Keeping U SAFE on the water
Marine Rescue NSW has launched the first Australian trial of new life-saving marine rescue technology.
The U SAFE, a self-propelled, remote-controlled life buoy, is being subjected to rigorous trials on hazardous NSW waters for three months.
Emergency Services Minister David Elliott inspected the U SAFE prototype during a rescue simulation to start the trial.
Mr Elliott said the innovative technology was the future of marine rescue and would put crews in a position to save more lives in a range of hazardous conditions.
“This is an incredible piece of kit that can launched from a rescue vessel or from the shore and steered directly to a person or boat in danger,” Mr Elliott said.
“We’re committed to reducing tragic and too often preventable drownings and that’s why we’ve invested a record $37.6 million for Marine Rescue over four years to enhance their rescue capability with additional rescue vessels, volunteer facilities and radio infrastructure.”
The patented U SAFE device has been produced by Portuguese developer Noras Performance.
Featuring a U-shaped hull, it is powered by an electric turbine in each leg and can travel up to 400m from the operator at a speed of up to 15km/h.
Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the aquatic robot had the potential to revolutionise marine rescue, saving more lives while protecting crew safety.
“The U SAFE is the life ring of the 21st century,” he said. “This trial will help determine the life-saving potential of this technology.
“We’re excited to undertake the first operational trial of the U SAFE prototype by a professional rescue service in Australia.”
The comprehensive trial will test the equipment’s performance, speed and accuracy and contribution to mission success in scenarios such as:
- Dangerous conditions and inaccessible locations, such as on coastal bars, near rocky outcrops and on shallow waterways that are difficult for large rescue vessels to safely navigate
- Reaching people who have fallen overboard from boats or rock fishers being churned in the surf close to rock platforms or cliffs
- Carrying a tow rope to a boat in severe conditions, such as in an extreme chop, heavy swell or close to rocks.
