New 6.3 metre walk-through console Naiad boats are closer to going into service at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and Batemans Bay after passing their sea trials.
The Tuggerah Lakes 21 and Batemans Bay 21 replacement vessels have been put through their paces by Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin at Yamba on the state’s north coast.
Parkin said the sea trial phase of a vessel’s construction is an all-encompassing process to ensure that the finishes, specifications, systems, engines and sea capability meets Marine Rescue’s requirements.
“Initial sea trails were really good, they performed well on the water, manoeuvrability was very simple and they got up out of the hull and on a plane very nicely so a good asset for both units,” he said.
Mr Parkin said that TL 21 and BM 21 have been designed to be multi-purpose vessels.
“They can really be very capable on enclosed inshore waters where we may have to help somebody out if they have run out of fuel or their battery is flat.
“Also if we need to do a search pattern and run them inshore but also offshore.
“Quite comfortable to send them offshore up to about seven nautical miles (13kms) where the crew can capably join in another search and conduct their own searches from these smaller vessels,” Mr Parkin said.
The vessels are powered by twin 115hp outboard engines capable of reaching speeds of 38 knots.
The new vessels come with a quick catch system on the trailer which Mr Parkin said makes launch and retrieval safer and easier for Marine Rescue volunteers.
“You drive the boat straight onto the trailer, it latches directly onto the trailer once you get into position and you drive away.
“It removes any chance of anybody getting their fingers in the way, you stay dry and you’re away into the carpark, secure the boat and you’re done,” he said.
Members from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and Batemans Bay are set to undergo induction and training on the new vessel in the coming weeks before the boat goes into active service, replacing the existing TL 21 and BM 21 boats.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said it’s important the service turns over its vessels regularly.
“These new vessels will be great additions to our Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and Batemans Bay units.
“It’s important for both the volunteers and the boaters that we support that the vessels that they have are fit for purpose and can render assistance when assistance is needed,” Commissioner Barrell said.
TL 21 and BM 21 are two of 38 new rescue boats funded by the NSW Government’s $37.6 million investment in 2019 to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
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