Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Operations Alex Barrell has asked boaters to ensure they are well prepared and to take it easy on the State’s waterways after a surge in boating rescues during December.
During October and November there were 707 rescues performed across the State, just over 11 per day. In December the number of rescues surged to 602 with nearly 20 rescues performed each day, over half of which were for boats with flat batteries, engine failure or who had run out of fuel.
“Summer is a great time to be out on our beautiful waterways, but sadly many boaters are finishing their day on the water early and at the end of a tow line behind one of our rescue vessels,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
“Many of these rescues could have been avoided with some careful planning and better boat maintenance and preparation.”
Mr Barrell said that boaters thinking of heading out should ensure that their vessel’s engine and battery had been recently serviced, and they are carrying enough of fuel for the journey with plenty in reserve.
“Our crews are also seeing many boaters not wearing, and in some cases, not carrying, lifejackets,” Mr Barrell added.
“Every boat is required to have a lifejacket on board for each passenger, and the skipper should be ensuring that they and everyone on board, even the pet dog, are wearing one.”
“It’s also a good idea to check the weather conditions before heading out, and if you’re holidaying in an unfamiliar location, to find out about local bar and channel conditions, and to Log On with the local Marine Rescue NSW base on VHF Channel 16 or via the Marine Rescue NSW app.”
The week of Christmas to New Year’s Day is normally the busiest of the year for our dedicated volunteers, and the past week has proved to be no exception.
From Christmas Day to New Year’s Day, 260 rescues were undertaken, with 32 of those on New Year’s Day alone, getting 2023 off to a busy start for our members.
With plenty of great boating weather coming up this week, Marine Rescue NSW is asking boaters to stay safer by wearing your lifejacket at all times, carrying the right safety gear and Logging On with your local Marine Rescue NSW base on VHF Channel 16 or the Marine Rescue NSW app.
With tens of thousands of boaters expected to cram the State’s waterways for traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations tomorrow, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos has asked boaters to take it easy on the water and to make safety their top priority.
“New Year’s Eve last year saw 56 rescues across the State, making it one of the busiest days of the year for our dedicated volunteers,” Commissioner Tannos said.
“We want all boaters to enjoy themselves out on the water in welcoming in the new year, but sadly some will end up requiring assistance that could have been avoided with a little preparation.”
Commissioner Tannos said that to help ensure everyone has a fun, and safe, day out, it’s important to prepare their vessel and to act responsibly once they hit the water.
“Before you set off, ensure everyone on board, even the dog, is wearing a lifejacket and that you Log On with Marine Rescue NSW on VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescueapp so we can watch out for your safe return, so if you don’t Log Off as planned, we can quickly start searching for you.”
“It’s also important to check your engine and battery are in good condition, that your fuel tank is full before heading out, and to carry some spare fuel in an approved container.”
“Make sure you’ve all the required safety gear including lifejackets, flares, EPIRB, V-sheet and a VHF marine radio, so if something should go wrong on the night, you can signal for help and keep safe until our crews come to your assistance.”
Commissioner Tannos said that boaters in areas with fireworks should be aware of local exclusion zones and stay well clear to remain safe.
“New Year’ s Eve is one of the best times of the year to be out on our waterways, and with a little preparation, common sense and courtesy, can be a safe as well as enjoyable night on the water.”
From all of us here at Marine Rescue NSW, have a safe, peaceful and joyous Christmas.
If you are heading out on the water over the Christmas break, our dedicated volunteers will be keeping an eye out for you, just like the crew in the photo from Marine Rescue Sydney at our State Communication Centre. They were on duty this morning and received a welcome visit from Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell.
Help us to help you if there’s an emergency on the water by Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW using the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF Channel 16.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready for a surge of boaters heading on to the State’s waterways over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, with Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos appealing to boaters to make safety their highest priority and take extra care on the water.
“While it’s been a busy start to the boating season with over 900 rescues since 1 October, our volunteers are well prepared for an expected influx of boaters over what is traditionally the busiest week of the year on our waterways,” Commissioner Tannos said.
“We want everyone to have a great time on the water – and most importantly, to return home safely.”
“Over the Christmas – New Year break it’s more important than ever to make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket and that you Log On with Marine Rescue NSW on VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue NSWapp.
“This free service gives you the peace of mind of knowing our volunteers are watching out for your safe return and that if you don’t Log Off as planned, they will start searching for you.”
Commissioner Tannos said it was concerning that many of the rescue missions launched since the start of the boating season could have been avoided if boaters had taken simple safety precautions.
“Of the rescue operations carried out across the State over the past year, 40.4% have been due to engine failure, 10% a flat battery and 9% in response to boats out of fuel,” Commissioner Tannos added.
“These can easily be prevented by checking your engine and battery are in good condition and that your fuel tank is full before heading out.”
He said large numbers of boaters on the water over the Christmas – New Year period made collisions more likely and urged boaters to slow down, stay vigilant and take it easy on the water.
With summer often coming with strong sea breezes and notorious southerly busters, Commissioner Tannos added that Marine Rescue NSW crews were often called to help boaters who had misjudged weather and sea conditions.
“Check weather and sea conditions before heading out and regularly throughout the day as conditions can change quickly. You can get up-to-date forecasts from your local Marine Rescue base by calling on VHF Channel 16 at any time or on the Marine Rescue NSW app.”
A feature on smart mobile phones and watches detects rapid accelerations, interprets these as a vehicle crash, and alerts emergency services via Triple Zero.
Several recent false alarms have shown that the device can also be triggered when on board a vessel that is travelling over choppy water or bouncing over waves.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell has asked boaters to check their mobile devices for the feature, and to consider turning it off while on the water to avoid triggering an accidental emergency response by the emergency services.
The latest issue of our new look Soundings magazine is now available to read and enjoy.
This issue includes a wrap of a busy twelve months on the water, support by Marine Rescue NSW to the NSW SES flood responses, the latest on member training activities, notable rescues, new vessels and buildings, a $540,000 investment in new lifejackets for our volunteers, and much more.
Packed with great pictures, this issue of Soundings is great reading for over the Christmas and New Year period and has useful hints and tips to help keep you safer during the holiday boating period.
Yesterday a joint training exercise was conducted at the Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking base on Port Hacking with members of the NSW Ambulance Special Operations Team.
The interagency in-water training was designed to better equip both NSW Ambulance and Marine Rescue NSW members for joint rescue incidents, ensuring both organisations can work seamlessly together when time is of the essence and lives are on the line.
The exercise also helped the members of NSW Ambulance better understand Marine Rescue tasking and processes for future joint responses.
Marine Rescue NSW along with other emergency service agencies will benefit from a $200 million investment in the implementation of recommendations from the NSW Government’s Flood Inquiry.
The announcement of the new funding was made this morning at the Penrith Whitewater Centre with Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioners Todd Andrews and Alex Barrell in attendance along with the Premier of NSW, Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, and heads of partner emergency services agencies.
Details of what the additional funding will mean for Marine Rescue NSW are to come.
Following is the release from the NSW Government:
NSW GOVERNMENT INVESTS $200 MILLION TO IMPLEMENT FLOOD INQUIRY RECOMMENDATIONS
The NSW Government has committed almost $200 million in new funding to implement a number of the recommendations from the independent Flood Inquiry.
The funding will ensure emergency services are better equipped to respond to future disaster events and support impacted communities during recovery.
It builds upon work that is already underway to implement recommendations of the Inquiry, including passing legislation to establish the NSW Reconstruction Authority and appointing a Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Management in the NSW Police Force.
Key elements of the package are additional dedicated flood rescue vehicles, including 60 Inflatable Rescue Boats and 16 high clearance vehicles, the ability to train an additional 2,350 personnel in flood rescue, support for volunteer initiatives, and increased funding to ensure seamless coordination of evacuation centres and emergency accommodation.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the key focus of this funding was the State’s emergency response and recovery functions.
“Events of this year alone show that the conditions we are facing and the magnitude of the natural disasters need this level of support to ensure our frontline agencies are well-placed to continue delivering for the community,” Mr Perrottet said.
The $199.4 million new funding includes:
• $159.5 million to enhance NSW’s flood rescue capability for our emergency services agencies and volunteer organisations (recommendation 4), including the NSW State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Volunteer Rescue Association;
• $16.8 million to support the Department of Communities and Justice in its delivery of key disaster welfare functions, including evacuation centres (recommendation 5);
• $11.9 million to better support volunteerism, including training community members who may become ‘spontaneous’ volunteers in a disaster (recommendation 6);
• $6.5 million to enhance Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley flood evacuation modelling (recommendation 26);
• $2.2 million to commence the establishment of the NSW Reconstruction Authority following passage of legislation (recommendation 15);
• $1.9 million to support support NSW specific climate and weather research (recommendation 2);
• $1.8 million to Service NSW to enhance customer support for disaster affected individuals and businesses by streamlining grants delivery (recommendation 10);
“Our combat agencies will benefit from more resources to respond to disasters, and our service agencies will be better equipped to support the people of NSW through the recovery process,” Mr Perrottet said.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s response balanced the need for rapid changes with long-term planning.
“The current flood risk across parts of the Central West, as well as the ongoing recovery of communities hit by floods earlier this year including the Northern Rivers, clearly shows us, that no matter where you live in the State, now is the time for action to better prepare, respond and recover the next time a disaster strikes,” Mr Toole said.
“Already as part of our response to the Inquiry, we have announced Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM’s appointment as the new Deputy Commissioner, Emergency Management to oversee and coordinate emergency services’ response to future natural disasters right across the State.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the funding will allow first responders to better protect communities from a range of weather events.
“The NSW Government is committed to addressing the recommendations in the independent Flood Inquiry which will equip us to better respond to and recover from all types of natural disasters,” Ms Cooke said.
“Many communities across inland NSW continue to be confronted with major flooding and we remain focused on supporting all of the impacted families, farmers and business owners during this difficult time, but we are also working hard to improve the capability of our combat agencies to better fight the floods of the future.”
The NSW Government continues to progress implementation of all the recommendations from the Inquiry and will make further announcements in 2023.
After 46 consecutive days, the most significant support operation in the Service’s history has come to a close, with the flood situation having eased sufficiently for NSW SES to no longer require the support of Marine Rescue NSW.
Over the past 7 weeks an extraordinary 112 volunteers and 9 staff from 28 units provided practical, much needed support to flood affected communities across inland NSW. These included locations as diverse as Moama, Barham, Balranald, Deniliquin, Forbes, Brewarrina, Bourke and Walgett.
The Marine Rescue NSW response commenced back in mid-October, with the Service’s members responding to the call to assist with characteristic enthusiasm, with ten members going back for a second deployment.
Once on the ground, members soon found themselves dealing with a range of unfamiliar situations – transporting livestock (earning the affectionate nick-name of Merino Rescue NSW), ferrying isolated residents, resupplying cut-off properties, filling and laying sandbags and undertaking a wide range of liaison and logistical tasks.
Along the way there were many challenges faced, with long distances to travel, unfamiliar SES vessels to drive, submerged fences and snags, homeless snakes, as well as plenty of rain and mud!
The compensations however more than made up for any challenges – most particularly the warmth and gratitude of those helped, the chance to assist communities at their time of greatest need, the opportunity to learn new skills, and the chance to make new and enduring friendships.
Although the support of Marine Rescue NSW has concluded, the flooding continues in inland NSW, with the Service standing by to again assist should that be required.
Support by Marine Rescue NSW to the flooding in inland NSW continues, with 87 members now having deployed, volunteering around 5,000 hours towards the flood response.
Four Marine Rescue NSW members deployed to Parkes and Forbes have now driven to Moulamein in the western Riverina as the situation in the Forbes area has eased. This means that there are now Marine Rescue NSW crews in Moulamein, Brewarrina and Deniliquin. At the next crew rotation on Tuesday the Deniliquin crew will not be replaced, leaving Moulamein and Brewarrina as the only deployed locations.
Moulamein update
The current crew of four is arriving in Moulamein today, and is anticipated to be used for transportation and resupply by SES vessel.
Brewarrina update
The current crew of four have been conducting transportation and resupply by vessel. Water levels are now falling, with fewer homes expected to be isolated and require this service in coming days.
Deniliquin update
The current crew of two were yesterday tasked with conducting a flood damage assessment along the Murray between Tocumwal and Ulupna, approximately 50km of river.
With floodwaters moving downstream, it is anticipated that support to the NSW SES flood response will continue into the new year.
At the 2022 Marine Rescue NSW AGM the proposed amendments to the Marine Rescue NSW Constitution were passed by special resolutions and a number of Directors were reappointed to the Marine Rescue NSW Board
Changes to the MRNSW Constitution
The Marine Rescue NSW Board proposed five amendments to the Marine Rescue NSW Constitution that required special resolutions of the Members of the company. All Regular and Life Members were eligible to vote online. The following five amendments were passed by special resolution:
Appointing a Chairperson and Two Regular Directors
The Constitution will be amended to abolish the three existing elected General Director positions. When the current General Directors’ terms expire, or they retire as Directors, the Board will appoint a Chairperson and two Regular Directors, sourced from both members and external persons.
The six Regional Director positions will remain unchanged, except that two Regional Directors will be elected from each Zone, reflecting the new organisational structure.
Management and Leadership of Units
The Constitution will be altered to allow an increase in the number of Deputy Unit Commanders to two, remove the requirement that Deputy Unit Commanders are elected and allow Unit Commanders to appoint up to two Deputy Unit Commanders.
Creation of Zones
The Constitution will be amended to reflect the creation of Zones and the new organisational structure.
Creation of a State Operations Group
The Constitution will be amended to allow for the creation of a State Operations Group, comprising both members and staff with key skills and experience, to greatly enhance Marine Rescue NSW’s ability to respond to multi-agency emergencies, such as floods.
Returning Members
The Constitution will be amended to streamline the process for former members to be readmitted as Regular Members.
2022 Marine Rescue NSW Board Elections
Elections this year were held for the positions of one General Director and the Greater Sydney, Illawarra and Monaro Regional Directors. In addition to this, an election was also being held for the position of Hunter/Central Coast Regional Director, due to a current vacancy.
Incumbent Directors James Glissan (General Director), Keven Marshall (Illawarra Regional Director) and Glenn Felkin (Monaro Regional Director) were all elected unopposed.
An election was held for Greater Sydney Regional Directors, with Regular and Life Members in the Greater Sydney region eligible to vote. Incumbent Director Ken Edwards was re-elected.
No nominations were received for the vacant position of Hunter/Central Coast Regional Director and this position remains vacant.
The Board subsequently re-elected Mr Glissan as its Chair following the AGM.
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff have continued to deploy to inland New South Wales over the past few weeks in support to the NSW State Emergency Service as part of the ongoing response to flooding in the State’s inland.
To date 87 volunteers and staff have deployed, with 7 volunteers undertaking two tours of duty. Deployments are expected to continue into the new year.
The volunteers have come from every Marine Rescue NSW Region, with representation from 26 of the Service’s 45 units. The unit providing the greatest number of volunteers has been Port Macquarie with 20, followed by Middle Harbour (8), Batemans Bay (7), Tuross Moruya (6), and Shoalhaven, Port Jackson and Cottage Point with four each.
Other units who have contributed include Ulladulla, Broken Bay, Merimbula, Botany Port Hacking, Hawkesbury, Eden, Evans Head, Sussex Inlet, Forster Tuncurry, Shellharbour, Narooma, Tuggerah Lakes, Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Brunswick and Norah Head.
Recent deployments have focused on the Edward River near Deniliquin, where members of Marine Rescue NSW have worked alongside visiting Singapore Civil Defence Force flood rescue specialists as well as members of the NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Police. Additionally, members have been active in the towns of Brewarrina and Bourke on the Barwon and Darling Rivers.
Members of Marine Rescue NSW continue to undertake a diverse range of tasks including the resupply of isolated properties, the transport of residents from isolated Aboriginal and other small communities as well as rural property owners, transport of sandbags, sandbagging, reconnaissance and relocation of livestock including dogs, cats, pet birds, sheep, poultry and goats.
In one heart-warming story, volunteers from Marine Rescue Shoalhaven Lynne Hocking and Mike Boadle helped in the relocation of 93 year old Shirley from her isolated home on the Edwards River. Water had crept within a metre of the home, prompting Shirley to be taken by car to a Marine Rescue boat where she was transported along the flooded river to another waiting car where she could be taken to temporary respite care.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos thanked the volunteers for their hard work in helping communities affected by the State’s worst inland flooding in a generation.
“The commitment and dedication of our Marine Rescue NSW is winning high praise from all who meet them.”
“My sincere thanks to all members and staff who have given up their time to head out on deployment and provide help and comfort to those so badly affected by these devastating floods.”
Over the weekend, sunny weather, light winds and slight seas brought out boaters in their thousands from their winter hibernation.
With the surge in boaters on the water, came a range of incidents to keep our volunteer crews and radio operators busy, with a total of 70 rescues undertaken across the state.
Among the rescues Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes assisted a small sailboat that had dismasted, with rescue vessel Tuggerah 20 towing it to the North Entrance boat ramp.
This broken down runabout was assisted by Marine Rescue Hawkesbury over the weekend.
Just up the coast, Marine Rescue Newcastle pulled a grounded centre console with four adults and four children aboard off a sandbank, after it became stuck at low tide near Stockton.
Another grounding, this time a 10 metre sloop with two people on board, occured on Paddys Channel near Gosford, with Marine Rescue Central Coast rescue vessel Central Coast 21 successfully pulling them off; while on Sydney Harbour, Marine Rescue Port Jackson picked up a kayaker who had overturned and could not right his vessel, safely returning him to a local marina.
In the west of the state, the flood support by Marine Rescue NSW continued over the weekend.
