Volunteers saving lives on the water

Quarterly Journal of Marine Rescue NSW | Issue 10, March 2012

MAN OVERBOARD Dramatic rescue on Brunswick Bar

Iron Man centenary Boat building legend Carl Halvorsen Our new fleet Inside the Steber 38

PLUS: 4-page safety gear guide | A chaplain’s story | Fundraisers | Yachting spectacular MARINE SYDNEY AUSTRALIA CONTENTS SOS MARINE SOS Marine 23A Rochester Street, Botany NSW Australia Issue 10 | March 2012 Telephone: +61 2 9700 0233 Email: [email protected] Survival Operations Specialist Website: www.sosmarine.com www.danbuoy.com FROM THE HELM 2 Commissioner’s report SOS Dan Buoy. Ready to go, man overboard device. International patent tested to elements of ISO 12402 4 Chairman’s report ON THE RADAR 2011 AWARD WINNING SOS DAN BUOY Quarterly Journal of Marine Rescue NSW 2-3 • Say thanks to a vollie • Welcome to our new IT training sponsors 4-5 • New face joins Board 2011 Australian Marine Industry Export Award- SOS DAN BUOY SOS - 6375 • MRNSW to feature in TV series Most Innovative Marine Exported Product Publisher 6 • Lifejackets in good nick? Check! Marine Rescue NSW • Boating Manual now available as eBook Level 5, 9-13 Young Street 8 • New one-stop-shop for emergency reporting 2011 Australian Business Award Sydney NSW 2000 • Police honour units for the Best New Product Contact • Grants to upgrade ramps for boaties Kate Woods, Ken McManus IN THEIR OWN WORDS Phone: 02 8071 4848 9 Chaplain David Simpson 2011 Australian Business Award Fax: 02 9969 5214 for Product Excellence Email: [email protected] MAKING WAVES 11 Northern Rivers news Editor • Point Danger • Brunswick The SOS Dan Buoy is simple, compact, ready to use Ashley Gray 14-15 Mid North Coast news and highly visible. Folds away in an easily stowed Design and Layout • Forster-Tuncurry • Coffs Harbour carry bag. Quality, performance and priced for Nicole Brown • Camden Haven every boat to carry one. 16-18 Hunter Valley / Central Coast news Advertising • Central Coast • The Entrance Graham Joss • Port Stephens • Lake Macquarie SOS Marine is Australia’s eminent manufacturer of lifejackets and life saving equipment ISO 12402 approved Email: [email protected] Phone: 0419 492 836 23-25 Greater Sydney news • Port Jackson • Cottage Point Printing • Middle Harbour • Botany Bay Printing, binding and mailing by Galloping Press Pty Ltd MARINE RESCUE LIFEJACKET VEST SOS - 6167 - 1 SOS MARITIME 26-27 Illawarra news Unit 29/398 The Boulevarde, Kirrawee NSW 2232 WORKER’S • Shoalhaven • Port Kembla Marine Rescue NSW is pleased to acknowledge the invaluable support of our • Jervis Bay • Ulladulla LIFEJACKET Soundings advertisers. 28-29 Monaro news • Eden • Alpine Lakes VEST © Copyright Volunteer Marine Rescue New South Wales. • Bermagui • Batemans Bay Reproduction in whole or in part prohibited without permission of the publisher. FEATURES 19-22 Spotlight on boating safety equipment Marine Rescue NSW encourages the use of Soundings articles on boating safety. Permission to use and supply of relevant images can be obtained 30-31 Introducing the powerful Steber 38 from the publisher. PICTURE GALLERY 13 & 35 What we’ve been up to ICON 32 Boat building legend Carl Halvorsen EXTRAS 33 South Coast gets new communications boost 34 Jet ski riders urged to take it easy MARINE RESCUE NSW FUNDRAISING Volunteers saving lives on the water 36-37 Creative ideas for donation dollars About SOS Marine Volunteer Marine Rescue New South Wales MRNSW ONLINE ABN 98 138 078 092 38 Website showcases our members SOS Marine supplies 7 navies worldwide and has a 30 year history of producing innovative safety equipment Level 5 IN MEMORIAM for maritime working environment. The International Award Winner manufactures rescue equipment as well 9-13 Young Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Phone: 02 8071 4848 Fax: 02 9969 5214 39-40 Tributes to valued members as the comfortable SOS Worker`s Lifejacket-Vest recognising the health & safety responsibilities around Email: [email protected] LETTERS the waterfronts. 40 Feedback

www.sosmarine.com SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW  ON THE RADAR Things to look out for

