environmental management. The ship can carry up to 17 border force officers and government officials and up to 24 transportees. The name 'Thaiyak' was chosen from a number of suggestions made by Torres Strait Islander crew members, in consultation with their elders. A significant proportion of Marine Unit officers are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.