For volunteers from Marine Rescue Ulladulla, their response duties led to a most unusual task for rescue vessel Ulladulla 10, as it ferried hay to livestock stranded by floods in the Moama area, a significant departure from their usual types of rescues on local lakes and the blue waters of the Tasman Sea.
Ulladulla 10 ferries Hay to stranded livestock
Over the weekend other Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were also active, in the Moama/Deniliquin area in the Riverina, as well as in the north of the state at Walgett, Collarenebri and Bourke.
In addition to ferrying hay to stranded livestock, crews transported local residents and supplies and undertook reconnaissance and other duties to support local NSW SES units and flood affected communities.
It is expected that support by Marine Rescue volunteers to the flooding will continue for several weeks to come.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW are continuing to support the NSW State Emergency Service in their response to the flooding in inland New South Wales.
Currently the Service has volunteers located in the Riverina at Deniliquin and Moama, where they have been undertaking patrols on the river and helping to transport members of other services. This has included use of both Marine Rescue NSW and other agency vessels.
In the north of the state volunteers are in Collarenebri, Bourke and Walgett. In these locations they are helping to rescue stranded residents and animals (including assisting in the rescue of 50 sheep on Monday), tagging trees to denote the river channel, and acting as a water transport service, helping transport children to school, and local residents to shops so they can purchase food and other essential items.
The flat plains in the areas where Marine Rescue NSW are operating mean that floodwater is rising and falling very slowly, with flood peaks very slow moving. This will mean a continued presence by Marine Rescue NSW up until Christmas and possibly into the new year.
Marine Rescue NSW continues to provide support to the NSW SES response to flooding in different parts of the state. Ten volunteers from the Marine Rescue Ulladulla, Jervis Bay, Merimbula, Botany Port Hacking, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson and Broken Bay units and one staff member have been deployed to the Riverina, staying at the NSW Rural Fire Service camp outside of Deniliquin.
With the members are four rescue vessels plus a fuel trailer, as well as a rescue vessel based at the Marine Rescue Moama unit supported by local Moama volunteers, who are on standby to provide assistance if required.
Earlier today, two rescue vessels, Moama 10 and Batemans Bay 21, undertook a flood reconnaissance mission near Moama, setting out from Deep Creek harbour.
In the Northern Rivers, 15 members of the Marine Rescue Brunswick, Ballina and Evans Head units today undertook a reconnaissance and replenishment mission with members of the NSW SES on the Richmond River, with a Liaison Officer based at the local operations centre.
Support by Marine Rescue NSW to the flood response is expected to continue into the first week of November in the Riverina, with the support on the Northern Rivers wrapping up today.
Volunteers from three South Coast and five Sydney Metropolitan Marine Rescue NSW units have today headed west to assist the NSW State Emergency Service in supporting flood affected Riverina communities.
The South Coast volunteers, from Jervis Bay, Ulladulla and Merimbula Sydney volunteers, will be joined by members from the Marine Rescue Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson and Botany Port Hacking units, and will be based in the towns of Deniliquin, Barham and Moama.
The 14 volunteers replace a contingent of 12 who are today wrapping up their week long deployment in which they have filled sandbags, sandbagged at risk properties, undertaken on-water patrols, and checked local levee systems.
With levees now in place and floodwaters reaching their peak, the new crews are expected to be busy with the resupply of isolated properties, undertaking rescues, and in on-water patrols.
Also travelling to the area today is an additional rescue vessel, X20, bringing the number of rescue vessels able to be deployed to six.
The communities of Moama, Barham and Deniliquin have been delighted to have the assistance of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, and have made them feel extremely welcome during their deployment.
Members from four Marine Rescue NSW have continued to provide vital flood support to the NSW State Emergency Service and flood affected communities along the Murray River today.
Today members from Marine Rescue Moama aboard rescue vessel Moama 10, helped ensure houseboats in the Moama area were secure ahead of the expected flood peak Sunday night or Monday.
At Barham, members of the Marine Rescue Ulladulla, Marine Rescue Batemans Bay and Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya units patrolled the Barham levee and talked to local residents.
Support by Marine Rescue is expected to increase further this week in both the north and south west of the state as flooding continues.
Assistance by Marine Rescue NSW to the flood emergency along the Murray River has focused today on the small town of Barham, 800km to the south west of Sydney.
Volunteers from three South Coast Marine Rescue units, Ulladulla, Batemans Bay and Tuross Moruya have spent the morning filling sandbags and helping to lay them so as to protect several properties under threat from the Murray River.
Ulladulla Unit Commander John Samulski gives an update
In Moama, the volunteers of Marine Rescue Moama remain on standby and ready to assist in the flood response as required.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ulladulla, Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya and Marine Rescue Batemans Bay are on the road this morning, heading on a seven day deployment to the flood affected communities of Echuca and Moama in the far south west of the state.
The nine male and two female volunteers are travelling with response vessels Ulladulla 10, Batemans Bay 21 and Tuross 12, and will be assisting local SES units in the response to the most serious flooding to affect the region in three decades.
Their assistance is in addition to that already provided by the local Marine Rescue Moama unit who are undertaking sandbagging, with their rescue vessel MO10 on standby to also assist.
The assistance by Marine Rescue NSW may include such tasks as evacuation, welfare checks and resupply. The volunteers will be based at nearby Deniliquin at the NSW Rural Fire Service camp.
A marine search and rescue exercise held at Eden over the weekend has ensured local emergency services will be ‘rescue ready’ should a real emergency occur.
The exercise included 25 Marine rescue NSW volunteers from the Eden and Merimbula units as well as 12 representatives from Surf Lifesaving NSW, four representatives of NSW Police Marine Area Command and one from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
The scenario saw members of the emergency services searching for a missing vessel at sea and along the shoreline, with members in the Eden Marine Rescue radio room participating along with volunteers undertaking a complementary desktop exercise.
Crews are briefed before heading out on the exercise
Marine Rescue NSW Zone Commander South Mike Hammond said that the exercise was a great way to get local emergency service members together to practice skills they might use in a real emergency.
“This exercise is one of several held along the coastline, and brings together practitioners from a range of emergency services in a testing scenario.”
“The scenario enables our Marine Rescue NSW members to build their collaboration skills and to better understand how to work effectively together, ensuring the best possible response in an emergency when every second counts.”
It’s Father’s Day, a time to reflect on the contribution fathers make not just to their families, but also to their communities.
Father and son duo Andrew and David Murn have volunteered for Marine Rescue NSW for a combined total of thirteen years, much of that time working side by side at the service’s Batemans Bay unit.
Son David joined MRNSW in October 2015, after looking for somewhere to volunteer after moving to the coast from Canberra a couple of years earlier.
David spoke to a Marine Rescue member at the local markets about joining, and before long his membership process was underway. As he’s not as physically able as some people, Marine Rescue gave David an option to volunteer for an emergency service where his skills were more important than his physical strength.
David initially trained as a vessel Crew Member and Radio Operator, gradually taking on other roles, and is now a qualified Vessel Master and Watch Officer and the Deputy Unit Commander of the Batemans Bay unit, as well as heavily involved in fundraising – impressive achievements for someone whose previous boating experience had been limited to fishing from a friend’s tinny!
Andrew and David Murn on radio duty together
For David the appeal of Marine Rescue NSW is being able to help others in their time of need.
“That can be as simple as providing boating advice to someone new to our local waterways, or rescuing a seasick crew member far offshore in inclement weather,” said David.
“I also enjoy working with the other volunteers, many of whom have become close friends as well as colleagues.”
According to David, the first time his dad visited the unit, he was giving him a tour of the base when a Mayday call came in for a crew member who had fallen overboard from a sailing vessel. His father got to see how the response was coordinated and was quite impressed. Within a year of David joining, his father too had become a Marine Rescue volunteer, joining the Marine Rescue Batemans Bay in August 2016.
“After forty odd years working in the Commonwealth Public Service I’d seen several people retire and die within a few years – one on the day of his retirement. I knew that one way to prolong my life would be to have a reason to get out of bed each morning – or at least most mornings. Well, some mornings!”, laughed Andrew.
“I waited until David qualified, liked what I saw, spoke with the Unit Commander, and was eventually inducted.”
“I was also motivated by the need to have something to do in retirement, and to work with David. I’ve had four careers within the Public Service since 1968, and regarded the move to Marine Rescue NSW as another step, but with a bit less pay – I often tell people that my salary is a sausage sandwich per month – on demand! All my working life, I’ve made the point that it’s not the work, it’s the people that I’ve worked with and the friends that I’ve made.”
Having had a little experience with radios, becoming a Radio Operator was a natural step for Andrew, with fundraising another area he enjoys helping with.
“I get seasick on the Manly Ferry,” said Andrew, “so I’m not greatly tempted to go on the boats!”
In the beginning, in the Radio Room David and his father worked together a lot of the time.
Said Andrew, “this was very deliberate strategy on my part. On our first shift together, I told David “You’re the boss. I’ll just do as I’m told”. Later I recognised that I could take some of the load off his shoulders. For instance, once I was qualified as a Radio Officer, I could free him up to answer call-outs.”
For Andrew, now in his seventies, Marine Rescue NSW is a good place to volunteer.
“Most of the time, it’s quiet, with occasional moments of all hands on deck. If you know that you can rely on each other, a good relationship makes those moments easier. But the same thing can be said about other workmates.”
“In Marine Rescue NSW, there are occasional deaths or near death experiences. Such times are extremely difficult for a father. There are times when I am so proud of David, that my heart just wants to burst. The summer of 2019/2020 was one such occasion. The effort that everyone put in as we helped people shelter from the fires was mind blowing, but I was worried about him every moment, and there were some terrible moments.”
“I joined because my son was already involved, and I wanted to work with him. But he’s in his 40s, and I’m in my 70s. While I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that he is his own man, and Deputy Unit Commander, he is also my son – and I am very proud of him.”
This Father’s Day, spare a thought for those fathers freely giving of their time to help out their communities. People like David and his father Andrew, who together are helping to save lives on the water.
In late 2021 the Marine Rescue Eden unit acquired its first ever vessel, X30, and commenced on-sea rescues.
While unit has a well-known radio base overlooking Twofold bay, the commencement of rescue operations came with unit having no dedicated space for crews to train or get ready.
Earlier this year, a space became available on the jetty at Snug Cove, with renovations of the space now completed, transforming the space into an all-purpose crew room in close proximity to where the unit’s rescue vessel is moored.
In late August the unit was the recipient of a $45,000 grant from Bendigo Bank to fit out the newly renovated crew rooms.
Marine Rescue Eden Unit Commander Nancy Weatherman thanked Bendigo Bank for their generous donation, saying it was a privilege to be the first MRNSW unit to receive such support from the Bendigo Bank.
“This sponsorship will allow Marine Rescue Eden to fit out our new training rooms at Snug Cove, where renovations have just been completed,” she said.
“Originally a stand-alone Search and Rescue Command Centre, Marine Rescue Eden now has the capability to operate on far south coastal waters and to assist boaters in trouble, with our first Rescue Vessel X30, securely berthed at Snug Cove.”
“Having training rooms at Snug Cove will give the boat crew close access to X30, and the ability to do desktop training scenarios while the crew is on call.”
The location of the new training rooms will also be the face of Marine Rescue Eden, allowing the public to come and chat with members and get information on safety at sea, and to get a better understanding of who we are and what we do.”
“The sincere thanks of all our members to Bendigo Bank for helping us get our new facility complete and operational.”
Marine Rescue specialists from the Mid North Coast have taken to the water off Port Macquarie to search for a fishing boat missing at sea as part of a major capability exercise.
The search is the highlight of a two-day regional Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) designed to test marine agencies’ search and rescue practices and coordination.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said 60 volunteers from seven Marine Rescue NSW units were among more than 100 specialists taking part in the exercise, including representatives from NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Lifesaving NSW.
“This exercise is a major component of our emergency services’ ongoing professional training program, and plays a vital role in honing their search and rescue skills, ensuring that when a real emergency strikes, they operate seamlessly together,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our emergency services personnel are trained to the highest standards for their roles, and the on-water experience they gain from these exercises helps keep them rescue-ready around the clock in one of busiest boating areas in the State.”
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said the exercise was an important boost to local boating safety.
“Our beautiful waterways are a magnet for local and visiting boaters alike, however, sometimes an enjoyable day on the water ends with a call for help, with last year Marine Rescue NSW units on the Mid North Coast undertaking 201 rescues, with 124 of those in life-endangering situations.”
‘This exercise will ensure that our local Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have the skills they need to keep our local waterways safer.”
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said the search exercise was designed to test both the participants’ skills as well as their coordination with other agencies.
“In addition to seven rescue vessels and four Jet Skis in the on-water component of the exercise, volunteers from all seven units will also undertake incident management exercises on shore to further test their skills and capability, as well as participating in presentations by participating agencies designed to enhance inter-agency understanding and cooperation.”
“Boaters on the Mid North Coast can be confident that in an emergency, those coming to their aid are skilled and well-practiced professionals thanks to these exercises and rigorous on-going training,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell added.
On International Dog Day, Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters to keep their furry friends safer on the water by ensuring their dog is wearing a canine lifejacket when out on a boat or paddle craft.
This morning Marine Rescue NSW members Mike Hammond and Courtney Greenslade, and Courtney’s daughter Ava, along with their dogs Bennie and Bee, appeared on the Morning Show on Network Seven.
Their message was a simple one – keep your dog safe on the water by buying them a canine lifejacket.
In the past two years over 200 dogs and their owners were rescued on our waterways, many from potentially life endangering situations, with Marine Rescue NSW volunteers observing that many dogs were not wearing lifejackets, making them vulnerable to drowning in an emergency.
A canine lifejacket is an inexpensive and effective way to keep your best friend safer, and boaters should ensure that their dog is wearing one whenever they head out on the water.
Make sure that the lifejacket is brightly coloured, as if your dog falls overboard, they will be much easier to spot.
On the set of The Morning ShowBennie, Courtney and Ava
The lifejacket should also have a grab handle on the back so you can more easily bring your dog back on board, provide support for their neck so their head stays above water, and be tight enough to stay on but loose enough to allow your dog to swim freely.
Finally, when you Log On your journey with your local Marine Rescue base, let us know there’s a dog on board, that way we can keep an eye out for them, as well as you, if there’s emergency.
Today was a big day for the members of Marine Rescue Broken Bay with the commissioning of $424k rescue vessel Broken Bay 21 and the inspection of progress on their new $1.215 million headquarters.
Attending the ceremony were the Hon. Rob Stokes, MP Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Cities, and Minister for Active Transport, Alex Barrell, MRNSW Deputy Commissioner, Ken Edwards, MRNSW Greater Sydney Board Director, Councillor Michael Gencher, Northern Beaches Council as well as Unit Commanders and Deputy Commanders from surrounding units and Broken Bat itself.
Minister Stokes
Minister Rob Stokes was representing Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, and said that the new base, on the shores of Pittwater on Sydney’s northern beaches, was being developed thanks to a contribution of $915,000 from the State Government’s four-year investment of $37.6 million in Marine Rescue NSW; with the remainder of the funding from a $100,000 Community Partnerships Grant and a $200,000 investment by Pittwater Council. The 7.5 metre state of the art rescue vessel, Broken Bay 21, has been funded from the State Governments ongoing investment in the modernisation of the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
“I’m delighted to be here today as we inspect progress on this exciting new project,” Minister Stokes said.
“When complete, this tremendous new facility will mean the Marine Rescue Broken Bay volunteers will have an operations base specifically designed to support them in their work to keep watch over the Pittwater and Broken Bay boating community and save lives on the water.”
“This new facility will be fitted with the latest marine communications and search and rescue technology, enhancing their ability to listen for distress calls from boaters in trouble and to respond to emergencies around the clock.”
“When coupled with a new 7.5 metre state of the art rescue boat, designed in conjunction with the volunteers of the Marine Rescue Broken Bay unit, they represent a major boost to the safety of boaters on Broken Bay.”
Marine Rescue Deputy Commissioner Operations, Alex Barrell, said that the new facility would showcase the latest generation of online marine radio technology, as well as a large training and meeting space, storage for rescue equipment, offices, amenities, kitchen facilities, a wet area for boat crews, and improved access for volunteers living with a disability.
Official party at the commissioningInspecting building progress
The new rescue vessel, built specifically for local conditions, has several unique features.
“Designed with input from our volunteers, the new rescue vessel boasts a drop down bow allowing it to pull up to beaches to rescue stranded boaters and walkers; as well as sonar, radar, a full Raymarine navigation suite and greater safety and protection on the water for its volunteer crew,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
“Marine Rescue NSW is grateful for the support of the NSW State Government in ensuring our volunteers have fit-for-purpose facilities and vessels designed and equipped for modern emergency management – and that means greater safety for the Pittwater and Broken Bay boating community.”
A straight forward rescue for the volunteers of Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet quickly turned into a medical emergency yesterday, when a solo yachtsman became seriously ill with hypothermia.
Just after 9am a call was received saying that a yachtsman aboard a small 4 metre sail mono-hull had capsized 400 metres off Macleans Point in the St Georges Basin, with the skipper unable to right the vessel.
A rescue team aboard Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet 20 was quickly on the scene, taking the yachtsman on board.
Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet Deputy Unit Commander Tony Pollard said once on board, the man’s condition quickly deteriorated.
“When we first got him on board he seemed ok, just a bit cold, but he very quickly became delirious and weak,” Mr Pollard said.
“An ambulance was called and met us at the Nielsons Boat Ramp, where he was treated by the paramedics before being taken home to recover.”
“The whole experience was a real eye opener, seeing how quickly hypothermia can take hold and the serious effects it can have.”
Marine Rescue Deputy Commissioner Operations Alex Barrell said that the incident was a timely reminder that across the state water temperatures are now at their coldest point for the year, and without a wetsuit or proper clothing, boaters and paddlers can quickly succumb to hypothermia if they become wet, particularly if it is windy.
“Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, drowsiness, slurred speech and disorientation,” Mr Barrell said.
“It is essential that anyone exhibiting these symptoms are treated quickly bymoving the person to a warm, dry place or sheltering them from the elements, taking off any wet clothing and covering them with a blanket or dry clothes, and having them drink a warm beverage until professional medical treatment can be obtained.”
‘It is also essential that boaters and paddlers dress appropriately before heading out on the water.”
Despite the wettest start to a year on record, Marine Rescue NSW has had its second busiest 12 month period ever with 3,905 rescues safely delivering 8,599 to shore.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke congratulated Marine Rescue NSW volunteers for their outstanding efforts.
“One third of the rescues conducted in the last financial year were for life-threatening emergencies, sometimes in the worst of weather and sea conditions and at the dead of night,” Ms Cooke said.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers whose skill, bravery and dedication saves lives on the water and helps keep our State’s waterways safe.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said that the number of rescues had come in slightly below the previous year, thanks to the poor weather over the popular summer boating period.
“Over the year our volunteers received an extraordinary 223,338 radio calls, nearly one every two minutes. These included 73 Mayday calls when lives were in imminent danger, and 47 Pan Pans, when boaters were in an urgent but not life-threatening situation, as well as 14 flare sightings,” Commissioner Tannos said.
“57 per cent of calls were for flat batteries, running out of fuel or engine problems, providing boaters with an important reminder to keep their vessel properly serviced and to always carry enough fuel for the journey. In total, 65,433 boaters Logged On to their local Marine Rescue base, helping to keep them, and their passengers, safer.”
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers also attended 247 groundings, 146 capsizes and 23 medical emergencies, with most rescues while boats were fishing (37 per cent), cruising (32 per cent) or sailing (eight per cent).
Weekends accounted for 50 per cent of all rescues, with Sundays the busiest day with 27 per cent of rescues, and Thursdays the quietest on the water. Boaters were most likely to be rescued between 12pm and 3pm, with 40 per cent of all rescues at this time as boaters begin to head home and strike mechanical issues or deteriorating weather conditions.
As the warmer months approach, Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters to follow the safety advice and wear a lifejacket, check the weather conditions before heading out and to Log On with their local Marine Rescue base so they can be quickly located in an emergency.
Six young sailors aboard a 14 foot Hobie Cat owe their lives to a chance sighting and the efforts of the emergency services after their vessel was blown out to sea in strong winds off Narooma on Monday.
The Hobie Cat and its six crew were observed by Marine Rescue Narooma Radio Operator David White as they nearly hit the breakwall heading across the bar and out into the Tasman Sea.
Earlier, a member of the public had contacted the radio base, concerned that the vessel appeared to be heading out with no apparent safety equipment.
Although no request for assistance had been received, given the crew’s apparent skill level and the concern of the member of the public, and as the sailing boat was being rapidly pushed out to sea by strong westerly winds, it was decided to send Marine Rescue Narooma rescue vessel Narooma 30 to do a welfare check.
While there was no legal requirement to act and no formal request for assistance, the vigilance of Marine Rescue Narooma’s radio operator and a member of the public, the support of Marine Area Command at Eden, and the actions of the crew, prevented what could have been a significant tragedy.
With the support of the local NSW Police Marine Area Command in Eden, Narooma 30 reached the vessel, now far out to sea near Montague Island, to check on their welfare.
The vessel was observed to not have the required EPIRB, radio, flares or any means of communications in an emergency. One female crew member transferred onto the Marine Rescue vessel, but the others declined stating they were going to sail back to Narooma.
Marine Rescue Narooma 30 decided to shadow them back to port, but the strong head winds made it impossible for the young sailors to make progress, with the remaining five crew eventually agreeing to transfer onto Narooma 30 and for their Hobie Cat to be towed back to the ramp.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos thanked the Marine Rescue Narooma crew for their efforts and put out a call for boaters to always carry the necessary safety equipment before heading out on the water.
“As the skipper of a vessel the safety of all on board is your responsibility,” said Commissioner Tannos.
“It is essential to have on board all necessary safety equipment, the skills to operate your vessel safely, an understanding of the weather conditions, and to have Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW so someone knows where you are going, when you’ll return and can start searching for you if you are overdue.”
Yesterday Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell attended the launch of construction on the upgrade of the Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse on the NSW-Queensland border, which will include the demolition and rebuild of the Marine Rescue NSW facility at Point Danger.
Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell at the Point Danger announcement
The $5.5 million project will go ahead following the announcement of $2,023,449 in additional funding from the NSW Government’s Cross Border Commissioner’s Infrastructure Fund.
The upgrade will rejuvenate the area and provide much-needed public toilets with safe and wheelchair-friendly access around the building and up to the viewing podium. A new café will also be built, with tabled seating both inside and outside on the public viewing lower deck.
Fingal Head indigenous artist Christine Slabb has been given a blank canvas to provide indigenous storyboards for the café gallery and interpretive artwork in the surrounding landscape.
Deputy Commissioner Barrell with other dignataries at the announcement at Point Danger
The story of the volunteer Marine Rescue service will also be told, along with some narrative around European settlement of the area.
The Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse structure was originally built in 1971, with an extension to house Marine Rescue NSW built in 1990. This facility currently has numerous structural defects and concrete cancer, with the cost to maintain it as fit for occupation no longer sustainable.
Marine Rescue NSW has already relocated to its own building on Duranbah Beach to accommodate the construction works. On completion, they will return to the building. Its fundraising ventures will continue, with the new lessee of the cafe required to stock and sell the products made by its volunteers. The cafe, which will operate daily from 6 am to 8 pm, will be leased via public tender towards the end of construction.
Marine Rescue specialists from Sydney and the Central Coast took to the waters around Broken Bay to search for “victims” missing at sea as part of a major marine capability exercise over the weekend.
The search was the focus of a two-day regional Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) designed to test agencies’ marine search and rescue practices and coordination.
Marked by the Rescue Westpac helicopter, a Marine Rescue vessel approaches a target.A mannequin is retrieved.
Minister for Emergency Services, Resilience and Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, said that the exercise was the largest of five held across the state this winter to test the readiness of marine rescue agencies ahead of the busy summer boating season.
“Over the past 12 months, Marine Rescue volunteers responded to 3,896 calls for emergency assistance, the second highest on record despite the wettest start to a year on record,” Minister Cooke said.
“These exercises hone vital marine search and rescue skills and cooperation between agencies to ensure during such emergencies, everyone is able to respond as quickly and safely as possible,” Minister Cooke said.
“Tragically over the past year 14 boaters and paddlers have lost their lives, and I urge everyone heading out on the water to do their bit by always wearing a lifejacket, and Logging On with their local Marine Rescue base.”
A participant in the desktop component of the exercise.A radio operator monitors transmissions.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said volunteers from eight Marine Rescue NSW units would be among more than 115 specialists taking part in the second of the 2022 SAREX series.
“Over the weekend, members of the Central Coast, Hawkesbury, Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Sydney, Port Jackson, Middle Harbour and Botany Port Hacking Marine Rescue NSW units will be joined by personnel from the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and Surf Life Saving NSW.”
“This weekend’s event is a major component of our ongoing professional training program for our highly skilled boat crew and radio operators, in the state’s busiest boating region.”
“Our volunteers are trained to the highest standards for their roles and the on-water experience they gain from this exercise helps keep them rescue-ready around the clock.”
The search exercise is based on a scenario involving a search for multiple victims after a recreational fishing boat is reported missing off the coast at Broken Bay, with volunteers from all eight units also undertaking incident management exercises onshore as well as presentations by the attending emergency services.
Minister Cooke said the SAREX would provide members of the attending Marine Rescue units invaluable practical experience in a realistic scenario to take back and share within their units.
“This is essential to ensure that we have the best possible chance of quickly finding and rescuing someone in the water in an emergency, when time is of the essence,” she added.
Recently the Marine Rescue NSW fleet team have been busy working with several of our Marine Rescue NSW units to deliver new fit-for-purpose vehicles.
Among these is this Ford Ranger crew cab with rear enclosed storage area that opens up for easy retrieval of equipment. This particular vehicle is destined for delivery to the Marine Rescue Kioloa unit on the NSW South Coast.
We’re proud to help our volunteers have better vessels, vehicles and equipment so they can safely and effectively do their role of saving lives on the water.
Today Marine Rescue NSW’s newest rescue vessel Botany Port Hacking 32, was launched onto the waters of the Clarence River at Yamba on the North Coast of NSW.
The state of the art rescue vessel made the short journey by truck from the yard at Yamba Welding and Engineering to the shores of the Clarence River, where it was lifted by a boat lift and lowered gently onto the water.
In coming weeks Botany Port Hacking 32 will undergo testing and sea trials before being transported to Sydney to start its new life on the busy waters of Port Hacking.
Parliamentary Secretary for the South Coast, Shelley Hancock, has officially welcomed Marine Rescue Jervis Bay’s $791,000 rescue boat Jervis Bay 41 in a ceremony conducted at Huskisson this afternoon.
Ms Hancock was joined by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos and Mayor of Shoalhaven City Council Amanda Findlay in a ceremony to officially commission Jervis Bay 41 to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
Jervis Bay 41
“Jervis Bay 41 is one of 38 new rescue vessels funded by a $37.6 million four-year State Government investment to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers,” Ms Hancock said.
“With powerful 900 Horsepower Suzuki engines and specialist Raymarine Suite of maritime navigation equipment including 16 inch multifunction displays, radio direction finder, FLIR camera and two loud hailers, this new rescue boat has already proved itself to have the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they need to when vital seconds count.”
“This outstanding rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of Jervis Bay’s active local boating community and its many visiting boaters.”
Jervis Bay Unit Commander Tony Dagger receives the Commissioning Certificate from Commissioner Stacey Tannos
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said Jervis Bay 41 had been purpose-designed and built to meet the demanding local operating conditions found on Jervis Bay and out to sea, and would prove a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“As our Jervis Bay unit works closely with the naval base at HMAS Creswell, we needed a vessel that could not only quickly and safely respond to emergencies in the worst of weather conditions but also reliably support the Navy’s exercises,” Mr Tannos said.
The official party at the commissioning.
“Critical in the build process was working with our volunteer members and challenging their thinking on what a rescue boat should look like. The outstanding result speaks for itself.”
Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Unit Commander Tony Dagger said the new vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former boat.
“This boat has a number of interesting features, including a specially designed hydraulic heavy lift platform which drops below the waterline to assist in disembarking passengers and loading heavy equipment, a carbon fibre lifting davit, deck area with a roll away tow line and roaming bilge pump system, and lots of storage for essential rescue and safety equipment.”
“The internal fit out has been carefully planned with high grade ergonomic seating, a stable internal workspace to lay out charts, and grab rails for extended search and rescue operations helping to reduce fatigue and enable crew members to safely operate out on the water for longer.”
“The vessel’s name, the John Gallimore, is a fitting tribute to much respected member John Gallimore, who tragically died while on duty as a Radio Operator last year.”
After having two vessels out on the water yesterday at Wisemans Ferry, the Marine Rescue NSW flood response has increased today, with the deployment of an additional two vessels from the Central Coast.
Joining Broken Bay 20 and Ulladulla 10 are Central Coast 30T ‘Sealegs’ as well as Central Coast 13.
All four vessels will be helping with reconnaissance, resupply and evacuations in the Wisemans Ferry and lower MacDonald Valley areas.
Marine Rescue NSW liaison officers remain in several locations including at Wisemans Ferry, Rhodes, SES State Headquarters and Metford in the Hunter Valley.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW continue to support the NSW State Emergency Service in the current flood response.
Overnight, six volunteers from Marine Rescue Ulladulla arrived in North West Sydney, and were on site early this morning at the staging point at Wisemans Ferry next to the Wisemans Ferry Bowling Club.
Volunteers prepare to launch Ulladulla 10 at Wisemans Ferry this morning
Their vessel, Ulladulla 10, has now joined Broken Bay 20 that was on location yesterday, in assisting flooded communities.
The two vessels are working in the isolated MacDonald Valley area, undertaking a range of tasks including evacuation and resupply. They are anticipated to remain in the area until late this week.
Elsewhere today, Marine Rescue volunteers and staff are filling liaison roles in several local Emergency Operations Centres.
A Marine Rescue member in the Emergency Operations Centre on the Central Coast on Tuesday 5 July
While no other Marine Rescue assets are on water, there are a number of crews and vessels on standby ready to assist if required, both on the currently flooded rivers near Sydney and on the Central Coast, as well as in areas further north on the Mid North Coast where heavy rain and flooding are expected to develop later today.
One casualty of the flooding has been the Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes base at Toukley, where the floodwaters from Tuggerah Lake, at levels not seen in some 140 years, have surrounded the base and flooded the garage.
Following a request from the New South Wales State Emergency Service, crews from Marine Rescue NSW are currently active in two separate areas affected by flooding, with an additional vessel en route.
Today rescue vessel Broken Bay 20 has been helping to evacuate residents from the Lower MacDonald Valley near Wisemans Ferry, including the evacuation of three children. It is expected that Broken Bay 20 will continue to be tasked in the area around Wisemans Ferry for the next few days.
They will be joined tomorrow by rescue vessel Ulladulla 10.
This afternoon rescue vessel Central Coast 30T will be used to help evacuate a female resident who is isolated in her home along the flooded Wyong River.
Marine Rescue NSW crews remain poised to assist further as required.
NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year the theme of NAIDOC Week is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!
The following story relates to the depicted artwork and is in the words of Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie volunteer and Western Bunjalung woman, Leanda Guy.
My name is Leanda Guy and I am a descendant of the Western Bunjalung. I joined Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie in January this year as a general member prepared to undertake administration or fundraising duties, and have completed the foundation training for sections of the radio and boat crew stream as well.
My Great Uncle Pat Bancroft left me his land at Lionsville known as The Old School Site. Uncle Pat had his caravan here and used to stay when he was on his land. This is a very special site and I am very privileged to be the current custodian of this land, and you can learn more about him in the book Remembering Lionsville by Bronwyn Bancroft.
Bronwyn is my cousin and has written many books and given many recounts of the history of our family. One can be read in the book Speaking From The Heart edited by Sally Morgan, Tjalaminu Mia and Blaze Kwayamullina.
The book Remembering Lionsville is actually about my mother’s home. She is in the book, as cousin Tain. Lionsville was where I spent my holidays when growing up. I learnt many things from my grandmother and I was unaware at the time just how special this was. I loved collecting rocks, plants and learning about the plants and animals with my grandparents and extended family. Skin colour was never an issue as we were all family.
When I read the theme for NAIDOC Week this year the picture formed immediately in my mind, like a lightbulb in the comics. I grabbed my sketch book and it just flowed onto the page. The figures formed and coalesced onto the canvas. As I added colour to the work it just came together.
Initially I painted it for the NAIDOC Week Poster Competition but it took on another life and the inclusion of the Marine Rescue checks and colours just fitted right in along with the representation of Malangbula.
Malangbula is the story of the Petrified women of Swansea Heads. Miromaa Aboriginal and Tech Centre records the story, and here is an abridged version.
Two Aboriginal women had a problem with an Awabakal Warrior. The reason was never known, however for their sins they were turned into stone on the headland and the women became protectors of the nearby burial site of their ancestors.
If the sisters saw danger they would return to human form and warn their people, and appropriately the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie unit Radio Base now resides on this headland keeping watch for danger, warning our boat crews when those in trouble need our help.
In this the year of reconciliation, the parallel objectives were too strong to ignore. The base of the painting depicts the headland and has two bars to represent the petrified women with the figures above all working together, all of different colours and all joined in their mission.
NAIDOC Week has been in the making since the 1920s. I believe that many problems Australian people have with Indigenous People and culture comes from not understanding the actual history, true stories and importance of culture, and as NAIDOC Week garners more publicity and coverage, more Australians are learning and understanding.
My husband and I joined Marine Rescue at the same time and he is now part of the boat crews. I am currently working in conjunction with Jim Stringfellow and am preparing to move into the Administration role as the Radio Club Coordinator.
I have been visiting local fishing clubs and water sport groups delivering talks on the value of becoming a member of the Radio Club and promoting our Boat Licence courses and membership. I am also an avid photographer and have my camera at the ready to catch those moments for the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Facebook Page.
Outside of Marine Rescue NSW I am the Junior Coordinator for Teralba Lakesiders Fishing Club and run a free entry, catch and release format Junior Fishing Tournament each year. Our juniors have raised over $2000 for Marine Rescue before I joined and also donated a Tailfin to the Lake Macquarie Unit.
The juniors are again raising funds this year for Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie during their upcoming tournament being held over the 27th and 28th August.
I am an avid Angler along with my husband Ian and we compete in two clubs, Wangi RSL and Teralba Lakesiders. I have just a few trophies….. and records within both clubs, and I have been fishing and gathering bait since my grandmother and family taught me while growing up.
It always seems to come back to the heritage. Many years ago someone asked me how much Aboriginal did I have in me? My answer, was my left leg! I have a large birthmark on that leg which I used to cover with long socks as a young girl, but now I wear proudly.
So even though the years have taught me it is not how much but how you understand who you are and your self-worth, your history and what is valuable to you.
I am a proud Bunjalung woman who is more than happy to Get Up, Stand Up and Show Up!
This morning was a special day for Marine Rescue Newcastle with the commissioning of rescue vessel Newcastle 30, which now proudly bears the name ‘Ron Calman’ in honour of the unit’s long-serving and dedicated Unit Commander.
The day also saw the turning of the first sod for the unit’s new $2 million base by the Honourable Taylor Martin MLC Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, and Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews.