From the Commissioner Welcome to our new IT training sponsors Making it mandatory for members to wear lifejackets is good safety policy. Hewlett-Packard and Pivot Maritime International join forces with MRNSW.

elcome to the new-look NSW is recognised as a leading There are specific exemptions at the arine Rescue NSW welcomes HP South Pacific Personal WSoundings, the voice of advocate of boating safety. Our discretion of the vessel master but MHewlett-Packard (HP) and Systems Group Vice President Marine Rescue NSW and its members at Port Stephens, Jervis the overall intent is clear: if you’re Pivot Maritime International as our IT Janice Cox said: “We are proud volunteers. Bay, Forster-Tuncurry and other on a moving boat, you must wear and training supporters. that HP products and solutions Our volunteers inspire us with units have been building awareness your lifejacket. It is your personal Commissioner Stacey Tannos said were selected to help improve the their acts of skill and courage, of safety on the water at boat ramps, protective equipment. the companies’ generous support productivity and efficiency of Marine their community spirit and their major emergency service displays This policy is a step beyond the had enabled MRNSW to accelerate Rescue NSW, so its volunteers can commitment to boating safety. and other community events. recreational boating requirements. the roll-out of training programs and focus on offering what is a vital Soundings is an important way for While the summer weather I make no apologies for that. As equipment to volunteers in all units. community service for the State.” us to acknowledge and thank them wasn’t ideal for boating, it seems an emergency service, we need to “HP’s support for our volunteers The specialised IT equipment is for their hard work and dedication. plenty of boaters were still keen to uphold the highest safety standards and the vital services they provide being funded through a $100,000 This year we’re working to get out on the water and more than and to set a positive example for the means we are now able to supply Emergency Volunteer Support MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos and HP Vice President and Commissioner, extend our distribution to more a few found themselves in need of boating community. Our volunteers’ each of our units with a much Scheme grant. General Manager of the Personal Systems Group, Janice Cox. Stacey Tannos ESM outlets where the boating and wider our volunteers’ help. safety on the water must be our larger suite of training technology MRNSW IT and Business community will be able to find a As our dramatic cover shots highest priority and wearing a life to enhance their training activities,” Development Director Florian Glajcar “The desktops come complete competitively by Pivot Maritime, was copy of Soundings and learn more show, you cannot always predict jacket is the simplest step you can Commissioner Tannos said. said HP’s pricing support meant units with high-end graphics capabilities a great way to set realistic training about our work and other matters of when an emergency is about take to help preserve your safety in “This has been reinforced by Pivot would get bonus IT equipment. An and multi-screen outputs, a high scenarios. general boating and safety interest. to occur. Thankfully, these two the event of an emergency. Maritime, whose boat simulation integrated package of IT hardware, definition 24 inch monitor, web “The equipment and applications We’ve developed a fresh new style fishermen on the notorious Given the choice, I think most of software will allow our volunteers to including HP 8200 Elite Small Form cameras and headsets.” we can supply with the support of but you’ll still be able to find our Brunswick River bar were reported us would rather bet our lives on the put the skills learnt in their training Factor Desktops and HP ProBook State Training Manager Nicole HP and Pivot will promote members’ units’ reports on their activities: to have escaped without serious flotation benefits of a jacket than to the test in simulated water and 6560b Notebooks, plus driving Allen said the BoatSim training participation in online learning and the rescues, assists, community injury but as commercial fisherman, on our ability to tread water in the weather conditions.” console, will be rolled out in April. simulation package, supplied enhance our training delivery.” support, fundraising, training and Aaron Royle, whose boat was on the open sea or even inland waters for comradeship that fill their days. scene, told the Byron Shire News: an extended period while waiting I’d like to acknowledge the “My deckhand pulled them in over to be rescued in the wake of an generous support of HP and Pivot the side of the boat and I’ve got unforeseen accident. Maritime International in helping no doubt the smaller fellow would I am aware, however, that some us roll out an integrated suite of have been dead if it wasn’t for his members find full life jackets hot training IT equipment and software lifejacket.” and restrictive so we will be making to our members as part of our new Marine Rescue NSW’s new new yoke-style jackets available to training arrangements. Attracting lifejacket policy makes it mandatory overcome this issue. sponsors who are willing to work for our members to wear lifejackets Remember, safety comes first. It’s in partnership with Marine Rescue at all times when they are on board just common sense. Whether you’re NSW is integral to our corporate our vessels undertaking operational, a recreational boatie or a MRNSW strategic direction. training, event support or any member, wear your lifejacket. As many of the reports in this other activities, unless the vessel Stacey Tannos ESM edition make clear, Marine Rescue is stationary at a mooring or berth. Commissioner Say thanks to a vollie “ olunteers – Every One Counts” – are volunteers,” he explained. to our ranks. The opportunity to and improving boating safety. Vis the theme of this year’s “MRNSW is extremely fortunate contribute to their community and “You give your time for no National Volunteer Week, the largest to have more than 3000 volunteer perform a worthwhile service is no reward except the satisfaction that celebration of volunteers in Australia. members, who give their time doubt a driving force among people you have made a difference and Marine Rescue NSW willingly to save lives on the water, who have an interest in the water for that we owe you a great debt Commissioner Stacey Tannos said assist boaters in trouble, monitor and boating and are looking to of gratitude.” the week from May 14 to 20 would the radio networks and fulfil a range volunteer their time. be a chance to thank all volunteers of other essential roles, including “I want to thank each and for their contribution to the wellbeing education, fundraising, catering, every one of our volunteers of our community. administration and rostering. for their time and commitment “About 38 per cent of our adult “Unlike many other organisations, to our organisation and to population – or 6.4 million people we continue to attract new recruits saving lives on the water

