Marine Rescue NSW vessel Port Kembla 20 is the first of its kind in the fleet. Photo: Marine Rescue NSW.
Marine Rescue Port Kembla’s new vessel will be a “game changer” for emergency response capability on Lake Illawarra.
The $343,915 boat, Port Kembla 20, was officially commissioned on Monday (28 September) at the Marine Rescue NSW Port Kembla harbour base.
The 5.5 m fast-response rescue craft is designed to tow disabled vessels and recover people from the water and its design is particularly suited to the shallow waters of Lake Illawarra.
Port Kembla unit commander Kevin Bradley said the vessel was the first of its kind in the Marine Rescue fleet and would be a game changer for response capability on the lake.
“Lake Illawarra presents some extremely challenging shallow-water conditions and those conditions can change rapidly, with strong winds and confused swell catching boaters off guard,” he said.
“[The vessel] can operate up to seven nautical miles offshore, complementing our larger rescue vessel and two rescue watercraft and its 150-litre fuel capacity allows crews to remain on the water for longer during extended searches.”
Port Kembla 20 is also equipped with a thermal imaging camera, enhancing the crew’s ability to search for people and vessels at night or in poor visibility.
With the boating season due to get underway on Thursday (1 October), skippers are urged not to let excitement about the new season override essential safety checks, especially if vessels haven’t been used during the cooler months.
They’ve been reminded to complete essential safety checks, log on with Marine Rescue NSW and prepare for the conditions before heading out on the water.
At the commissioning of Port Kembla 20 … Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib, Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley and Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews. Photo: Marine Recue NSW.
Marine Rescue NSW has recorded its second busiest winter in history.
More than 475 volunteers across the Illawarra region – from the Royal National Park south to Kioloa – completed 303 search and rescue missions, including 141 emergency responses, safely returning 660 people to shore.
NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the start of the new boating season was a timely reminder that preparation could prevent a lovely day on the water from becoming an emergency.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready around the clock to respond when boaters need help, but everyone who takes to the water has a responsibility to make safety their priority,” he said.
“I encourage every boater to log on every trip, every time, whether heading offshore, fishing on an estuary or enjoying an inland waterway.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews echoed the minister’s message.
“The ‘she’ll be right’ attitude doesn’t cut it when you’re stranded 20 nautical miles offshore in deteriorating weather conditions because you used old fuel or didn’t check your battery,” he said.
“Engine and battery failures and running out of fuel account for almost 60 per cent of our responses across NSW.
“Before you launch, service your boat, check your battery, inspect your safety equipment, make sure you have enough fuel to complete your trip with some in reserve, and check and monitor the weather.
“Don’t let complacency cut your day or possibly your life short.”
Visit the NSW Government website for more information on boating in NSW and the latest water safety information.