Other guests in attendance included Marine Rescue NSW Director Hunter Central Coast Jim Wright ESM, The Reverend Garry Dodd Senior Chaplain to the Port of Newcastle who blessed the vessel,
Councillor Jennie Barrie from Newcastle City Council and Marine Rescue Zone Commander Central Darren Schott who acted as the Master of Ceremonies.
Marine Rescue specialists from the Illawarra and South Coast have taken to the water off Ulladulla today to search for a fishing boat missing at sea as part of a major capability exercise.
The search is the focus of a two-day regional Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) designed to test agencies’ marine search and rescue practices and coordination.
Jervis Bay 40
Minister for Emergency Services, Resilience and Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, said 50 volunteers from nine Marine Rescue NSW units were among more than 120 specialists taking part in the first of a series of search and rescue exercises along the NSW coast this winter.
Today’s exercise saw Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from the Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet, Ulladulla, Kioloa, Batemans Bay and Tuross Moruya units take part.
Vessels gathered for the start of the exercise
The Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were joined by personnel from the NSW Police, including Incident and Emergency Command and Marine Area Command; the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, forty members of Surf Life Saving NSW, and the Regional Emergency Management Officer.
“These exercises are staged along the coastline each year to hone marine rescue search and rescue skills and cooperation between agencies to ensure they operate seamlessly when a real emergency strikes,” Ms Cooke said.
“This weekend’s event is a major component of our emergency services’ ongoing professional training program in this busy boating region.”
“Our emergency services personnel are trained to the highest standards for their roles and the on-water experience they gain from these exercises helps keep them rescue-ready around the clock.”
Morning briefing at Ulladulla Harbour
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said that while the search exercise was based on a familiar scenario for emergency services personnel involving a search for a missing fishing boat, a few surprises thrown in tested the participant’s skills and their coordination with other agencies.
“In addition to the on-water component of the exercise, volunteers from all nine units undertook incident management exercises on shore to further test their skills and capability, as well as participating in presentations by participating agencies designed to enhance inter-agency understanding and cooperation.”
“Boaters on the South Coast and Illawarra can be confident that in an emergency, those coming to their aid are skilled and well-practiced professionals thanks to these exercises and rigorous on-going training,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell added.
Over the long weekend, volunteers from the Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet unit conducted a two day Rescue Water Craft (Jet Ski) training course for its members.
The training boosted the skills of the Sussex Inlet unit members, helping ensure they are better prepared than ever to help in the case of an emergency.
The members were joined by Zone Duty Operations Commander Stuart Massey and State Headquarters training and capability staff (Stu) as well as Training and Capability staff Craig Lunn and Brad Whittaker.
This was the first training activity with Rescue Water Craft (RWCs) X13 and X14, two new RWCs that will support training activities and rescue operations across the state into the future.
Today is Thank a First Responder Day, held each year as a way of acknowledging the amazing work undertaken by our first responders right across Australia.
We have over 3,200 first responders in Marine Rescue NSW, with each and every one of them dedicated to saving lives on the water.
If you know a Marine Rescue NSW volunteer, or any other first responder, take a minute today to thank them – whether it’s in person, via text, or a phone call, they’ll appreciate your support for their life-saving work.
For more information on Thank a First Responder Day, visit: https://firstresponderday.com.au/
Recently Marine Rescue NSW were invited by The Finnish Lifeboat Institution to participate in a online campaign to get boaters to wear a lifejacket. Click on the play button to see the video produced.
We provided a short clip, as did marine rescue services from Finland, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and France.
Below is the clip, and we are proud to have played a small role in this small but important international collaboration to promote boating safety.
This morning Marine Rescue Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell attended the official launch of the Emergency Services Blood Challenge at the Town Hall Donor Centre in Sydney.
Accompanying Mr Barrell was Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin, and volunteer donor Chris Allen from Marine Rescue Sydney, who has now made 335 donations.
Donor legend Chris Allen
Marine Rescue NSW is proud to again support Australian Red Cross Lifeblood in this year’s Emergency Services Blood Challenge.
Between June 1 and August 31 the various emergency services will be competing against each other to see who can make the most donations – and save the most lives.
Representatives of the emergency services at the launch
The blood and plasma donations will help Australians when they need it most. Some need them to get through cancer or a difficult pregnancy, while others have medical conditions which mean they need blood products regularly to stay healthy.
You can save lives too, even if you are not in one of the emergency services – just go along to your nearest donor centre or mobile blood bank and donate.
First aid is just one of many skills our members learn to help them save lives on the water.Last weekend two first aid courses were held at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s base at The Spit. The courses were attended by members from MR Cottage Point as well as the State Headquarters.
The first of the courses was ‘Provide First Aid’, with members learning basic first aid techniques including CPR, casualty management, use of slings and wounds, and how to do a primary and secondary survey on a casualty.
The second course was ‘Provide Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy’and included how to conduct CPR as a team, use of oxygen within patient management and the benefits of oxygen therapy.
If this sounds like something you’d like to learn, consider joining your local Marine Rescue unit.
The migration of humpback whales near NSW coast takes place between May and November each year, with the start of the whale watching season now in full swing. The season can be split into two parts depending on the direction of travel for the majority of whales during this time.
During the northern migration, the Humpbacks head north between May and August mostly to give birth and to mate in the Coral Sea waters. At this time of year, they swim continuously at 5–9 km/h and have regular surface intervals. During the southern migration, the whales head south from mid-August to November to return to the Antarctic feeding ground for the southern hemisphere summer. When they move southwards, they can swim for hours in any direction at a time, with less regular surface intervals.
On the water is one of the best places to witness whales and their annual migration. It is important to understand, however, that whales are wild animals and that whale watching carries with it dangers both to humans, as the observers, and to the whales themselves.
In June last year, two fishermen off Narooma were injured, one critically, when a whale breached and landed on the boat they were travelling in, and each year there are many close encounters.
If you’re on a powered or non-powered water vessel such as a boat, surfboard, surf ski or kayak, then you need to maintain a distance of at least 100m from any whale, and 300m if a calf is present.
For all water vessels, a distance of between 100m and 300m is established as the ‘caution zone’. In this zone, vessels must travel at a constant slow speed and leave a negligible wake. It’s also important to assess the direction that the whales are traveling in, and then plan the best course of action.
If using a ‘prohibited vessel’ (that is, a vessel that can make fast and erratic movements and not much noise under water such as a Jet Ski or parasail boat), then the distance increases to at least 300m from any whale.
There is also to be no waiting in front of any whale, or approaching from behind.
Following these rules helps ensure your safety out on the water, and ensures that the whales are not distressed by the presence of humans around them.
Members of Marine Rescue Moama have played a key role in the world’s largest ski race, the Southern 80 run by the Moama Water Sports Club.
Normally held in February, the race this year was moved to mid-May and attracted hundreds of boats and nearly a thousand competitors, as well as tens of thousands of spectators.
This year was the first time MR Moama assisted in the race, supporting NSW Maritime and the race organisers by having their two rescue boats on-call during the race in case of an emergency, as well as assisting NSW Maritime in the post-race clearing of the course.
Prior to the event, members of the unit distributed boating safety education materials and talked to local and visiting boaters to ensure they had a safe as well as enjoyable time on the water.
The busy scene at Moama last weekend.
Principal Manager Maritime South for Transport for NSW Dean Voyer, praised the involvement of the MR Moama volunteers.
‘Thank you to the Moama Marine Rescue unit for their engagement and collaboration in assisting Maritime with this year’s Southern 80,”Mr Voyer said.
“The 80 is one of the marquee NSW aquatic events, along with the likes of those on Sydney Harbour which Marine Rescue NSW also assist with.”
“From my experience with the Southern 80, 2022 was the first year that I understand Marine Rescue has joined with Maritime – and I personally thank you for making the connection between the two agencies.”
“The time of your volunteers, who essentially donated their weekend to support the event, is greatly appreciated and I am sure the role and value of Marine Rescue’s attendance will expand as we work together.”
Having just completed their training, Marine Rescue Eden have undertaken their first rescue mission, supporting NSW Police Marine Area Command in the retrieval of a sick crew member from the bulk carrier Daiwan Falcon.
The vessel had not long left Eden bound for New Zealand when the crew member became ill, forcing it to make an unscheduled return to port for the crew member to receive urgent medical attention.
As the rising sun coloured the southern skies on Saturday 14 May, Marine Rescue Eden rescue vessel X30, with crew Guy Illy, Garry Thornton, Greg Madden, Tom Cousin, Fay Cousin, Roger Barson and Malcolm McConnell headed out to the Pilot Pickup Point at the entrance to Twofold Bay, about two nautical miles offshore. Accompanying them on their maiden mission was Eden Water Police vessel Falcon.
The crew of X30 prepare to head out
While the weather conditions were favourable, a swell of around 3.5 metres made for difficult conditions for the transfer of the ill crew member from the bulk carrier.
The bulk carrier in the distance from X30
The crew member was initially transferred onto the Eden Water Police vessel Falcon, with X30 standing by to retrieve anyone who might have accidentally fallen into the water during the tricky transfer.
Falcon and X30 then moved to calmer waters where the crew member was transferred aboard the Marine Rescue Eden rescue vessel.
Once the patient was safely aboard X30, it proceeded to the wharf at Snug Cove and a waiting ambulance. Here the final transfer occurred, with the crew member assisted to the ambulance who transported him to the nearby Bega Hospital for treatment.
Congratulations to all the members of MR Eden who have trained hard over the past few months to get themselves ready for this, their first call-out. Thank you too for the efforts of the trainers in helping them to achieve this significant milestone.
Today is the start of National Volunteer Week, a time to thank volunteers across the nation for their dedicated service.
Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone.
National Volunteer Week is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say thank you.
Together, through volunteering, we are changing communities for the better. We are, Better Together.
This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘Better Together’.
A Marine Rescue Middle Harbour member at the helm
Marine Rescue NSW has over 3,200 volunteers in 45 units across the state who last year undertook over 4,251 rescues – bringing 9,922 people safely to shore.
Our dedicated radio operators took an extraordinary 256,000 radio transmissions, using Australia’s most modern marine radio network.
Marine Rescue radio operators
Our volunteers are a diverse crew, aged from 16 to over 90 and from a wide range of ethnicities – with every single one committed to our mission of saving lives on the water and helping to build a better community.
If you know a Marine Rescue volunteer, make sure you take a moment or two this week to thank them for their service – and perhaps consider becoming a Marine Rescue volunteer yourself.
On Monday 9 May, Minister for Emergency Services, Resilience and Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, visited Port Kembla where she opened renovations to the iconic radio base on Hill 60 and commissioned Marine Rescue Port Kembla vessels PK20 and PK31.
Also in attendance was Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra Peter Poulos, MRNSW Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews, Lord Mayor Wollongong City Council Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM, SLSNSW Chief Executive Officer Mr Steve Pearce, IMB Bank Unanderra branch Alex Janeski, MRNSW Board Director Mr Keven Marshall and Unit Commander MRNSW Port Kembla Mr Kevin Bradley.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke today said boaters in the Illawarra would be safer thanks to a $1.2 million investment by the State Government in the Marine Rescue Port Kembla base.
Minister Cooke with volunteers from the Marine Rescue unit at the Hill 60 base
The investment includes $869,000 for two new state of the art rescue boats, an extensive $273,000 refurbishment of the unit’s iconic radio base on Hill 60, and a $55,000 enhancement to crew facilities at Port Kembla Harbour.
“Port Kembla 20 and Port Kembla 31 are two of 38 new rescue vessels funded by a $37.6 million four-year State Government investment to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers,” Ms Cooke said.
“With powerful Suzuki engines and specialist Raymarine Suite of maritime navigation equipment, these new rescue boats have the speed and technology to quickly and safely get where they need to when vital seconds count.”
“These outstanding rescue vessels are a valuable investment in the safety of the Illawarra’s large local boating community and its many visiting boaters.”
“The refurbishment of the radio base will ensure clear and reliable radio communications in emergencies, with new crew facilities providing volunteers with an all-weather space to train and from which to coordinate emergency responses.”
“I’d also like to acknowledge the generous support of the IMB Bank Community Foundation who donated $70,000, and the Port Kembla Investment Fund who contributed $180,000 towards the Hill 60 project.”
Marine Rescue Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the two new rescue boats had been purpose-designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions, and would prove a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“Boaters in the Illawarra can rest easier knowing that these state of the art craft are at the ready should they run into trouble,” he said.
“Built in NSW by Yamba Welding & Engineering, these new rescue vessels are part of our ongoing commitment to support manufacturing in NSW, as well as the safety of boaters.”
Minister Cooke and dignataries at the vessel commissioning
Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley said the new vessels were a significant improvement over the unit’s former boats.
“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board including radar, sonar and FLIR night vision will improve our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives here on the coastline,” he said.
“With larger windows for better visibility, improved handling and maneuverability and greater volunteer comfort, our crews will be able to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions.”
“The Hill 60 radio base refurbishment boasts a unique multi-purpose whale watching and observation tower that is open to the public, as well as improved facilities for our dedicated radio operators; while the new crew facilities on the Harbour provides greatly improved training, meeting and coordination facilities.”
Today is Mother’s Day, and we wish a very happy day to all the mums on this special day.
Meet Fay Cousins, one of our amazing volunteers, and mother to daughter Hannah. Both volunteer at Marine Rescue Eden on the NSW South Coast.
Six years ago Fay Cousins was feeling a little left out. Her immediate family had marine-based careers and were out having adventures on the water. Her son was a Second Mate (now studying for his Masters Class One ticket), her husband a Chief Marine Engineer (now studying for his Masters Five certificate) and her daughter a marine biologist.
Strolling through her local market at Merimbula, she saw a stall run by the local Marine Rescue unit. She got chatting and found out they were recruiting, and suddenly found herself with the perfect opportunity to get herself out on the water like the rest of her family while at the same time helping her local community.
That chance encounter at the markets led to Fay joining the Merimbula Marine Rescue unit, with her daughter Hannah joining her as volunteer. At the unit Fay trained in radio and as a crew member and also helped out with public relations.
After three years, Fay and Hannah transferred to the nearby Eden unit, where both of them still volunteer.
Fay is now studying to be a leading crew member, with her assessment in the coming week, so for her, Mother’s Day in part will be spent brushing up to be ready for her assessment.
“I really enjoy volunteering at the Eden unit, and it’s quite special to have my daughter Hannah volunteer there with me,” Fay said.
“Hannah sometimes drops by on my early morning Sunday radio shift, and as a marine biologist with a special interest in whales, she makes sure I keep an eye out for her charges out on the water.”
“Now I don’t feel left out and our whole family all have a close connection to the sea.”
Hannah’s career on the water has included working with the Department of Primary Industries shark patrol, and a stint on Barbados with a sea turtle project. Hannah has a Masters degree in which she studied the Short Tailed Shearwater, and she works on the Eden based whale watching ship the Cat Balou.
“It’s great to work with mum and to have had her join my dad and brother in getting out on the water,” said Hannah.
“She and I always work really well together, and love to bounce ideas off each other.”
“I’ll be doing a special surprise today for her today for Mother’s Day – but it’s a secret!”
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, a time to give thanks to all mothers for the loving care they give to their family. Within the membership of Marine Rescue NSW we have many wonderful mums, each one committed to the welfare of their families and to the wider community.
Today meet Alison Cameron-Brown and her son Anderson, who volunteers alongside his mum at the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie unit.
Just over seven years ago, Alison and her husband were heading into the local DIY outlet when they walked past a stall run by the local MR Port Macquarie unit. Alison was trying to make up her mind as to whether she should do some further academic studies or some community volunteering.
Alison thought that volunteering for Marine Rescue might be interesting as she enjoyed kayaking, and at her husband’s suggestion, she stopped for a chat, during which the Unit Commander, Greg Davies, tried to talk her into becoming a radio operator.
With her rich Scottish accent, Alison was not sure this was a good idea, a feeling reinforced by Greg immediately mishearing her name and writing it down incorrectly – and so she soon found herself in training as a crew member.
Alison enjoyed being part of a boat crew so much she soon progressed to Leading Crew, Rescue Water Craft Operator and then Skipper.
“Once I joined, the more I learned, the more I wanted to learn,” said Alison.
“As it turned out, I didn’t need to make a choice between further study and volunteering after all, because at Marine Rescue I got to do both!”
The mother of two sons, Alison was delighted to have her eldest, Anderson, join her as a volunteer at Marine Rescue.
“We are on the same team and usually work together several times a month.”
“As a skipper and the unit crew training officer, I know if I’m short a crew member for a task I can usually get him to help out, which is really convenient for me, but perhaps not so great for him!”
A volunteer for just over three years, Anderson joined the unit aged just 16.
“I’ve already obtained my Crew and Rescue Water Craft qualifications and I’m now studying for my Leading Crew,” Anderson said.
“I enjoy working with mum, although it does mean she can boss me about when I’m volunteering as well as when I’m at home!”
“She’s a terrific mother and really dedicated to her family and the local Marine Rescue unit, and I’m looking forward to spoiling her with a nice breakfast on Mother’s Day.”
Today is Bruce Mitchell’s last day of active duty as a staff member, after a long and stellar career with Marine Rescue.
After retiring in 1998, keen fisherman Bruce joined the then Australian Volunteer Coast Guard (AVCG) in 2001, rising quickly through the ranks as a volunteer to become Squadron Commodore.
When the AVCG transitioned into Marine Rescue, Bruce was offered the role of Regional Coordinator, a position that evolved into the paid role of Regional Operations Manager Illawarra, and more recently, Zone Duty Operations Manager Illawarra.
Bruce is highly regarded for his dedication to marine safety and to the volunteers under his care, and will be sorely missed.
Asked about his time with Marine Rescue, Bruce said that he’d seen a lot of change, and it was definitely for the better.
“I’ve seen lots of good changes, with a better fleet, improved radio communications and much better training,” Bruce said.