 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW  ON THE RADAR Things to look out for

From the Chairman MRNSW to feature in TV series Maintaining high safety standards confirms our professional image in the public eye. New documentary Coastwatch will focus on the work of our volunteers.

nother issue of Soundings of our organisation’s new lifejacket management and growth strategy. new television series following The series is being made by A– and one that reflects the policy. This will require all boat Following the Board elections at Athe men and women who patrol Greenstone Pictures Australia, which many changes and achievements of crews to wear lifejackets at all times the end of last year, we are currently and protect New South Wales’ has been producing television series Marine Rescue NSW. when on the water. It is important to examining a series of refinements to marine environment and boating and documentaries for more than Since Soundings last went to remember those people not wearing our constitution. This document was community is being filmed along 16 years, including the Australian press, we have been through a lifejackets who have lost their lives written in the organisation’s infancy our coastline. prime time hits, Highway Patrol busy and challenging summer by drowning in boating emergencies and was always intended to be a Coastwatch, an observational and CIU – Crash Investigation Unit, season. MRNSW has punched in recent times. By adopting the use transitional document. documentary series, is featuring for Channel 7, and New Zealand well above its weight. We have of lifejackets in so public and visual A committee of members, the work of volunteers from Marine successes such as Coastwatch, been involved in rescues, assists, a manner we are seen to practice including two Board Directors, has Rescue NSW, Fisheries personnel Motorway Patrol, The Zoo and recoveries, fires at sea and continual what we preach. reviewed the existing documents from the Department of Primary Border Patrol. Caught on camera: Coastwatch sound operator Dale Nelson and cameraman Justin Lewis with MR Botany Bay members Graham fundraising at state and local level, As a member of a boat crew, with a view to identifying areas Industries and members of the NSW Greenstone Associate Producer Clarke, Sharon Hainin and Colin Kline. Chairman, as well as escort and support I recognise this will sometimes for revision. Members will have Police Force Marine Area Command. Georgina Baker said Coastwatch James Glissan QC duties for the recent Etchells World involve some discomfort but we the opportunity to comment on Shooting has been under way was a great opportunity for able to publicly acknowledge our Middle Harbour Unit Commander Championships off Sydney Harbour. are moving to distribute the new the revised constitution and will since last November on the series, Greenstone to work with a dedicated volunteers’ efforts,” he said. Tony Whybrow added: “Our All of these are fundamental lightweight 150N lifejackets which ultimately need to vote on any to screen nationally on Channel 7. volunteer organisation and show the “Through Coastwatch, the wider members have enjoyed having to raising our public profile and give the wearer much greater proposed amendments. At this Members of Marine Rescue Middle valuable work of Marine Rescue. community will have a far greater the Greenstone crew on board our cementing our reputation as a major freedom of movement and are stage, it is hoped to hold an Harbour and Botany Bay have been MRNSW Commissioner Stacey understanding of the services new Steber during major events emergency service with