 They are primarily tasked with border protection, fisheries patrols, and the interception of unauthorised arrivals by sea.The "Armidale"s are longer and heavier than their "Fremantle"-class predecessors, with improved seakeeping ability and increased range, allowing them to reach Australia's offshore territories.The ships are multi-crewed, with three ship's companies available for every two vessels, allowing the patrol boats to spend more time at sea without cutting into sailors' rest or training time.