“It is, however, getting harder to attract volunteers as everyone is travelling more and not as available to volunteer as they used to be.”
“I’ll be doing my bit to address that by spending some of my retirement doing radio shifts at the Shoalhaven Marine Rescue unit.”
Bruce’s position as Zone Duty Operations Manager will be filled by Stuart Massey, who as the Illawarra’s Regional Training Manager, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.
Thank you Bruce for your service, and all the best for your retirement.
Photo: Bruce Mitchell (centre) with Marine Rescue Commissioner Stacey Tannos (left) and Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell (right).
North Coast communities are continuing to benefit from more than $10.5 million in Marine Rescue NSW contracts to build and fit-out new vessels.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke and Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis today visited the Yamba Welding and Engineering shipyard where two Marine Rescue NSW vessels, worth $986,000, are being built.
“These two new boats will bring the number of Marine Rescue NSW vessels delivered by Yamba Welding and Engineering to 19, with more in the pipeline,” Ms Cooke said.
“The construction of each vessel has been made possible by the NSW Government’s four-year investment of $37.6 million in Marine Rescue NSW, which is supporting the ongoing replacement of ageing facilities, vessels and equipment.”
Minister Cooke inspecting a Marine Rescue vessel under construction
Member for Clarence said the Marine Rescue NSW construction contracts are supporting skilled jobs and providing apprenticeships for young people in the region.
“Yamba Welding and Engineering is producing state-of-the-art rescue vessels equal to those produced anywhere in the world, and the job and training opportunities this creates are also a vital part of the flood recovery effort,” Mr Gulaptis said.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said each boat is custom designed to meet local conditions and the specific needs of the Unit receiving the vessel.
“This collaborative approach is delivering faster, safer and more responsive rescue vessels which are able to reach the scene of an emergency in a wider range of weather and sea conditions,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
General Manager of Yamba Welding and Engineering Jamie Howden said the shipyard had a proud history of building first-class vessels for NSW, including for the Police Marine Area Command, DPI Fisheries, Maritime NSW and the State Emergency Service.
“The acquisition of Yamba Welding and Engineering by Australian-owned The Whiskey Project Group has enabled us to continue supporting regional jobs and to deliver state of the art vessels for our clients. The investment by Marine Rescue NSW and the NSW Government has helped us to employ six apprentices and to continue to grow our business and to support jobs and skilled industry on the North Coast,” Mr Howden said.
Wet weather has failed to dampen boating activities this summer, putting Marine Rescue NSW crews on track to match or exceed the total number of rescues recorded in the 2020-21 boating season.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said 60 per cent of all boating rescues were due to preventable incidents like engine failure, flat batteries and running out on fuel.
“The warmer weather over recent weeks has drawn many to the State’s coastline and waterways and there are simple precautions every boater can take to reduce the risk of running into trouble,” Ms Cooke said.
“Taking the time to prepare your vessel, having the necessary safety equipment on board and boating safely when you do hit the water can make the difference between a great day out and a potentially life-threatening emergency.
“I also want to commend all Marine Rescue NSW volunteers for their thousands of hours of dedicated service to keeping our coastline and waterways as safe as possible this summer.”
Marine Rescue Commissioner Stacey Tannos said over the course of the boating season, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers helped thousands of people and pets safely back to shore.
“Some incidents responded to were potentially life-threatening situations in difficult weather and sea conditions, and I’m immensely proud of the efforts of all our volunteers,” Commissioner Tannos said.
Bermagui 30 gets ready to assist a disabled yacht
“It’s vital that boaters get their vessels regularly serviced and take the time to properly plan their day out on the water to minimise the likelihood of a serious incident occurring.
“One of the best way boaters can stay safe on the water is to Log On with their local Marine Rescue base. Logging on means that if you don’t log off as expected, we will come searching for you, saving vital seconds if you are incapacitated in an emergency and cannot call for help.
“I urge all boaters to Log On using the Marine Rescue app or on their marine radios using VHF Channel 16.”
The official boating season runs from 1 October to ANZAC Day. Key statistics for the 2021-22 boating season are as follows:
41,730 boats carrying more than 140,000 people “Logged On” with Marine Rescue NSW;
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers helped 6,433 people including 664 children and 67 pets;
Boaters aged 35 and over accounted for 70 per cent of all rescues; and
62 per cent of boaters rescued described themselves as ‘somewhat experienced’ or ‘very experienced’.
Yesterday was ANZAC Day, a time when as a nation we pause in a national day of remembrance to commemorate those Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Across the state, volunteers and staff from Marine Rescue attended local dawn services and marches, including laying wreaths in memory of the fallen.
Following are a selection of photographs of our members participating in services up and down the state.
Banner photo: Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteers
Commissioner Stacey Tannos at the NSW Maritime service on 22 AprilWooli Unit Commander Richard Taffs ESM and Deputy Unit Commander Matthew McLennan at the Wooli serviceA volunteer stands ready to play the last post at Marine Rescue HawkesburyMembers of Marine Rescue Evans Head at the local Dawn ServiceMembers of the Marine Rescue Central Coast unit watched the Dawn Service from the water
Despite generally gloomy weather, volunteers from around the state were busy over the ANZAC long weekend, with 40 calls for emergency help received.
The busiest Marine Rescue units were Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie with nine rescues, Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking with five, Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Marine Rescue Sydney each with four and Marine Rescue Hawkesbury with three.
Among the forty calls for assistance was the rescue of six divers off Little Marley near Cronulla after their dive boat sank, with Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking BH30 and Water Police 41 responding.
Botany Port Hacking 30 and Water Police 41 at the scene of a sinking dive boat
At Port Kembla, Marine Rescue Port Kembla searched for a missing fisherman swept off rocks near Hill 60 in the Illawarra, with that search to recommence today with three Marine Rescue vessels.
On the Mid North Coast, Marine Rescue Crowdy Harrington rescued two people aboard a 5 metre centre console three nautical miles off Diamond Head after its engine failed, while Marine Rescue Middle Harbour helped a 6 metre cabin runabout off Queenscliff also with engine problems.
Whilst on patrol, Marine Rescue Hawkesbury received reports of a boat alight at Bar Island. HW30 attended the scene and found the fire had been doused by jetskiers from Jet Ski Safaris NSW and the four passengers taken safely by passersby. Milsons Passage Rural Fire Brigade then arrived and assisted in securing the vessel safetly to shore. A great collaborative effort by all involved.
A Hawkesbury 30 crew member surveys the burnt out runabout
Thank you to all our Marine Rescue volunteers for their work in helping their local boating community over the past three days.
With the ANZAC Day long weekend just around the corner, have you finished preparing?
A little time taken now might save you the frustration of breaking down out on the water and ensure that if something does go wrong, that you’ll be safer.
Simple checks you can do now include:
Getting your engine serviced
Checking your battery is in good condition
Checking your trailer
Ensuring that lifejackets are packed and their gas cannisters are in date
Ensuring that your flares are packed and in date
Making sure your V-sheet is packed
Installing the Marine Rescue app on your phone
Ensuring your EPIRB is packed
Filling your fuel tank and having extra fuel in an approved container on board
A little prep now will ensure a great long weekend on the water, so play it safe, and get prepped!
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers conducted 159 rescues over the long weekend, with fine weather and favourable seas bringing large numbers of boaters out on the State’s coastal and inland waterways.
Rescues occurred from Point Danger in the State’s north to Eden in the south, and inland on the Murray River at Moama.
While the majority of rescues were for boaters experiencing engine or battery failure or running out of fuel, there were several serious incidents including the grounding of vessels at Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, and searches for missing boaters at Port Stephens and Moama.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, Steph Cooke, said it is important those on the water take the proper precautions and follow the advice of authorities like Marine Rescue NSW.
“The key to a safe and enjoyable day out on our State’s beautiful waterways is being well prepared, and keeping across the weather conditions,” Ms Cooke said.
“As we’ve seen in recent weeks, the weather can change quickly with very little warning. With the ANZAC Day long weekend just days away, I want to remind all boaters to take the time to prepare themselves before heading out on the water.”
This vessel was rescued by Marine Rescue Shellharbour over the Easter 2022 long weekend.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said there were a few simple tasks that boaters could do now to ensure that they didn’t end up at the end of a tow rope after being rescued by one of the service’s rescue vessels.
“This ANZAC Day long weekend, make sure you have enough fuel for your journey with plenty in reserve,” Commissioner Tannos said.
“Check your battery is in good order, and don’t head out unless your engine has been recently serviced. Check the weather and sea forecast is suitable, and most important of all, make sure that you, and everyone on board, are wearing a lifejacket.”
“It’s also essential to let someone know where you are going and when you are returning. You can do this on the Marine Rescue app or on your marine radio on VHF Channel 16. We’ll watch out for your safe return, and start searching for you if you are overdue.”
After weeks of wild and unpredictable weather, boaters, rock fishers, swimmers and surfers are being urged to take extra care around the State’s waterways this Easter long weekend.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the flooding across NSW has left hidden dangers in the State’s waterways.
“The impact of the flooding and heavy rain has reached far and wide, with sunken debris and displaced navigational aids increasing the risks to those enjoying our waterways this Easter long weekend,” Ms Cooke said.
Minister Cooke at a media conference on Easter boating safety at the Marine Rescue NSW State Headquarters.
“As we’ve seen in recent weeks, the weather can change quickly with very little warning. Please check the forecast and listen to the advice of authorities, including Marine Rescue, Surf Life Saving and Maritime NSW so you can safely enjoy the public holidays.”
Member for Cronulla Mark Speakman said boaters can take simple precautions in and around the water to keep themselves and their family and friends safe.
“Before heading out boat owners should check their vessel to make sure its engine has been serviced and the battery is in good condition,” Mr Speakman said.
“Easter is a wonderful time to get out on our beautiful waterways but being prepared could be the difference between having a good time and tragedy.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said more than half of all calls for help received by Marine Rescue volunteers are due to engine, battery or fuel issues.
“Make sure you are carrying all of the required safety equipment, including a VHF marine radio, lifejackets, V-sheet, flares and EPIRB, and know how to use them. Boaters should also log their trip with Marine Rescue NSW via VHF Channel 16 or on the Marine Rescue app, to help us find them if something doesn’t go according to plan,” Commissioner Tannos said.
Commissioner Tannos
Surf Life Saving NSW President George Shales said the Easter period is historically one of the most dangerous along our coastline and urged everyone to head to a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.
“Last Easter our volunteer surf lifesavers conducted more than 100 rescues and we sadly saw multiple fatalities. We are expecting large numbers to head to the beach so please play it safe and listen to advice from lifesavers and lifeguards,” Mr Shales said.
Today, as part of NSW Youth Week, meet the second of our amazing youth volunteers, Sophie Baker from Marine Rescue Port Jackson.
In early 2020, university student Sophie Baker was sitting by the water with friends at a New Years’ day gathering at Kiribilli watching the crowds of boats out on the water, when suddenly a NSW Police Marine Area Command vessel sped by, closely followed by one from Marine Rescue.
Sophie had not seen a Marine Rescue vessel before, and she asked a friend who they were, who told her it was a volunteer-based emergency service. Sophie was intrigued, and decided to find out more.
She hopped online, filled in an expression of interest form, and within 20 minutes had received a call from Port Jackson Unit Commander Greg Urand. Not long afterwards she found herself standing outside the unit’s base at Birkenhead Point, and with a deep breath decided that she’d come this far, and she might as well give it a go – a decision she has not regretted.
“I loved it from day one”, said Sophie, “everyone was so welcoming, and the crew at Port Jackson are amazing.”
“I’d had no real boat experience before I joined, but everyone was so helpful, and I soon picked things up.”
“Not long after I joined I spent an extended period in Melbourne. The unit kept in touch and encouraged me to do some of the training online, and were so supportive. I’m now about to sit my Crew qualification, and I’m looking forward to getting out more on the water.”
According to Sophie, being a young Marine Rescue volunteer is a real conversation starter, and people are surprised when she tells them she volunteers there.
“I really love it”, Sophie said, “I’m doing things I never thought I’d get to do like driving a rescue boat and tying knots, and I’m working on my friends to get them to join up too!”
Sophie Baker
As part of her training Sophie has already spent plenty of time out on the waters of the harbour, and she gets a real buzz out of helping people.
“One recent call we had was to a party boat near the Opera House where a man had some deep lacerations. We were first on scene, and it was great to put the first aid training into effect and a real buzz to be in the centre of the action.”
“Australia Day this year was really busy, and we had six assists as well as spending most of the day trying to keep boaters out of restricted areas. There was a real energy and sense of being in the centre of things, and while it was hard work, it was great helping to keep everyone safe.”
Sophie says that young people interested in doing something active and for their community should definitely think about Marine Rescue as an option.
“There’s a really good vibe, and even though you might be out with older people, everyone is nice and helpful, and I’d 100% recommend it!”
It’s Youth week, a time to celebrate the contribution that our youth members make to Marine Rescue NSW and their community. Today, meet Marine Rescue Newcastle volunteer Sarah Green Goldberg.
Late in 2020, Sarah Green Goldberg decided to join a volunteer-based organisation to help out her local community and to get to know more people, and decided upon the local Newcastle Marine Rescue unit.
“I like the ocean,” said Sarah, “and I wanted to learn more skills, so the local Marine Rescue unit seemed like a great fit.”
“Since joining, I’m absolutely loving it, and it’s great to be gaining something with the knowledge and friendships I’ve acquired, while giving something back to the community.”
Sarah said that even though she gets a little sea sick making it not practical for her to go out on the water, there were still plenty of things for her to get involved in.
“I’ve nearly achieved my qualification as a Radio Operator, and I have been helping out with the fundraising as well”, Sarah said.
“The unit culture is great, and being a smaller unit, everyone helps each other out, creating a great sense of camaraderie.”
Sarah said what she enjoys most about volunteering at Marine Rescue is how grateful people are when you help them.
“As part of my training, I was working with another Radio Operator when a call came in from a man and his dog on board a yacht that broken down. The man was quite panicked, and it was great to see what a great job the other operator did in calming him down and organising for help to get to him, and how grateful he was for our assistance.”
Being the youngest volunteer at the unit has not fazed Sarah, although it did surprise her friends when she joined.
“There’s a perception out there that Marine Rescue is just for older people”, said Sarah.
“But there’s plenty to offer volunteers of all ages, and I’m working on getting my friends to sign up too!”
“I really enjoy being a Marine Rescue volunteer, it’s a community in itself, and like a big family. I’m always learning something new and I’d recommend it to any young volunteer wanting to do something for their local community.”
Today is the last in our series of senior volunteer prtofiles for the NSW Seniors Festival. Over the past week we’ve met some fabulous senior volunteers, and today we meet the fifth in our series, Terry Lippett, from the Botany Port Hacking unit.
For 43 years Terry Lippett drove trucks for a living, hauling cargo for companies such as Kwikasair, CSR Sugar and Linfox, and delivering goods as diverse as supermarket groceries, Kmart products and building steel.
In 2008 aged 63, Terry suffered a transient ischemic attack, and although he made a full recovery, decided it was time to retire from the road. Looking for something to do, Terry took up woodworking, making wooden toys for the grandkids, but the fit was not quite right.
Some five years ago a relative who volunteered at the Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking unit suggested he consider joining. Terry checked it out, and hasn’t looked back since.
“I wasn’t doing much at home,” said Terry.
“Marine Rescue offered me the opportunity to use some of the skills I’d picked up as a Scout leader as well as pick up a few new ones.”
“I even was inspired enough to buy my own small boat.”
Terry found himself on a steep learning curve, having never learned to type, and little experience of anything digital, not even having his own email address. Terry, however, soon got the hang of things, and has enjoyed the opportunity to pick up new skills.
Terry Lippett
“The first time I was asked to use the radio I was totally tongue-tied,” said Terry.
“Fortunately I had a great mentor who was an ex teacher, and now I have no problem at all using the radio to talk to boaters.”
Terry’s advice to other seniors is to give it a go.
“One of the things I like about it,” said Terry, “is that you get to meet all sorts of different people.”
“We have a QC, a lady who used to fly Jumbo Jets, an agronomist and others from all sorts of different backgrounds.”
“We all get along, and you learn a lot about all sorts of things talking to them.”
“I really recommend Marine Rescue for any senior wanting to meet people and to give something to their community.”
Today in our series for NSW Seniors Festival, meet Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya volunteer, Geoff Clarke.
In 2017 Geoff Clarke retired from Wagga Wagga to the South Coast, moving to the small town of Tuross Head at the mouth of the Moruya River.
A keen sailor, over many years he and a mate had sailed his beloved 40 foot yacht ‘Blue Lady’ as far as Cairns to the north and Tasmania to the south. Finding it harder to get family and friends to crew her, he decided it was time to say farewell, and put his yacht up for sale.
Not long after Geoff saw several Marine Rescue Tuross volunteers selling raffle tickets outside the local supermarket. He struck up a conversation joking that buying a ticket was the nearest he’d get to being on the water now he’d sold his yacht, which led to an invitation to drop in to the unit’s base, and from there he decided to join.
Geoff Clarke (right) examines a chart.
Geoff soon gained his Crew qualification, swapping sail for engine powered running on the water. It was, for Geoff, a very different experience.
“Powered running in a rescue vessel was a new thing for me,” Geoff said.
“It took a bit of time to get used to how our rescue vessels handled, and that they could go to places that I’d have kept well away from on my yacht.”
When Geoff joined the unit, it had relatively few members, and he soon found himself taking on all sorts of roles to help out, and although the unit has since doubled in size, he still fulfils an impressive range of responsibilities.
“As well as gaining my Crew qualification,” says Geoff, “I help out with the community markets, run the community noticeboard, prepare the grant applications, and help out the Training Officer where I can.”
“I’m also working towards getting my Leading Crew rating by the end of the year, so I’m keeping myself pretty busy!”