our marine cooler to wear. extraordinary general meeting mid- shadowed by film crews over the Tannos said the new documentary Marine Rescue provides and the such as the start of the Sydney colleagues. This behoves us to It is important we portray a year to permit all members to have summer whenever the rain stopped series would showcase all three efforts of our volunteers, who often to Hobart, New Year’s Eve and be and be seen to be leaders professional image of ourselves a voice in and, if satisfied, adopt a long enough to encourage some organisations’ members. are called on to risk their own safety Australia Day, as well as during in maritime safety. All of our new as a strong organisation. We have revised constitution. boaters out on the water. “It’s always a great thing to be to rescue people in trouble.” our routine patrols.” boats are fitted out to the highest launched our new website to more As we move from our busiest standard with SAR electronics and accurately reflect the work of our time to a less demanding period, safety equipment. members and the services we I encourage everyone to take We are seen to be a leader provide the community. Our standard advantage of our new RTO training and need to set a standard to corporate livery is our professional systems as they come online so that be followed. face to the world, helping our we can continue to improve our That is why the Board volunteers obtain the community service to the boaties of NSW. unanimously supported recognition and support they so Good sailing Commissioner Tannos’s introduction richly deserve. This is part of our Jim Glissan

New face joins Board arine Rescue NSW members directors to review and implement dual position of secretary-treasurer Mon the Mid North Coast have a the business and strategic plans for the next decade. new representative on the Board of adopted in November and to build He qualified as a skipper and Directors as a result of the annual on the excellent work done so far by joined the rescue vessel crew, elections held in December. the volunteers and executive. drawing on his experience in the Mr John Lynch, from the Forster “With the Registered Training Navy and cruising the coast in his Tuncurry Unit, was elected as the Organisation now approved, the 36-foot Riviera cruiser. John Lynch is the Mid North region’s new Director, replacing Mr basic policies and procedures “As the unit commander for Coast’s new representative on Tony Breen, who retired. already in place can now be refined six years and with a dedicated the Board of Directors. Northern Rivers Regional Director, and put into practice. This will team in support, I was able to Mr Peter Campton, was re-elected enable our members to receive gain community support, and fund Marine Advisory Committee for more unopposed, Mr Peter Phillipson ESM the best possible training and the and build a Search and Rescue than 12 years. was returned as Hunter/Central respect they deserve,” he said. Co-ordination Centre on the Forster Mr Lynch’s professional Coast Director and Mr Michael Mr Lynch joined the Forster Royal breakwall,” he said. background was in the investment, Stringer AM ESM was re-elected as Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 1995, A member of the State Rescue finance and banking sector, a General Director. and after completing his Marine Board accreditation team, Mr Lynch culminating in his retirement as Mr Lynch said he intended Radio Certificate of Proficiency was also was the RVCP North Coast the company secretary of a to work closely with his fellow appointed unit secretary, holding the delegate to the Mid North Coast regional bank.

