Innovative new vessel enhances Marine Rescue Port Kembla response
Marine Rescue Port Kembla has taken delivery of a new state-of-the-art search and rescue vessel, significantly enhancing the unit’s operational capability across the Illawarra.
The 5.5-metre centre console Sentinel vessel, known as Port Kembla 20 (PK 20), is stationed at the unit’s Lake Illawarra base at Skiway Park, Oak Flats.
The new vessel is a fast-response rescue craft, designed to tow disabled vessels and recover people from the water, while also operating effectively in the lake’s often challenging and shallow conditions.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said the vessel represents a major advancement in rescue capability.
“PK 20 is the first vessel of its kind in the Marine Rescue NSW fleet and introduces a number of innovative features that make it exceptionally well suited to the conditions on Lake Illawarra,” Parkin said.
“The Aqua Truck hull has a lifespan upward of 40 years and is constructed from high-density polyethylene, making it incredibly strong, corrosion resistant, highly durable and fully recyclable. It also requires significantly less maintenance, with antifouling not required.”
“Importantly, the vessel is fitted with a jacking plate system, which allows the engines to be vertically trimmed. This provides improved manoeuvrability and access in shallow waters, which is a real game changer for operations on Lake Illawarra,” Parkin said.
“Combined with twin 90 horsepower outboard engines and a top speed of 35 knots, PK 20 delivers both power and agility, ensuring crews can respond quickly and safely.”
Port Kembla 20 is also equipped with a Seakeeper ride system to improve stability in choppy conditions, as well as advanced Raymarine search and rescue technology.
Crew safety and comfort have also been prioritised, with a spray dodger and side windscreen providing protection from wind and spray, and shock-mitigating seats to reduce fatigue.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley welcomed the addition of the new vessel to the unit’s lifesaving fleet.
“This impressive new vessel provides excellent operational coverage, especially on Lake Illawarra which in areas has extremely challenging shallow waters.
“Conditions on Lake Illawarra can change rapidly, with strong winds and confused swell often catching boaters off guard. PK 20’s design and capability will allow crews to safely reach areas that were previously difficult to access,” he said.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla is the busiest of seven units in the Illawarra region, which spans from the Royal National Park to south of Kioloa. So far this year, volunteers at the unit have conducted 61 search and rescue missions, including 34 emergency responses, safely returning 132 people to shore. Volunteer radio operators have also monitored more than 2,050 logged-on vessels from the unit’s Hill 60 base.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla is currently recruiting volunteers across a range of roles, including vessel crew, radio operations, rescue watercraft operators and unit support.
“There’s a role for everyone at Marine Rescue Port Kembla. We provide a welcoming and nurturing environment for people looking to give back to the community,” Unit Commander Bradley said.
“We teach new members everything and all training is free. All they need is a willingness to learn and a commitment to supporting our mission of saving lives on the water.”
Volunteering information is available HERE.
The ongoing financial support of the NSW Government has contributed to the cost of Port Kembla 20 to enhance response times, improve safety outcomes and support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.