Over his three years as a volunteer, 77 year old Geoff has seen plenty of action, from ‘NRMA runs’ helping boaters with flat batteries or engine problems, to multi-agency searches for missing persons.
One that stands out for Geoff was the search for a missing woman, whose belongings were found on a local beach and who was presumed to have entered the water and swept away.
“That search was notable for me,” said Geoff, “for how close we skimmed along the shore near the surf zone looking for her. It was much closer to the shore than I’d have ventured aboard a yacht.”
“Recently we encountered a woman snorkelling. She raised her hand and we went over to investigate.”
“She was exhausted, and so we gave her a lift back to the ramp. It’s a great feeling when you can help someone out like that.”
For other seniors, Geoff thoroughly recommends giving Marine Rescue a try.
“There is plenty for everyone. If you are interested, you can do the active stuff and head out on a boat, but if that’s beyond you, there’s lots else you can do to help out such as radio, fundraising, administration and maintenance.”
“I have really enjoyed my time with Marine Rescue, and recommend it to any senior wanting to keep themselves busy and help out their local community.”
Our Marine Rescue Alpine lakes unit received a visit yesterday from Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell and Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews accompanied by Zone Commander South Mike Hammond.
The trio dropped by the unit to chat to recently installed Unit Commander Cain Hopwood and his deputy David Farmer.
The visit provided an opportunity to better understand the unique operational conditions on the alpine lakes and the needs of the unit and its members, as well as to inspect the unit’s base and two rescue vessels.
After the visit, a dinner was held with unit members which allowed for further discussion.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioners Alex Barrell and Todd Andrews have headed into the outback, visiting Marine Rescue’s farthest-flung unit at Moama on the Murray River in the south west of the state.
Also accompanying the deputies on their visit was Zone Commander South, Mike Hammond.
Inspecting the Moama unit’s vessels
At Moama, the trio inspected the unit’s facilities including its two rescue vessels, and held discussions with the Moama Unit Commander Luke Sharrock and his deputy Anthony Clark, before joining unit members for dinner.
The trip are making their way east today to Marine Rescue’s other inland unit, the Alpine Lakes, based in the Snowy Mountains town of Jindabyne.
This week is the NSW Seniors Festival, a time to recognise the achievements and contributions made by members of the state aged 60 and over.
Throughout the week, we are profiling five of our senior volunteers and the extraordinary contribution they have made to Marine Rescue and their local community.
Pam grew up the United Kingdom, and her family had a close connection to the sea, being avid supporters of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), with Pam herself sailing as a child.
In 1953 Pam’s father was part of the ‘tinny army’ of a different time, joining many others to row his small boat out to Canvey Island in the Thames Estuary to rescue people trapped on their roofs by the great North Sea flood of 1953.
Nearly 70 years later and half a world away, Pam’s adopted community of the North Coast was recently struck by its own great flood, with Pam one of the many Marine Rescue Cape Byron Radio Operators helping ensure that vital radio coverage was maintained for the region’s boating community.
“The flood knocked out telecommunications right across the region,” said Pam.
“Our base was able to take over from those bases out of action from the Queensland border as far south as Coffs Harbour, ensuring anyone out on the water had access to potentially life-saving marine radio communications.”
Moving to Australia, Pam practiced as a lawyer in Alice Springs, nearly as far from the sea as you can get, before some 20 years ago moving to be nearer to the sea at Byron Bay.
Wanting a way to contribute to her new community, Pam joined the then Byron Bay Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, where she became a Radio Operator and later Training Officer for several years.
Her love of the sea and being out on the water was still strong however, and in her own time, she attended the local TAFE and achieved her commercial Coxswain qualification, and purchased a Farr 5000 trailer sailer she sailed on the Clarence River until recently.
“I was a bit of a pioneer in those days,” said Pam.
Pam Ditton
“There were not a lot of women on boats and the culture at that time didn’t encourage it. I never did head out on the water in a rescue capacity. I decided I wasn’t physically fit enough. Fortunately things have changed somewhat and it’s great to see women of all ages now heading out on the water as crew and acting in leadership positions at Marine Rescue units.”
In her two decades with the Marine Rescue Byron Bay unit Pam has seen it become more professional and better equipped. Now 78, Pam still turns up regularly for shifts at the unit’s small base next to the famous Byron Bay lighthouse at Australia’s most easterly mainland location.
Being a Radio Operator is a great way to do something for your community, although it’s not for everyone, says Pam.
“Most of our Radio Operators are seniors wanting to give something back to the local community.”
“We vet them pretty carefully. You need to be self-reliant, and to take responsibility. You can also be working alone, which isn’t for everyone, but the views over the ocean are incomparable, and there are still opportunities for social interaction.”
“To any senior thinking of giving it a try, it’s a splendid thing to be doing.”
Photo: Pam Ditton (far left), with other volunteers from Marine Rescue Cape Byron, on receipt of their National Medals.
Soundings is Marine Rescue NSW’s quarterly magazine packed with three months worth of great stories, including our support to the severe flooding in early March, the arrival of MR Eden’s first ever rescue vessel, new staff arrivals, and much more.
Just click on the link to get yourself up to date on all things Marine Rescue!
With the Bureau of Meteorology again forecasting very heavy rain with flooding along many North Coast and Mid North Coast Rivers in coming days, Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters to prepare their vessels now and to delay going out on the water until conditions ease.
Marine Rescue Zone Commander North, Mal Jeffs, said that with conditions set to deteriorate, it was important that boaters were well prepared.
“A Flood Watch has been issued for minor to major flooding on most coastal rivers between the Hunter and the Queensland border.”
“In flooding early this month many boats broke their moorings and were damaged or sank.”
“Boaters should immediately secure their vessel’s mooring or remove it from the water, fix storm covers, and consider what other actions they need to do to keep their vessel safe should river levels continue to rise.”
Mr Jeffs said that boaters should stay home rather than heading out on the water.
“Rising seas and swell in coming days will make coastal bars treacherous and conditions offshore will become increasingly dangerous with heavy rain, poor visibility and strong winds.”
“Even if you are intending to stay in enclosed waters, flooding on coastal rivers and estuaries may result in strong currents and submerged and floating debris.”
“Navigation markers may become submerged, moved or damaged, and channels and shoals may be shifted to new areas, making boating extremely dangerous. Access and egress points such as boat ramps may become submerged or difficult to access safely. The safest bet is to stay at home and wait until conditions ease.”
“Once conditions have eased, boaters are reminded to always Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue on VHF Channel 16 or via the Marine Rescue NSW App.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos has announced that the Marine Rescue Tuross unit will henceforth be known as the Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya unit.
Commissioner Tannos said that the new name better reflects the local community served by the unit’s volunteers.
“Volunteers attending the unit come from both the Tuross and the Moruya communities”, Commissioner Tannos said.
“The unit also has vessels located in both communities, on Tuross Lake and the Moruya River at Preddys Wharf, so it makes good sense to better represent this dual presence in the unit’s name.”
Marine Rescue Tuross Moruya unit was initially called the Tuross Rescue Squad and was part of the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA). The current unit base and infrastructure was developed over time by local VRA volunteers, with the base officially opened in 1994.
When the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and NSW Volunteer Rescue Association Marine Fleet Services merged in 2009 to create Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW), the MRNSW Tuross unit was formed, and now has 40 members, two rescue vessels and two Rescue Water Craft.
Unit Commander Alan Blessington said that the name change would not affect the great service offered by the unit to the local boating community.
“Our unit undertakes rescues on the on the Tuross River, Tuross and Coila Lakes, the Moruya River and on the open sea from Broulee Island to Potato Point.”
“Our new name acknowledges the important role that the Moruya community plays in supporting our volunteers, and we will continue to offer 24/7 rescue assistance to both communities.”
“We’re always interested in hearing from local people who would like to become volunteers, and welcome anyone wanting to make a positive difference to the Tuross Moruya communities.”
This week, as part of the NSW Seniors Festival, we are profiling some of our outstanding senior volunteers. Today meet Coffs Harbour volunteer Alan Newman.
After over thirty years in the NSW Police Force and Australian Federal Police, Coffs Harbour resident Alan Newman retired. Retirement though, didn’t go quite as Alan had expected, and he quickly found himself feeling a bit lost without the regular routine that work in the Police had provided.
One day, around five years ago, the partner of a friend, knowing Alan was struggling, suggested he come along to the local Coffs Harbour Marine Rescue unit and take a look to see if it might interest him.
Immediately Alan saw the structure and purpose that he wanted in his retirement.
“It was a no brainer,” said Alan.
“Joining the local Marine Rescue unit gave me the structure I wanted, as well as the satisfaction of giving something back to the community and the knowledge I was helping people caught in an emergency get safely back to their family.”
After joining and beginning his training, Alan quickly found himself progressing to the roles of Training Officer and Watch Officer, both of which he thoroughly enjoys.
Alan Newman
During his time, Alan has seen many rescues, some with good outcomes, and some tragedies.
One that stands out was the search for five Indian nationals swept down a local creek and out to sea. Three were rescued by Surf Lifesaving, and another, sadly, found deceased. Alan found himself part of the team looking for the remaining missing person.
“We worked hard to establish where this person might have ended up, taking into account currents, tides, the person’s size, even the clothing they were wearing,” Alan recounted.
“This helped us in establishing a search area, but sadly, the person was found deceased. While it was not the outcome we wanted, the teamwork and professionalism shown that day ensured that their grieving family had some sort of closure.”
Recently, Alan was on radio duty when a 20 ton, 60 foot luxury cruiser under NSW Police Marine Area Command tow foundered off Muttonbird Island in heavy seas.
“The boat had taken on a lot of water and when the tow rope snapped, it proved impossible to get the rope back on the vessel.”
“With our Coffs Harbour rescue boat standing by, the order was given by Police to the two people on board to abandon ship, and they were quickly recovered by our crew.”
“While the vessel could not be saved, drifting north to be beached and destroyed by the pounding surf, the two on board lived to tell the tale, and it was very satisfying to be involved in such a positive outcome.”
For Alan, Marine Rescue has provided him with a sense of purpose and a practical way to help his local community.
“To any senior out there, I say give it a go,” says Alan.
“It’s a great way to do something positive and enjoyable in your retirement.”
Representatives from NSW Police Marine Area Command (NSW Police MAC) and Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) met today to plan for this year’s round of Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREXs).
The meeting was conducted at the Marine Rescue NSW State Communications Centre in Belrose, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Some of the participants at today’s planning session.
Marine Rescue Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said that the planning day was a great example of agencies working together for the benefit of the community.
“NSW Police MAC and MRNSW regularly collaborate in a series of exercises designed to build understanding between each agency, so when a real emergency strikes, we are able to better respond.”
“These exercises simulate complex, real-life situations, providing our volunteer members with a range of testing senarios that help build their skills and boost intra and cross agency collaboration.”
In attendance today were Deputy Commissioner MRNSW Alex Barrell, Sergeant Ryan Spong, MRNSW Zone Commander Central Darren Schott, Inspector David Carlin, Chief Inspector Tony Brazzill, General Manager Training and Capability Chris Butler, MRNSW Zone Commander South Mike Hammond, MRNSW Zone Commander North Mal Jeffs and Development Officer Sophie Galvin.
Today marks the start of the NSW Seniors Festival. This event celebrates the role over 500,000 seniors aged 60 and over play contributing to the New South Wales community.
At Marine Rescue NSW we are immensley proud of the efforts made by our senior volunteers and their contribution to Marine Rescue and their local communities, and we love to hear from seniors interested in joining our ranks.
Over the next week we will be profiling five of our amazing senior volunteers.
Today, meet the amazing Helen Carter from Marine Rescue Newcastle – who at 81 years young has just completed her Watch Officer rating!
After over twenty years as a teacher, Helen Carter was feeling bored, so she decided on a new challenge, opening her own business. The business prospered, and Helen remained at the helm until finally, aged 75, she decided it was time to retire.
Retirement, however, was not providing Helen with the stimulation and challenges that she had hoped for, and she was quickly, in her own words, “bored to tears.”
Just over five years ago she was listening to the local radio station when she heard a bar and sea conditions report by the local Marine Rescue unit.
“I immediately rang the radio station up,” said Helen, “and got the number of the local Marine Rescue unit.”
“When I rang them I had no idea what they did, so I asked them. I liked the sound of it and said – I’ll do that! And that’s how I joined!”
“Before I joined the only boat I’d been on was a cruise liner, so I had a lot to learn!”
Helen quickly found herself in the unfamiliar world of charts, latitude and longitude, call signs and boats. She soon adapted, and it was not long before she gained her Radio Operator qualification.
After a new challenge, Helen then studied for the position of Watch Officer. Thanks to COVID-19, this took nearly two years, but she persevered, and aged 81 recently gained her rating.
Helen enjoys drawing upon her teaching experience to help train new Radio Operators and is already looking around for the next challenge.
“I also like to talk about what we do at local clubs like Probus, to invigilate for Marine Rescue courses, put together our quarterly newsletter and work with our Radio Club members – so I’m definitely no longer bored!”
For Helen, Marine Rescue has given her the opportunity to keep busy in her ‘retirement’ and to have a sense of purpose.
“I think Marine Rescue is an excellent spot for retirees.”
“When you retire it is really important to use your mind and to explore what you can do. Marine Rescue has helped me do just that!”
“It has also helped me find out things I didn’t think I could do, and I recommend it to anyone.”
Photo: Helen Carter (centre) and fellow volunteers on a recent visit to Marine Rescue State Headquarters.
This week saw the annual World Meteorological Day, held to showcase the essential contribution of meteorological and hydrological services to the safety and wellbeing of society. This year’s theme is ‘Early Warning and Early Action’.
Boaters and paddlers know that weather and sea conditions play a key role in their activities, and in line with this year’s theme of ‘Early Warning and Early Action’, boaters and paddlers are urged to always check the weather and sea conditions before they head out on the water and regularly throughout the day, especially if severe weather such as storms or a wind change are expected.
You should only head out onto the water if you are confident that forecast conditions are within your capability and the limits of your vessel.
Before heading out:
Check the BoM’s Coastal Waters Forecast for expected winds, taking particular note of the likelihood of increasing winds from sea breezes, wind changes such as southerly busters, or severe storms. Plan to be back in port before severe weather hits.
Check forecast tides as these can have a significant effect on the safety of coastal bar crossings, and navigation in shallow inshore channels.
Check the BoM’s Coastal Waters Forecastfor expected wave heights and period. Watch out for a rapidly rising swell, and aim to be back in port before waves become dangerous to small craft.
Check current warnings such as Coastal Wind Warnings, Hazardous Surf Warnings, Flood Warnings, Tsunami Warnings and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. Follow the advice in the warnings and consider staying off the water until conditions ease.
Call your local Marine Rescue NSW base for current and forecast weather and local bar conditions on VHF Channel 16.
Out on the water:
Check warnings regularly for any changes, and head back in early if conditions are forecast to become unsafe earlier.
Call your local Marine Rescue NSW base for current and forecast weather and local bar conditions on VHF Channel 16.
You can learn more about marine weather on the Marine Services section of the BoM website.
Members of Marine Rescue’s Port Jackson unit based at Birkenhead Point on Sydney’s iconic harbour are to appear in a new Discovery Channel series airing from next month.
The volunteers from Port Jackson were involved in the filming of the Discovery Channel show Sydney Harbour Force over the summer of 2020-21, and have made it past the cutting room floor, appearing in 6 of the show’s 10 episodes!
During the filming, the Port Jackson volunteers were involved in several emergency responses on the harbour, showing their skills and abilities to the cameras and a world-wide audience estimated at well over 100 million.
The Australian premiere of Sydney Harbour Force is on Discovery Channel on Monday 11 April at 7.30pm.
Tune in, and keep a sharp eye out each week for MR Port Jackson Unit Commander Greg Urand and his volunteers aboard rescue vessels PJ30 and PJ31.
Yesterday the Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) were launched in Sydney at NSW State Parliament House, with Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews and Manager Member Services Adrian Adam representing Marine Rescue NSW.
The awards were developed in 2009 and acknowledge and celebrate the selfless Community Service of Emergency Services Personnel.
RESCA is the only time all Emergency Services personnel, both paid and volunteer, are recognised in a combined awards program.
The Awards are open to all, Emergency Service Agency personnel stationed in NSW, serving in either a paid capacity or volunteer:
Fire and Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue NSW
Surf Life Saving NSW
VRA Rescue NSW
NSW Ambulance
NSW Rural Fire Service
NSW State Emergency Service
To nominate one of our inspiring volunteers, visit RESCA.
This week is Harmony Week, when as a nation we celebrate our vibrant multicultural identity – from the oldest continuous culture of our first Australians to those of our newest arrivals from around the world.
Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and at the heart of who we are. This diversity is a key part of what makes Australia such a great place to live.
Nearly half of us were born overseas or have at least one parent who was, and my own family epitomise the incredible diversity of cultures in our nation, and their contribution to our society.
My father was born in Cyprus and migrated to Australia in 1953, and together with his brother owned and operated a milk bar and delicatessen in Surry Hills for twenty years, before commencing an ice-cream manufacturing business until their retirement.
My mother was born in her parents’ fish and chip shop in Redfern, with her parents having migrated to Australia from Greece in 1917.
My wife was born in Italy, and migrated here as a child, with my four children having married spouses with Cypriot, Lebanese, Chinese and Chilean/Uruguay heritage.
The cultural diversity that makes up our nation is increasingly evident not just in my own family history, but also in the ranks of our members. In many of our units you can see people from diverse cultural backgrounds learning from each other, sharing ideas and forging new friendships.
The cultural diversity in our membership is part of what makes us stronger – if we are to best help our local boating communities, it is important that we reflect the diversity that lies within them and understand how to best engage with everyone, regardless of their cultural identity, to keep them safer.