 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW  ON THE RADAR Things to look out for

Lifejackets in good nick? Check! THE WORLD’S MOST New service centre set up at MRNSW Stores warehouse in Sydney.

new lifejacket service centre has Robards said units could be assured Abeen established at the Marine that the annual service would be Rescue NSW Stores warehouse in carried out professionally and swiftly, Sydney to provide a coordinated with 11 volunteers trained and and accredited inspection regime certified by the manufacturer, SOS, TECHNOLOGICALLY for these vital pieces of safety as service technicians. * equipment. The service centre has been set Units will be able to send their up in a $6000 project including the ADVANCED OUTBOARDS jackets to the centralised centre for installation of benches, hanging annual inspection, as required by racks, a compressor and IT support. the manufacturer and Roads and Any items that are suspected of Maritime Services. being defective will be removed and 
'%#$/!-
)
(*-!
"0!'
!; %!)/
050&%
The process involves checking replaced, as the service centre does *0/*-
!'%1!-.
4*0-
$*-.!+*2!-
%)

the inflatable bladder remains not have the specialist equipment *(+ /
)
-!'%'!
+ &#!
2%/$
"!/0-!.
intact and testing its ability to hold for repair work, and any badly Marine Rescue Hawkesbury Deputy Unit Commander Merv Collins .0 $
. pressure over 12 hours. The carbon damaged jackets will be destroyed. checks the components of a lifejacket are in good working order at dioxide cylinder responsible for “We need to do this to ensure the Sydney service centre.
inflating the bladder when activated their integrity and the safety of the






(*-!
*(+ /
!.%#)
is checked for corrosion, integrity people who will be relying on them We will now have a centralised Units will soon be notified of and gas content, along with the in an emergency,” Mr Robards said. service record of all our jackets to the process for booking service





%#$/!-
2!%#$/
light’s operation and batteries. “This is important for our ensure they have all been serviced inspections and for despatch MRNSW project officer Frank Workplace Health and Safety. according to the required standard.” and return.





! 0 !
"0!'
0.#!
4
0+
/*
 






/$-*0#$
/$!
%))*1/%1!
8'!)
0-)9
.4./!(

Boating Manual now





!'%%'%/4
/$/
%.
 &!
4

Looking for cheap spare






4!-
2--)/4
parts and accessories? available as eBook Hunts Marine is Australia’s largest supplier of genuine he fourth edition of Captain





)#%)!.
0%'/
.+! %: ''4
"*-
(-%)!
0.!
spare parts for Yamaha, Johnson, Mercury, Mariner and TDick Gandy’s Australian Boating Manual, the most comprehensive Mercruiser. All trade and retail enquiries welcome.





'..
'! %)#
"!/0-!.
)
/! $)*'*#4 Fast, reliable overnight delivery. and best-known boating book in Our huge boating accessory supermarket has a great Australia, has now been released in range of electronics, safety gear, deck hardware, sail both print and eBook formats. fittings, trailer parts, polishes, ropes, paints and more. The electronic version is suitable *
-!'%'!
"0!'
!; %!)/
,0%!/
)
.(**/$
/$/
/$!
for both PC and Mac. Visit us online www.huntsmarine.com.au !)#%)!
2%''
!
/$!
'./
/$%)#
*)
4*0-
(%)
2$!)
4*09-!
The Manual, known for its currency and relevance to both *0/
*/%)#
*-
:.$%)# recreational and commercial boaters, is used by Marine Rescue NSW in its training programs. The Sydney: Service and Spares: 259 West Street Carlton reference/text book also contains Showroom: 629 Princes Highway Blakehurst 2600 multiple-choice Q&A to Ph: 02 9546 1324 Open 7 days Carry the Boating Manual test yourself or to set examinations eBook with you as a mobile 434 Princes Highway Corrimal Wollongong: for others. reference. Ph: 02 4284 0444 Open 6 days

