Marine Rescue NSW officially commissions life-saving vessel Trial Bay 30
Rescue capability on the Mid North Coast has been significantly strengthened with the official commissioning of Marine Rescue Trial Bay’s replacement rescue vessel, Trial Bay 30.
Proving its effectiveness as a life-saving asset, Trial Bay 30 has completed more than 60 search and rescue missions since its delivery to the unit in June 2024, safely returning almost 150 people to shore.
Today’s commissioning formally welcomes the vessel into the Marine Rescue NSW fleet, marking an important milestone for volunteers and the local community.
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Darren Schott commissioned the vessel during a ceremony at South West Rocks, joined by local volunteers and community members. The replacement vessel represents a NSW Government investment of $668,707 in frontline marine rescue capability.
Acting Commissioner Schott said commissioning a vessel is a vital step in recognising its operational readiness and the role it plays in saving lives.
“While Trial Bay 30 has already been hard at work on the water, today’s commissioning officially acknowledges this vessel as a critical, frontline asset for Marine Rescue NSW,” Acting Commissioner Schott said.
“This replacement vessel supports the 56 dedicated volunteers at Marine Rescue Trial Bay, enabling them to respond rapidly to people in distress on local waters, day or night.”
Built in NSW by Yamba Welding and Engineering, Trial Bay 30 is a 10-metre Naiad powered by twin Suzuki 300-horsepower engines, capable of reaching speeds of up to 42 knots. Its design and performance allow it to operate effectively in demanding offshore and bar-crossing conditions.
Acting Commissioner Schott said the vessel’s advanced technology significantly enhances search and rescue operations.
“Trial Bay 30 features an impressive suite of navigation and communications equipment, including a FLIR thermal infrared camera, 3D side-scan sonar and Doppler radar,”
“Trial Bay 30 strengthens local rescue capability and ensures the community can have confidence that help is available when it matters most.” he said.
Acting Commissioner Schott also encouraged boaters to make safety a priority before heading out.
“I encourage all boaters to make logging on with Marine Rescue NSW part of their pre-launch routine, either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF Channel 16. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime.”
Marine Rescue Trial Bay Unit Commander Ian Turner said the vessel has already demonstrated its value on the water.
“Trial Bay 30 is an outstanding vessel and a genuine workhorse,” Unit Commander Turner said.
“It is capable of heavy bar crossings with its evolutionary axe-head bow design and can rapidly deploy up to 30 nautical miles offshore.”
“Last year alone, the vessel conducted 37 search and rescue missions, safely returning 71 people to shore. Its reliability, speed and capability have already made a real difference in our ability to save lives.”
“We thank the NSW Government for its ongoing financial support and for ensuring our volunteers have fit-for-purpose resources to carry out their vital life-saving work,” Unit Commander Turner said.
