Bermuda's part-time squaddies could be set to get their sea legs, it was revealed yesterday.

For the land-based Bermuda Regiment may be relaunched as a Royal Marine-style outfit to plug the gaps in the Island's sea defences, weakened by the departure of the US Navy two years ago.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness, who speaks for the Regiment in the House of Assembly, said there had been discussion over the usefulness of the Regiment and its role.

But he added: "I must make it plain from the outset that the Government has always supported the activities of the Bermuda Regiment and will continue to do so.

"We recognise, however, that the Regiment's role may have to be adjusted from time to time to meet the challenges presented by our rapidly-changing society.

"This is only what one would expect of any professional body and should be seen as a natural evolution for a dynamic organisation that recognises change as a fact of life.'' Mr. Edness was speaking on the first day of the new session of the House of Assembly.

He told MPs: "One example of possible change is in our maritime environment where, over the years, there have been a number of studies into the feasibility of the Regiment's assuming a more robust role.'' Mr. Edness stressed that no firm decision had been made -- but he said that the Regiment was flexible enough to take on new responsibilities if needed.

He said the Regiment's primary roles were to provide support for Police during periods of civil unrest and a mercy role in the wake of natural disasters.

But Mr. Edness said that Bermuda had "matured'' and that riots of the kind experienced in the past were unlikely to occur again -- although the Island must be prepared for the possibility.

He pointed out that Bermuda could not call on reinforcements from other services as larger countries could do in times of unrest.

Mr. Edness added that the Regiment also performed a unique service as a social leveller and was vital in instilling discipline in the young.

And he thanked former Regiment CO Lt. Col. David Burch, who stood down last Saturday -- and pledged his support to replacement Lt. Col. Patrick Outerbridge.

Mr. Edness said: "He can rest assured that Government offers its continued support as he takes over the helm of a dynamic Regiment in which we all have faith and pride.'' The report into the Bermuda Police Service carried out by H.M. Inspector of Dependent Territories Police recommended expanding the Island's sea-going capability -- probably through a joint Police/Regiment initiative.

Mr. Edness pointed out that the Sea Cadet Corps provided valuable training for teenagers -- but the junior sailors had to quit in their late teens.

He said: "I think the time has come in the development of activity on our waters, both inshore and with a slight threat from outside the reef from potential drug smuggling, that we should consider developing our marine ability, both in the Police and the Regiment.'' Lt. Col. Outerbridge said the Regiment had already discussed a joint maritime role with Police.

And he said: "We are all for the recommendation of the Grundy Report as far as our boat troop goes. Chaps who have now left have even said they will come back if that role is expanded.'' But he added the budget of the Regiment would have to be increased to improve its mini-fleet of three boats.

And he added: "We would like to be able to move in that direction -- but I'm not saying we move totally to a Royal Navy or Royal Marines concept.''