This edition includes important  
Batemans Bay: 2 Kylie Crescent Batemans Bay information on the new Workplace together but to assist existing Ph: 02 4472 2612 Open 6 days Health and Safety Act. owners of the hard copy to also While many people find it easier acquire an eBook, it is available to study from a printed book, the to everyone at half price ($44) eBook ABM will provide a mobile until May 30, 2012. Visit the *
:)
4*0-
)!-!./
050&%
!'!-
#*
/*
/$!$%)!.#-*0+ *(
*-
''
 

 reference. The eBook will be half online shop at www. DF2.5 DF4 DF5 DF6 DF8 DF9.9 DF15 DF25 DF40 DF50 DF60 DF70 DF80 DF90 DF100 DF115 DF140 DF150 DF175 DF200 DF225 DF250 DF300 price if the two versions are bought AustralianBoatingManual.com. !3/
#!)!-/%*)
67
.!-%!.
  


050&%
 
*(+-!
/*
+-!1%*0.
#!)!-/%*)
050&%
 

6 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 7 IN THEIR OWN WORDS ON THE RADAR Members talk about life as a volunteer Things to look out for

New one-stop-shop for emergency reporting David Simpson Centralised emergency number will streamline the search and rescue process. Chaplain, Crowdy Harrington, Mid North Coast arine Rescue NSW units can aware of an incident fitting the set David Simpson is a retired Mnow ring a new centralised notification criteria, alleviating the Anglican priest who joined 1800 number to report search and need to make multiple local calls. Crowdy Harrington Marine rescue emergencies on the water to Once a unit has reported the Rescue two years ago. A the NSW Police Force Marine Area incident on the 1800 line, the sprightly 68 years of age, he Command (MAC). search officer at the MAC will task is the unit’s radio officer MAC Commander Detective and deploy the appropriate rescue and chaplain. Superintendent Mark Hutchings services and notify any other said MAC had introduced the new relevant parties, such as VKG and I WANTED TO GIVE SOMETHING notification number to provide a the local police. BACK TO THE COMMUNITY more direct “one-stop-shop” for The new operating procedures when I retired – joining NSW MRNSW units to notify Police of have been designed to clarify the Marine Rescue was a way to do serious incidents. types of incidents that need to be that. I began as a radio officer, “It is anticipated that the reported to MAC. If members are and because I had been a police new number will streamline the unsure of whether an incident fits chaplain for 17 years I was asked MAC Commander Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings says process for your organisation, the criteria, they should contact the the new arrangements will improve capacity to save lives. to be the chaplain as well. I also do improve our customer service to number and ask for advice. community transport driving. you and supersede any other local “I would like to acknowledge the our ability to save lives.” is responsible for the overall arrangements that may exist,” Det excellent work and support of your MRNSW Commissioner Stacey coordination of search and MEMBERS MINDED THEIR Ps Supt Hutchings said. organisation and the volunteers,” Tannos welcomed the single rescue activities on the water,” AND Qs WHEN I FIRST STARTED Under the new Standard Det Supt Hutchings said. reporting process. Commissioner Tannos said. because I was a priest, but when Crowdy Harrington chaplain and radio officer David Simpson, a retired Anglican priest, blesses a new Operating Procedure ratified by the “I believe the new arrangements “This will make it far easier “This improvement in service you show you haven’t come with an rescue boat before it goes out to sea. State