The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary exercises policing responsibilities for all investigations which occur at, or near, the shoreline and originate from the adjacent land mass policed by the RNC. The RNC also exercise policing responsibilities for any investigations which occurs within the immediate area of the community waters defined as the following boat basins and harbours; Bauline, Flatrock, Long Pond, Petty Harbour, Portugal Cove, Pouch Cove, Quidi Vidi, Seal Cove, St. John’s, St. Philips and Torbay. The RNC also has inland water marine capabilities in St. John’s, Corner Brook, Labrador City and Churchill Falls, either with RNC assets or assistance from the Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association.

In addition to being deployed for police investigations, the RNC Marine Unit assists the Canadian Coast Guard in search and rescue operations, assists with enforcement operations of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, particularly as it relates to the annual recreational food fishery, and assists the RNC Tactics and Rescue Unit.

All members of the Marine Unit assume the role as a secondary duty and are located on the Northeast Avalon.

The RNC has had a Marine Unit since the late 1800’s when Inspector John Sullivan was in charge of the ship S.S. Fiona. As well, during the First World War, Sergeant Patrick O’Neill was commissioned by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and was tasked to patrol and investigate spy activity in the Labrador Sea.