Many taxpayers have questioned whether $1.7 million was money well spent on a search and rescue Police boat which is reportedly hardly ever used.

But, at least MV Guardian will be good for something next weekend — it's set to take part in the 2009 Christmas Boat Parade.

Police said their capacity to respond to marine incidents would not be affected by the Guardian's appearance at one of Bermuda's most popular spectator events of the year. They say other vessels and officers will be standing by in case of an emergency.

The 54-foot Guardian has repeatedly hit the headlines since it was recruited for the Marine Unit amid fanfare three years ago.

The Royal Gazette reported a year ago that the vessel had been out less than two days a month, partly because officers were not comfortable using it due to a lack of training.

Any chance of it proving its worth as Hurricane Bill swept menacingly close to Bermuda this August was then wiped out, with Police taking it out of the water as a precaution, leaving the Island unequipped for offshore rescue.

At one stage the boat was said to be suffering from mould because it was being used so infrequently. Police, yesterday, denied a suggestion somebody had been brought in to spruce it up ahead of the boat parade.

A Police spokesperson said in a statement: "The Bermuda Police Service is entering the Police vessel Guardian in the 2009 Christmas Boat Parade as we join with the community in celebrating Bermuda's 400th anniversary and 130 years of policing in Bermuda.

"In keeping with the theme for this year's Police Week — 'Our Youth, Our Commitment' — the six student winners of the 2009 Police Week schools poster competition will be invited on-board as our special guests.

"Our capacity to respond to any marine incidents that day is not affected by the Guardian being in the parade, as we have other boats and marine officers prepared to take action, if necessary.

"Allegations that the Guardian will be 'out of commission' prior to the Saturday, December 12, event or that an individual is being brought in to decorate the vessel are unfounded."