Rescue Board, MRNSW units will only further strengthen for our members to quickly delivery shows the benefit of the agenda they become more relaxed are required to contact MAC on the the cooperation between both and efficiently report serious strong and cooperative relationship around you – they open up and CHAPLAINS HELP WITH THE 1800 number when they become our organisations and enhance emergencies to the MAC, which between MRNSW and MAC.” you earn their respect. I wasn’t a EFFECTS OF TRAUMA AT SEA mariner or fisherman so it was all and also with things that might be brand new to me. I had to learn all affecting a unit member at home. the bits and pieces. We’ve got a chap in our unit up here Grants to upgrade who is seriously ill and I’ve been I JOKINGLY DESCRIBE CHAPLAINCY able to talk with him and be Australia’s Largest Specialist ramps for boaties AS CREATIVE LOITERING. You are of benefit to him. Inflatable Boat Service Centre he State Government has convenient is good news for there, but you are not needed unless Tannounced more than $4.5 the community.” you are needed – unless there is a THINGS CAN GO AWRY WITH million in grants for new and Regional projects approved in real crisis. BOATING THAT NO ONE WOULD Rigid Hull inflatables and upgraded boat ramps and facilities the state’s north include the EVER EXPECT. We had to give a Replacement Inflatable Collars across NSW. Brushgrove Pontoon construction MY ROLE IS TO BE A SUPPORT chap a tow in who’d been fishing for NSW Roads and Ports Minister on the Clarence River and upgrading PERSON. You have to communicate donkey’s years and had never had (Achilles DuPont) MAC Commander Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings presents with the person, sit with them – and any trouble. But he was appreciative   MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos with certificates of appreciation. Duncan Gay said the $4.53 million the boat ramp and installing a Hypalon fabric with 10 year guarantee in funding under the 2011/12 new pontoon at Westport Park, allow them to respond in confidence, of the fact we were there to help Roads and Maritime Services Better Port Macquarie. to share things with you that have him. Word gets out that you are Police honour units Boating Program would support 52 Other projects will include been troubling them. You have to be doing a good job as a unit. We’ve he efforts of three Marine presented MRNSW Commissioner projects in regional NSW and four the upgrading of the Wangi Wangi able to listen. been fortunate so far – there TRescue NSW units in a search Stacey Tannos with certificates boat ramp developments in Sydney RSL jetty, Lake Macquarie; haven’t been any life-threatening sparked by a report of a flare west of appreciation recognising the Harbour. restoring the Davy Robinson Park I REMEMBER A POLICEMAN WHO situations – we’ve got people safely of Laurieton on the Mid North Coast assistance and professionalism the “By supporting improved boating boat ramp at Moorebank; the HAD TO INVESTIGATE A FIRE IN home. have been commended by the NSW three MR crews demonstrated. facilities, Roads and Maritime Loop boat ramp replacement at A CARAVAN. As he was about to Police Force Marine Area Command. He said the volunteers’ work during Services is putting customers first in Narooma and the Tuross River enter he was told a child had died ANYONE CAN CALL ME if they Marine Rescue Camden Haven, the operation was greatly appreciated. our boating communities statewide,” Bridge boat ramp relocation in the fire on the radio. That trauma have a difficulty they feel they 

