The Mark I's entered service in 1980 as the first phase of the Marine Police Expansion Programme, which would serve the Force well during the tumultuous years of mass illegal immigration from the Mainland and the influx of Vietnamese refugees. They had a demanding job, and at their launching the late Commissioner of Police, Mr Roy Henry, stated: "I know that you see at first hand the despair and tragedy of fellow human beings and your job is often unpleasant. Nevertheless it is a job that has to be done if Hong Kong is to survive..."

The Damen Mark I represented a technical leap forward for the Region and many of today's commanders learnt valuable skills whilst serving on them. They also fondly remember the esprit de corps of such postings in their early career.

The Marine Regional Commander Au Hok-lam told OffBeat: "While we say farewell to these obsolete craft today, Marine Police Region looks forward, with anticipation, to the proposed implementation of the Versatile Maritime Policing Response system, which will see an improved service to the community at reduced cost."

Arrival of the final replacement Keka launches signals the de-commissioning of PLs 67 and 68