Woolgoolga’s new Marine Rescue vessel is taking shape after construction commenced in February.
The new 9.6 metre Naiad Hamilton Jet boat is being built at Yamba Welding and Engineering on the NSW North Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin said that Woolgoolga 30 has been specifically designed.
“That vessel and that region has specific requirements because there are no accessible boat ramps,” he said.
Mr Parkin said Marine Rescue volunteers at Woolgoolga launch and retrieve the current vessel directly from the beach using a specialised trailer.
“We’re designing the vessel around those same categories but with more capability.
“It’s going to be a faster response, it’s going to be a little bit lighter but also stronger through the bow so when you’re launching and retrieving the vessel from the beach it will take up some of that impact for the crew.
“It will also mean that we will get longer life out of the vessel.
“This new rescue boat will play a vital role in Marine Rescue’s mission of saving lives on the water,” Mr Parkin said.
Woolgoolga 30 will have a full Raymarine suite, four shock mitigating seating positions and pack plenty of punch with a Cummins QSB 6.7 inboard diesel engine.
Mr Parkin recently visited Yamba Welding and Engineering for a construction update.
“Everything is progressing well, there’s no major hurdles or delays and we are very much looking forward to adding this vessel to our fleet,” he said.
WO 30 is due for completion in June and is one 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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