Late last year we distributed a series of radio community service announcements in the key community languages of Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic and Vietnamese. These announcements have been played on community radio stations across the state many times, helping to reach vulnerable migrant communities with important boating safety messaging.
Marine Rescue are committed to further and deeper engagement with our multicultural communities, to help keep them safer on our waterways, to help them better understand and utilise the rescue services we provide, and to encourage them to join our ranks.
To everyone, all the best for this year’s Harmony Week, and thank you to those volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds for your commitment to Marine Rescue and your service to your local communities.
Five Marine Rescue NSW crews are now on the water supporting NSW Police Marine Area Command in the search for a fisherman missing in the Illawarra.
The fisherman disappeared from rocks near Kiama, with the search now encompassing an area from Kiama down to Jervis Bay.
Crews from five Marine Rescue units are involved in the search, aboard rescue vessels Port Kembla 31, Shellharbour 30, Shoalhaven 30, Ulladulla 20 and Ulladulla 30.
With the flooding having eased in most areas, and better weather with slight seas, boaters were back on the water over the weekend after a few quiet weeks due to flooding, damaging winds and hazardous surf.
Over the weekend, Marine Rescue crews responded to 52 requests for assistance, ranging from a multi-agency search for a missing rock fisherman at Frazer Park near Munmorah in the Hunter, to the usual ‘bread and butter’ requests from boaters with mechanical issues, flat batteries and out of fuel.
Pictured are the crew of Marine Rescue Bermagui aboard rescue vessel Bermagui 30, as they headed out on Saturday afternoon to assist a broken down 6 metre vessel with five people on board.
Boaters are reminded to Log On with their local Marine Rescue base on VHF Channel 16, or via the free Marine Rescue app.
Tips to return safely to the water after the floods
As floodwaters ease across the state, boaters and paddlers are looking to return to our waterways. Before hitting the water, there are a few things to check to ensure you and anby passengers are safe:
If your boat has been stored on land, remove the bungs so any rain water drains out of the boat. Don’t forget to replace them!
If your boat or paddlecraft has been sitting on the water, pump out any rain water and check carefully for any damage caused by debris. Check electrical systems are dry and working properly.
Once you are certain your craft is ready to go out on the water, it is important to boat and paddle with care, as conditions remain hazardous:
At the boat ramp or local jetty, look out for damage or debris that might make it unsafe to launch or retrieve your vessel.
Once you are out on the water, channels may have changed in location and depth. Sand and mud banks might be in new locations.
Debris may be present in the water long after flooding has eased, both in estuaries and at sea. It may be submerged and hard to spot. Reduce your speed and keep a sharp lookout for debris.
Navigation markers might be damaged or missing, and charts might be incorrect if channels have moved, so navigate with extreme caution.
Estuary and ocean water may have contaminants such as sewage, as well as dead animals and chemicals washed from farms. Avoid touching floodwater and wash and disinfect anything that has touched it after use.
Log In with Marine Rescue on VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue app, and carry a VHF mounted or hand-held radio. Always wear a lifejacket.
Marine Rescue volunteers are on duty to help you if something goes wrong on the water, but the best remedy is prevention – so if in doubt – don’t head out!
It’s International Women’s Day, a time to thank our many women volunteers for their service to Marine Rescue NSW and the wider New South Wales community.
Yesterday we profiled two of our wonderful women volunteers. Today, meet two more of our dedicated women volunteers and hear their story.
Megan Loaney: Marine Rescue Gosford
At high school, Megan did Marine Studies for her Higher School Certificate, and discovered a love for being out on the water. That led eighteen months ago to her deciding to join her local Marine Rescue Central Coast unit, joining just short of her twentieth birthday and finding herself as the youngest female member at the unit, significantly younger than the other women volunteers.
Since then, Megan has relished the opportunity to develop, already achieving her Crew rating, and is working towards both her Leading Crew and Radio Operator qualifications. On top of this, Megan helps with the unit’s media and social media, editing videos and helping to raise the unit’s profile in the local community; and has even tried her hand at fundraising.
The big benefit of membership of Marine Rescue for Megan, apart from getting out on the water which she loves, is that she gets to help people in her local community who have gotten themselves into trouble.
Unintentionally, Megan has become somewhat of a pioneer at the unit, being not just the youngest woman, but also LGBTQI+. While that’s presented a few challenges along the way, Megan is pleased to have opened the door for other young women, regardless of their sexuality, to get involved.
“I really enjoy being in the emergency services and helping people,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter what your age, gender or sexuality is, everyone has a valuable contribution they can make.”
“I hope that my example will encourage other young women to join and to help set aside the gendered stereotypes that have traditionally been associated with the emergency services.”
Fran Breen: Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry
While Fran’s busy legal and administrative career had come to an end, she knew she had much to offer to a large volunteer organisation. The ability to work out ‘set and drift’ patterns, use various search and rescue techniques, operate marine radios and co-ordinate rescues on the water are but a few of the skills she’s unexpectedly acquired as a volunteer since joining Marine Rescue NSW in 2011.
Newly retired from a busy legal and administrative career and feeling she had much to offer to a large volunteer organisation, Fran Breen joined Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry as a trainee radio operator in October 2011.
Her husband having already spent three years on the boats, operating radios, as an Administration Officer and Deputy Unit Commander; Fran thought this would be a good way to develop a common interest in retirement and meet new people as well as keep her ‘grey matter’ developing.
For Fran, volunteering with Marine Rescue is a great way to utilise existing skills, learn new ones and meet like-minded people from the community.
According to Fran, “There are multiple aspects to volunteering with Marine Rescue. You can find your niche almost anywhere., whether it’s crewing boats, operating marine radios, participating in the many aspects of fundraising, utilising your writing skills, balancing the books. The list goes on.”
“There is satisfaction in knowing I am contributing to one of the pivotal organisations in this vibrant coastal town, that through the combined efforts of our members, we do save lives on the water.”
The new skills Fran learned as a radio operator and Watch Officer were never ones she would ever have thought she’d learn. The ability to work out ‘set and drift’ patterns, use various search and rescue techniques, operate marine radios and co-ordinate rescues on the water are but a few of the skills she’s unexpectedly acquired as a volunteer.
Not being a sports minded person, back in 2018 it was a big surprise to Fran to be chosen to represent Marine Rescue and carry the Commonwealth Games Baton over the channel from Tuncurry to Forster on board Forster 30 in February 2018, representing Marine Rescue.
In looking at her experience as a woman at Marine Rescue, Fran noted that while Marine Rescue is predominantly composed of male members with the majority of boat crew male, there is no area of Marine Rescue in which a woman cannot operate.
“There are physical limits which can be faced by any person, especially in crewing a vessel. Over the years we have had a number of women learn the ropes on the boats and succeed, we currently have two qualified female boat crew, one a leading crew member.”
“Women should definitely consider “giving it a go”, you never know what hidden skills you’ll discover!”
International Women’s Day is Tuesday 8 March. This year, we pay tribute to four of our dedicated women volunteers and thank all of our women members for their service to the community.
Today we profile two of our dedicated members.
Photo shows Dorothy Lee (bottom left, left photo) in the State Communications Centre with Jean Laundy (right photo).
Dorothy Lee: Sydney unit (State Communications Centre)
In 2015 Dorothy Lee was out with friends on their boat when the engine broke down. After being assisted by the local Marine Rescue unit, Dorothy and her friends were encouraged to join. Seven years’ later, Dorothy remains an active volunteer with Marine Rescue NSW. Read more
In early 2015, Dorothy Lee was out with friends on their boat when the boat’s engine broke down. They called for help, and were soon being assisted by the local Marine Rescue unit, who gave them a tow.
The friendly crew aboard the rescue vessel suggested that Dorothy and her friends might like to join, and all three decided to give it a try. Seven years’ later, Dorothy’s friends have moved on, but Dorothy has stayed on as a volunteer with Marine Rescue Sydney, starting out as a radio operator and progressing to the role of Watch Officer, and more recently, helping out with fundraising.
Being a volunteer at Marine Rescue has a lot of benefits, according to Dorothy.
“For me, volunteering at Marine Rescue has let me meet people from all walks of life and has helped add meaning and purpose to my life,” Dorothy said. “It’s also really helped my communications skills and I get to speak to all sorts of interesting people on the radio.”
“Another thing I like being a radio operator is it allows me to volunteer far more flexibly than with many other volunteer organisations.”
Dorothy typically does a shift a week, usually starting at 9pm and finishing up around 1:30am, although she also does the occasional 1:30am to 6am shift, or Friday evenings from 4pm to 9pm, all of which fit in well with her lifestyle.
A shift for Dorothy can range from logging boaters on so they can be watched out for in case of an emergency, to taking radio calls about weather and sea conditions, or calling NSW Police’s Marine Area Command and the Zone Duty Operations Manager to help coordinate a life-saving rescue.
“Every rescue is different and that makes every shift different,” says Dorothy. “What is consistent is the feeling of making a positive impact on the community.”
“When I started, there were a lot more men than women as volunteers. It’s been great to see that imbalance change over time, and to see women valued for the contribution they are making to the unit.”
“To any women out there thinking of joining, I encourage you to give it a go, and come help make a positive contribution to the community.”
Jean Laundy: Point Danger unit
For Jean, age is no barrier to making a contribution. The modest 84 year old was awarded the Tweed Local Achievement Award after being secretly nominated by her peers. Jean has been a volunteer for many different organisations, putting the needs of people and animals before herself and happily recommends Marine Rescue NSW as a great place for senior women to get involved and contribute to their local community. Read more of Jean’s story.
When Jean’s husband died after a long illness, the then 80 year old found herself with a lot more time in her day. Jean was already volunteering at the local Friends of the Pound, and despite being at an age when many other ladies would be putting their feet up, decided to offer her time at another volunteer organisation.
Spying an advertisement asking for helpers at the local Marine Rescue Point Danger gift shop, Jean gave them a call, and soon found herself a regular at the shop, also helping out with raffles and other fundraising events.
Four years’ on, and Jean is going strong, regularly helping out in the gift shop to raise much needed funds for the Marine Rescue Point Danger unit.
For Jean, volunteering at Marine Rescue has not just given her the satisfaction of contributing something positive to her community, it has also been a great opportunity to meet new people and to make new friends.
“Everyone works together here,” said Jean. “There’s a real sense of camaraderie.”
Like many of the volunteer heroes in our community, Jean is very modest about her contribution, declining a 2020 nomination for the Tweed Local Achievement Award, a feature of the Tweed Seniors Festival, because she “didn’t think I was worthy enough”.
Last year, Jean’s fellow volunteers were cannier, secretly nominating her once again for the award – which she won.
“It came as a real surprise, especially when the representative from Council rang to inform me that I was getting an award” Jean said.
In addition to giving up her time for Marine Rescue, Jean has been a volunteer for many different organisations, putting the needs of people and animals before herself.
For Jean, age is no barrier to making a contribution, and she’s happy to recommend Marine Rescue as a great place for senior women to get involved and contribute to their local community.
“It doesn’t matter what your age is,” said Jean, “and it doesn’t matter if you can’t head out on a boat or become a radio operator, there’s always something useful you can do.”
Marine Rescue NSW are continuing to assist NSW SES with the ongoing flood response.
Today MR Point Danger will be delivering diesel fuel to Murwillumbah with MR Brunswick delivering unleaded fuel to Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby.
After access and technology issues, both the MR Point Danger and MR Ballina bases are again operational. Evans Head crews have now stood down from staffing the local evacuation centres, however, they continue to assist the local SES where required.
MR Iluka Yamba and Yamba Welding and Engineering are continuing to assist at Maclean with resupply and the transport of isolated persons.
Marine Rescue NSW assistance on the lower Hawkesbury River at Wisemans ferry is now complete.
Further heavy rain on the Mid North Coast and around the Hunter and Sydney Metro is expected to result in renewed rises and possible additional assistance.
Crews from Marine Rescue from the state’s north and Sydney metropolitan and Central Coast continue to provide assistance to the NSW SES and flood affected communities, as the state’s flood crisis continues.
In the north of the state, Marine Rescue (MR) Point Danger delivered fuel to Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby to enable local fire trucks and other emergency vehicles to continue operating, while the MR Brunswick unit established an emergency operations centre at the Ocean Shores Country Club evacuation Centre, from which support to the Mullumbimby SES and local Police was coordinated.
At Evans Head, the MR Evans Head unit has been assisting the NSW SES with evacuations and doorknocking, while on the Clarence River at Maclean, three vessels from MR Iluka Yamba, MR Nambucca, MR Camden Haven and volunteers from MR Trial Bay and MR Port Macquarie have been undertaking resupply and evacuation missions.
On the lower reaches of the Hawkesbury River at Wisemans Ferry and Lower Portland, volunteers from MR Central Coast and MR Broken Bay have been working with the NSW SES to undertake resupply missions, with four vessels being deployed.
Marine Rescue are also providing Radio Operators to the Metropolitan Flood Rescue Cell (3x 8 hour shifts) per day.
The support by Marine Rescue NSW will continue over the weekend.
Over the past 48 hours, members of Marine Rescue NSW have provided vital support to flood affected communities across the North Coast.
Volunteers from Point Danger, Cape Byron, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba, Trial Bay, Port Macquarie, Nambucca Brunswick, Ballina and Wooli, and staff from Marine Rescue State Headquarters, have all provided vital assistance.
The tasks undertaken have been varied including fuel runs, transporting food to isolated properties, providing on ground support at evacuation centres, transporting medical supplies and evacuations.
Among these tasks was the delivery of diesel fuel to Murwillumbah to enable electricity trucks in the area working to restore power to continue operating, the transport of domestic animals including dogs and chickens, the transport of medical and food supplies to the Alstonville evacuation centre, transport of people from flooded properties for medical appointments and other essential tasks.
Support to the North Coast will continue on Thursday.
In the south of the state, including Sydney, Marine Rescue has asked boaters to secure moorings or remove boats from the water ahead of expected flooding, as severe weather buffets the coast from Newcastle to the Victorian Border. Local crews are on standby to assist NSW SES should it be required.
Boaters are again reminded to stay off the water until conditions ease.
The Bureau of Meteorology have revised their Flood Watch to include minor to major flooding for river systems between the central coast and far South Coast of NSW.
This is expected to create dangerous conditions on river systems including the Hawkesbury, Georges, Woronora, Shoalhaven, Moruya and Bega Rivers.
Boaters should immediately secure moorings and fix storm covers on their vessels, or remove their boat from the water and consider what other actions might be required to keep their boat safe.
Gale force to locally destructive winds, torrential rain, flooding and waves of 5-7 metres will make travel on open or enclosed waters highly dangerous. Boaters should delay and travel on the water in the affected areas until the weather conditions ease.
As floodwater may have high debris loads, strong currents and result in navigation markers being damaged or submerged, boaters should stay off floodwater.
In a life-threatening emergency call 000 or use your marine radio VHF Channel 16.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos has issued a message with advice for boaters in the central and southern parts of the state ahead of expected severe weather with forecast strong winds, heavy rain, hazardous surf and minor to moderate flooding.
Boaters in the affected areas are asked to take precautions now and delay heading out on the water.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast flooding to develop in coming days on the NSW South Coast.
Marine Rescue Zone Commander South, Mike Hammond, said boaters should prepare now for possible flooding, and reschedule plans to head out on the water.
“The Bureau of Meteorology have advised that minor to moderate flooding is expected to develop in the coming days on the Moruya, Deua, Bega, and Towamba Rivers.”
“Boaters should prepare now by checking their boats are securely moored or removing them from the water, fitting storm covers, and considering what other actions are required to ensure the safety of their vessel.”
Mr Hammond urged boaters to stay off the water once rain and flooding commence, with flooded rivers and estuaries posing many hazards to boaters.
“Flooding results in swift currents and large amounts of dangerous debris in the water. Navigation markers may be submerged or washed away, and channels and sand banks can change location. Ingress and egress points such as boat ramps can be under water or affected by debris.”
“Boaters on the South Coast should consider delaying travel until such times as conditions ease.”
Once conditions ease, boaters are reminded to always Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue on VHF Channel 16 or via the Marine Rescue NSW App.
With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting very heavy rain with flooding along many North Coast and Mid North Coast Rivers in coming days, Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters to prepare their vessels now and to delay going out on the water until conditions ease.
Marine Rescue Zone Commander North, Mal Jeffs, said with conditions deteriorating, it was important that boaters were well prepared.
“Flood warnings have already been issued for the Tweed, Wilsons and Bellinger Rivers with more heavy rain forecast and further rivers expected to experience flooding.”
“Boaters should immediately secure their vessel’s mooring or remove it from the water, fix storm covers, and consider what other actions they need to do to keep their vessel safe should river levels continue to rise.”
Mr Jeffs said that boaters should stay home rather than heading out on the water.
“Rising seas and swell will make coastal bars extremely hazardous and conditions offshore will become increasingly dangerous with heavy rain, poor visibility and strong winds.”
“Even if you are intending to stay in enclosed waters, flooding on coastal rivers and estuaries may result in strong currents and submerged and floating debris. Navigation markers may become submerged, moved or damaged, and channels and shoals may be shifted to new areas, making boating extremely dangerous. Access and egress points such as boat ramps may become submerged or difficult to access safely.”
“Once conditions ease, boaters are reminded to always Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue on VHF Channel 16 or via the Marine Rescue NSW App.”
Emergency Services Medal recognises dedicated service
Bill Blakeman. Photo: Sonia Teston
This year’s Australia Day honours recognised the long and meritorious service of Merimbula volunteer, William (Bill) Blakeman.
Mr Blakeman’s working and volunteer careers have been steeped in maritime activities. He began his working life with the British Merchant Navy and eventually retired from the NSW Maritime Service Board in 2007. At the same time, he served as a volunteer member of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard in Sydney.
