the biot patrol vessel the mv "pacific marlin" is based in diego garcia. it is presently operated by the swire pacific offshore group under a 4-year contract with the biot administration, which was renewed on 1 january 2011. the mv pacific marlin patrols the marine reserve all year, and since the marine reserve was designated in april 2010, the number of apprehensions of illegal vessels within the area has increased. the "pacific marlin" was built in 1978 as an oceangoing tug. it is 57.7 metres long with a draft of 3.8 metres and gross tonnage 1,200. it has a maximum speed of 12.5 knots with an economic speed of 11 knots, permitting a range of about 18,000 nautical miles and fuel endurance of 68 days. it is the oldest vessel in the swire fleet.