Upon his retirement, he moved south and joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol at Merimbula, taking up the role of Training Officer and Training Support Officer, roles which he continues to perform. To comply with the requirements of these roles, he successfully obtained a Certificate IV Trainer and Assessor.
Mr Blakeman holds Marine Rescue NSW’s highest qualifications, Marine Rescue Master and Watch Officer, meaning he can train and assess his fellow volunteers working for all qualifications attainable in the organisation. As the Training Officer, he has been staunch in his commitment to the professional development of members in operational activities and emergency search and rescue response. He draws on his extensive experience and knowledge to efficiently elevate volunteers to the appropriate trained standards, in the process helping many volunteers to build the skills and knowledge needed to progress through the ranks.
In March 2015, Mr Blakeman was awarded the Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage for an operation undertaken in October 2011. He was the skipper of the rescue vessel with a crew of two volunteers, who risked their lives to save two men and their floundering vessel. The stricken vessel was stranded metres from rocks in winds gusting to 30 knots in three-metre seas. Mr Blakeman skilfully manoeuvred the rescue vessel close enough to pass a tow rope to the foundering vessel and quickly pull it away from immediate danger by the stern, before a second line could be secured to the bow. The two vessels returned safely to Merimbula under worsening conditions.
In 2014, Mr Blakeman was unanimously elected to the position of Unit Commander of Marine Rescue Merimbula, and elected unopposed for another two terms. In the role he demonstrated strong leadership and people skills, a commitment to supporting volunteers, the ability to set goals and manage multiple tasks, while also dealing with local government, community groups and the public. During his tenure as leader, the unit experienced significant growth in membership growth and retention, with a high degree of volunteer satisfaction and commitment.
His foresight and initiative has ensured the exponential growth of the Merimbula unit’s profile within the visiting and local boating community. He has adopted a multi-pronged approach to promote the unit, using multi-media, flyers, local radio and newspapers, open days, barbecues, raffles and presentations to local community groups. The unit’s raised profile has resulted in numerous enquiries from locals to join or financially support the unit.
In 2019, Mr Blakeman was awarded the Bega Valley Shire Community Service Medallion in recognition of his skills and dedication as both an emergency services trainer and Unit Commander. The Medallion was presented as part of the Bega Valley’s National Volunteers Week celebrations to acknowledge his outstanding work as a volunteer in the region.
He has displayed foresight and vision for the future, campaigning and fundraising to purchase a secondary rescue vessel capable of reaching local waterways inaccessible by the unit’s large primary response vessel. In 2020 he steered a project to replace the vessel’s floating pontoon and renovate its jetty to accommodate both vessels.
As Unit Commander, Mr Blakeman worked closely with the unit executive to develop and implement detailed business and financial plans to guide and grow the unit as an efficient and effective rescue service. The unit has remained financial buoyant under his administration, ensuring it remained well placed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In early 2020, the far south coast experienced its worst bushfire season. Mr Blakeman worked tirelessly in the local Emergency Operations Centre representing Marine Rescue NSW, helping to coordinate our members to monitor NSW Rural Fire Service radios overnight and undertake countless jobs in the four evacuations centres located at Merimbula, Tura Beach and Bega. His work in the Emergency Operations Centre only ceased when he was forced to evacuate his family home, which was threatened by the advancing bushfires.
Mr Blakeman has had a profound effect on all those he has inspired, influenced and saved, working over and above normal employment duties. His skill, commitment and outstanding contribution have benefited not only Marine Rescue NSW and the volunteer members in Merimbula but also the wider boating community as a whole.
Ahead of the busiest boating week of the year, Marine Rescue NSW is asking boaters and paddlers to play it safe and ensure they are well prepared before heading out on the water.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said over the peak summer period Marine Rescue’s over 3,000 professionally-trained volunteers would be on watch right along the NSW coastline from the Queensland border to Eden and on the Alpine Lakes and Murray River at Moama, with extra boats on the water to cope with the projected demand.
“With travel overseas and to some interstate destinations remaining challenging, we expect boaters to again flock to our spectacular NSW coastline in record numbers in coming weeks,” he said.
“We are also expecting many inexperienced boaters and paddlers trying out their first boat, jet-ski or kayak. Coupled with a spike in boating traffic, this means an increased risk of boaters running into trouble on the water, with Marine Rescue’s volunteers ready for an increased demand on their life-saving services.”
Mr Tannos said all MRNSW units had focused on increased training in recent months to ensure their crews were rescue-ready for the peak summer season, with preparations made to boost capability and response times over the summer.
“Marine Rescue volunteers will be a strong visible presence on the state’s waterways this summer, particularly during the peak Christmas – New Year period.”
“We have extra patrols scheduled in high-traffic locations, with rescue vessels and Rescue Water Craft pre-deployed to areas of known risk such as hazardous coastal bars, to ensure crews can be quickly on the scene of an emergency.
“As we do every summer, senior staff will be based in the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command base at East Balmain to ensure the seamless coordination of emergency response operations.”
Mr Tannos said the extra boating traffic on the water meant boaters needed to take extra precautions to stay safe, including:
Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW via VHF Channel 16 or the free MarineRescue App. If you’re not back as scheduled, our professionally trained staff will start to search for you saving vital seconds in an emergency.
Ensure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket.
Carry safety equipment such as flares, first aid kit and EPIRB and know how to use them.
Check the sea and weather conditions before heading out and throughout your trip.
Ensuring that your vessel is serviced and in good order, and there is plenty of fuel for the journey.
NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott today announced the expansion of rescue services by Marine Rescue NSW, with a rescue boat set to operate out of Eden for the first time from January, providing greater protection to boaters on the NSW-Victorian border.
As part of this expansion, Mr Elliott said Marine Rescue Eden had today taken delivery of the unit’s first rescue vessel, with the new boat expected to be operational in the second half of January following the induction of unit members.
“The Marine Rescue Eden volunteers have provided a valuable marine radio service to boaters on the Far South Coast since the late 1970s. This expansion of their service means boaters on our southern waters will be safer than ever,” Mr Elliott said.
Formerly based at Point Danger on the NSW North Coast, Point Danger 30 has undergone an extensive $69,000 refit ahead of its deployment to the other end of the state at Eden where it will undertake operations as X30 until the delivery of a new purpose-built vessel in 2022.
“The boat is one of 38 new rescue vessels funded from the $37.6 million the State Government has invested in Marine Rescue NSW over four years to ensure their volunteers have the equipment and facilities they need for their vital work to save lives on the water.”
He said MRNSW would continue to work closely with the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, which operates the large ocean-going launch, Falcon, from Eden.
“This new resource means that together the two agencies can provide an even higher level of service to their local community,” he said.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance announced the unit also would gain a second base as part of its expansion.
“The unit will establish a new waterfront base in the former NSW Maritime building at the Port of Eden. This will provide a ready room to ensure crews can deploy as quickly as possible to respond to emergencies, along with training facilities,” he said.
“Enhancing our local emergency response capability is great news for the large number of local and visiting boaters here on our coastline, who will now have the added reassurance of knowing that our volunteers and this vessel stand ready to assist them should they run into trouble,” he said.
“Boating activity in our region has taken a hit from the Black Summer bushfires and COVID over the past two summers but we know that it will bounce back bigger and better than ever and this new resource means Marine Rescue will be ready.”
Commissioner Stacey Tannos thanked the State Government and boating community for their ongoing support for MRNSW volunteers and their mission to save lives on the water.
“Their support is essential for us to continue expanding our capability and service to ensure that we are rescue-ready from one of the coastline to the other,” he said.
During 2020-21, the Marine Radio Eden radio operators managed almost 5,500 radio calls, initiating more than 40 rescue missions, including three Mayday calls and more than 20 other operations in response to life-endangering emergencies.
They Logged On about 1,600 boats with more than 11,000 people on board, keeping watch for their safe return to shore and launching searches if they were overdue and uncontactable.
Marine Rescue Eden Unit Commander Stuart Manson said the expansion of the unit’s services was an exciting new development for its volunteers.
“Our volunteers provide a first-class marine radio service, monitoring the airwaves for distress calls from boaters in trouble, not only on our coastline but also across Bass Strait, thanks to the upgraded radio technology and infrastructure MRNSW has installed in recent years,” he said.
“This is a great milestone for our unit. We’re looking to increase our membership so we can make sure we’re ready to respond whenever we get a call for help. We are encouraging members of the community to come on board to help us save lives.”
The Marine Rescue NSW 2021 Board elections have resulted in one change to the organisation’s strategic leadership, following the retirement of Mid North Coast Regional Director John Lynch ESM
Elections were this year due to be held for the positions of Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Hunter Central Coast Regional Directors.
Only one nomination was received for each of the Regional positions, with incumbent Directors Darcy Henriksen (Northern Rivers) and Jim Wright (Hunter Central Coast) returned, with Roman Mazurek elected unopposed to the vacated Mid North Coast position.
The Regular and Life Members in the participating regions eligible to participate again voted online, the fourth time this has been done. This has proven a successful initiative in terms of volunteer convenience and reducing costs and the service’s environmental footprint.
The AGM was held at State Headquarters and also via Zoom. It was the second to be live streamed on YouTube in a measure that continued support for the organisation’s COVID-19 social distancing requirements and encouraged greater volunteer engagement.
Chair Jim Glissan thanked the membership for the efforts during an extraordinary year, and welcomed new Regional Director Roman Mazurek to the Board. He also paid tribute to outgoing Regional Director John Lynch.
“John has been, if you forgive the pun, a ‘lynch pin’ of the Board and a most valued a trusted member.”
“On behalf of the Board I want to thank John for his distinguished service. We will miss his skills and experience, not to mention his sense of humour and charm.”
Mr Glissan thanked the membership for standing tall despite the many obstacles the year had provided.
“It was the great Martin Luther King Jr. who said the true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience, but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges, and this year every one of our members has stood tall in the face of change and challenge, to their enduring credit.”
“In an emergency on the water, our members call on their resilience, adaptability and commitment to get the job done, and in the face of an ongoing pandemic, severe flooding and frequent poor weather, have this year drawn deeply upon all these qualities.”
“A sincere thank you to each and every one of them for their service.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos thanked the Board and the MRNSW membership for their work over the past year.
“The past twelve months have provided many challenges, from a record summer on our waterways, to multiple lockdowns, changing operating restrictions, floods and severe weather.”
“Through it our membership has shown their reliance and professionalism, and I sincerely thank them for their efforts.”
“Thank you too, to our staff who have worked tirelessly to support our members and to enable their vital work.”
Commissioner Tannos said that the NSW State Government’s $37.6 million investment in MRNSW had enabled the service to cement its place as the best resourced and most modern volunteer marine rescue service in Australia.
“As we head into what is expected to be yet another record summer on our waterways, the boating public can have confidence that our members have the training, equipment and vessels they need to get the job done.”
Auditor James Winter said that MRNSW had received an unqualified audit report and commended the service’s financial and accounting systems and the service’s management for their sound financial leadership.
The Board subsequently re-elected Mr Glissan as its Chair following the AGM.
Comments Off on GET READY FOR A SAFE BOATING SEASON
Today is the official start of the boating season and the start of National Safe Boating Week, with record numbers of boaters anticipated to hit the state’s waterways once current COVID-19 restrictions on boating and travel have eased.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said that National Safe Boating Week was the perfect time for boaters to get themselves and their craft ready for the expected busy summer ahead.
“As the weather warms and boating restrictions ease, we’re expecting people to flock to the coast and our inland rivers and lakes, and we want everyone to have an enjoyable time and return home safely.”
“A few simple precautions taken now can make a big difference in ensuring everyone has a safer and more enjoyable day on our waterways.”
Commissioner Tannos said that around two thirds of the emergency calls to Marine Rescue were due to problems with a boat’s fuel, engine or battery.
“Check your engine and battery are in good repair, that you have the required safety equipment on board and a full tank of fuel.”
“Most important of all, make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket and you are Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW on VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue NSW App.
“This free service gives you the peace of mind from knowing our volunteers are watching out for your safe return and if you don’t Log Off as planned, we will start searching for you.”
Marine Rescue Deputy Commander Alex Barrell said that Marine Rescue volunteers across the state were well prepared for the expected increase in rescues as boating opens up.
“Our members have trained hard over the winter break for the anticipated surge in people requiring assistance.”
“Coupled with a recent upgrade to our radio communications and the delivery of additional state of the art rescue vessels, we’re confident our 45 units and 3,200 volunteer members are ‘rescue ready’ for the busy season ahead.”
Comments Off on Two more boats deliver greater capability
Another two Marine Rescue NSW units are taking delivery of their brand new rescue vessels, giving them greater capability to respond to emergencies on the water.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla’s new $565,000 10 metre mono-hulled Naiad vessel, Port Kembla 31, has arrived at its new home on Port Kembla Harbour in the Illawarra.
Port Kembla 31 is lowered into the water after its long journey down the Pacific Highway from Yamba.
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie is today taking delivery of a 6.7 metre Naiad, Port Macquarie 21.
Port Macquarie 21 undergoing its sea trials on the Northern Rivers.
They follow the recent delivery of Marine Rescue Evans Head’s new 10m Naiad, Evans Head 31, which is the Port Kembla boat’s twin, with the pair built in tandem by Yamba Welding & Engineering. The new Jervis Bay 41 will be arriving on its new home waters imminently.
The new Jervis Bay 41 and Port Kembla 31 at MRNSW Headquarters. Photo: Brad Whittaker.
Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said all four boats were among 38 new rescue vessels funded by a $37.6 million four-year State Government investment to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
He said the outstanding vessels, all purpose-designed and built to meet local operating conditions, were a valuable investment in the safety of the large local boating communities and visiting boaters in the Illawarra, Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley thanked the local community for its generous support for the unit’s energetic fundraising efforts to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.
The new Evans Head 31
“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board including radar, sonar and FLIR night vision will improve our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives here on the coastline,” he said.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said the new Port Macquarie boat provided a welcome boost to the safety of local and visiting boaters and the unit’s volunteers.
“Built by Yamba Welding & Engineering on the NSW North Coast and powered by twin 140HP Suzuki outboards, Port Macquarie 21 boasts a range of critical search and rescue technology and equipment while offering crews greater manoeuvrability and reliability, “she said.
“Boating is an increasingly popular pastime on our local waterways, with a record number of boaters hitting the water last summer. Our many local and visiting boaters can rest easier knowing that this vessel stands ready to assist them should they run into trouble.”
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Unit Commander Greg Davies said the vessel was a significant upgrade over the unit’s current boat.
“With a 50 per cent increase in carrying capacity, more shelter and enhanced endurance, our volunteers will be able to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions.”
Packed with reports about our volunteers’ mighty efforts to save lives on the water and on the frontline of the response to the NSW floods crisis, it’ll definitely help you fill some hours in lockdown!
Even if you’re not in the red zone, you’ll be able to catch up with your local volunteers’ activities.
We visit Lord Howe Island for the launch of our first offshore rescue unit, salute our volunteers who have been awarded honours by our nation and give you advice on boating safely in winter and around the masses of whales making their way up the coastline.
Comments Off on Boaters in lockdown zone urged to stay home
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers remain on duty, ready to save lives on the water.
They’re doing everything they can to help keep themselves and others safe and healthy during this latest COVID-19 emergency but they need the boating community’s help.
NSW Government Public Health Orders require people in Greater Sydney – including the Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour – to stay at home until at least 11.59pm on Friday, 16 July 2021, unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse’.
Under these orders, a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home to use your vessel could be:
* limited recreation (eg kayaking/sailing/paddling/fishing etc) with no more than one other person, if not from the same household;
* to get to and from work, where the work cannot reasonably be performed from home;
* to get groceries (one person only); and
* to provide assistance, care or support to an immediate member of the family.
Socialising or cruising on the water is not a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home.
So please, don’t risk your own or our volunteers’ health. Unless it’s essential, please stay home.
Comments Off on New $565,000 asset for Evans Head boaters
Crews from Marine Rescue Evans Head would be able to respond faster to an emergency on the water with the delivery of their new $556,000 rescue vessel, Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said today.
Mr Elliott said the 10 metre mono-hulled Naiad vessel, Evans Head 31, had arrived at its new home on the waters of the Evans River on the NSW North Coast.
“Evans Head 31 is one of 38 new rescue vessels funded by a $37.6 million four-year NSW State Government investment to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers,” he said.
“This outstanding rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of the North Coast’s large local boating community and its many visiting boaters.“As well as operating on the river, the boat can quickly deploy up to 30 nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.”
Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the boat, purpose-designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions, was a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.
“The new boat has already proved its worth, rescuing a boater stranded offshore after their vessel ran out of fuel,” he said.“Boaters on our beautiful waterways can rest easier knowing that this state of the art craft is at the ready should they run into trouble.
“Built locally by Yamba Welding & Engineering, and powered by twin 300hp Suzuki Marine outboards, this new rescue vessel represents a significant boost for local jobs and our regional economy, as well as the safety of boaters.”
Marine Rescue Evans Head Unit Commander Ken Exley thanked the local community for its generous support for the unit’s energetic fundraising efforts to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.
He said the vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former boat.
After a decade of loyal service to our local boating community, responding around the clock to bring boaters in trouble safely back to shore, Evans Head 30 has retired for a quieter life as a fishing and dive boat on Queensland waters. Evans Head 31 led its predecessor across the bar for the last time last month (above).
“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board including radar, sonar and FLIR night vision will improve our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives here on the coastline,” he said.
“With a greater rear deck area, larger windows for better visibility, improved handling and manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort, our crews will be able to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions.
“With boating continuing to grow in popularity on the North Coast, this new boat provides boaters, sailors and other water craft users with the reassurance that a professionally equipped and trained emergency service is looking out for them.”