 

 


Port Macquarie and Crowdy Commissioner Tannos will present Mr Gay said. at Bodalla. impacted on him because he had a need to share. My number is Harrington all took part in the the certificates to the three units on “It is estimated more than 1.5 To have a look at the complete young child of his own at home. He 0411 546 969.   
  
 
  search on February 21. behalf of Det Supt Hutchings. See MR million people go boating in NSW project list, please visit www. was in a terrible state about it, but MAC Commander Detective Camden Haven’s report on the flare each year and making access to maritime.nsw.gov.au/mpd/infra_ we talked through how he felt so MRSNW members who need a Huskisson | 02 4441 8108 Superintendent Mark Hutchings has search on Page 15. our waterways safer and more grants.html. that he could come to terms with it. chaplain can find them on gbase.

 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW  MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Heroic Tweed crew perform daring rescue Unit saves man, woman and child on rudderless yacht in rough seas.

arine Rescue Point Danger A tow rope was attached for the MUnit Commander Bernie journey north to Southport, where Gabriel has praised members of his the yacht was moored after the unit for their efforts in rescuing a Southport Coast Guard escorted yacht in “extremely difficult” weather PD 30 through the unfamiliar conditions off Burleigh Heads, Qld. Southport Seaway. A man, woman and child, who Rough seas and low visibility were all sick, were aboard the meant the Point Danger volunteers’ yacht when it lost the use of its return trip to their Tweed base took rudder in rough seas on December two hours, rather than the usual 40 30. Gold Coast rescue crews were minutes. The crew then faced seas responding to other emergencies above four metres and breaking and called on MR Point Danger waves at the front of the bar on an to assist. outgoing tide. Point Danger 30, with skipper Mr Gabriel told The Daily Kerry Kane, Stirling Ryan, Chris News the operation had been a Ingall, Rick Hinfelaar and Kyle hazardous rescue carried out with Osmond on board, responded at professionalism by Point Danger 1.30pm, crossing the Tweed River rescue personnel on both the boat bar in a four-metre swell and 15- and at the operations centre. knot southerly. “There were no injuries sustained MR Point Danger volunteers Rick Hinfelaar, Kerry Kane and Chris They found the yacht about four by any person or major boat damage Ingall, who rescued a stricken yacht in hazardous conditions. nautical miles off Burleigh Heads. suffered,” he said. Photo: John Gass, The Daily News. Brunswick bar a danger for seafarers Three emergencies in 45 minutes for skippers and rescuers.

wo fishermen were lucky to on the bar, up-ending the two men Tsurvive when their five-metre on board into the water and leaving twin hull fishing boat capsized on them clinging to the upturned the rough and tricky Brunswick River hull of the aluminium boat, which bar early on February 12. soon sank. The emergency – captured on the Marine Rescue Brunswick’s BR cover of this edition of Soundings 20, with Skipper Gavin Grace and – was the second of three within crew members Michael Reina and the space of 45 minutes on a full Lance Burger aboard, was heading tide with the bar rated as “extreme to assist when a commercial fishing Seconds from disaster on the Brunswick bar. caution required”. boat also at the bar picked up At 5.43am, a five-metre half- the two men from the water and in Canberra alerted MR Brunswick people off board, ferrying them canopy vessel with two people returned them to the Boat Harbour. that an EPIRB had been activated in back to the Boat Harbour. aboard approached the entrance, Fisherman Aaron Royle, whose the area. MR member Des Wraight, The vessel remained at sea until attempting to put to sea for a deckhand pulled the two men on who had called in during his the tide changed and conditions day’s fishing. While attempting the board, told the Byron Shire News the morning walk, launched his kayak to improved, allowing it to re-enter crossing at 6.15am, the skipper was pair was lucky not to have drowned join the BR 20 crew in the search for without incident. thrown overboard, with the vessel on the bar, which was “really shallow the EPIRB, which was found in In the midst of these almost capsizing before he could be and dangerous to cross”. a mass of foam. emergencies, 11 other vessels also pulled from the water. “I’ve got no doubt the smaller By 7am, an 8.5-metre charter Logged On with the unit, whose At 6.30am, after another near- fellow would have been dead if it vessel with seven people aboard response proved that training capsize, the skipper put the vessel wasn’t for his lifejacket. His lungs that had logged on and crossed the and practice are essential to the on the beach, with both passengers were full of water and he was bar earlier radioed to ask for help as preservation of life at sea. safe and accounted for at 6.35am. conscious, but only just,” he said. the boat was taking water through Sylvia Van Rossum At 6.40am, the twin hull capsized The Rescue Coordination Centre a split hull. BR 20’s crew took five Duty Watch Officer

10 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 11 Picture gallery Engaging with the community

What we’ve been up to

North Haven Bowling Club has been a long-term sponsor of Marine Rescue Camden Haven. In January, several of the Club’s board members joined volunteers aboard the unit’s rescue vessel for a trip up the Camden Haven River. The journey included a bar crossing and a short trip to sea to demonstrate the conditions volunteers encounter when called out for a search operation or to tow a stricken vessel back to base. The Board members, from left to right, are: Chairman Gary McLoughlin, Treasurer Brian Johnson and Director Greg Clarke.

MR Lake Macquarie Unit Commander Jim Wright presents Bruce Marine Rescue Mid North Coast Regional Coordinator Linda Jones Maddison with the Member of the Year 2011 award at the unit’s presents Woolgoolga Unit Commander and Northern Training February meeting. Officer John Murray with his 10 Year Long Service Medal.

More than 1000 residents and visitors flocked to MR Forster- Queen Mary 2 dwarfs all vessels on Sydney Harbour, including Tuncurry’s huge Boat Safety and Trailer Maintenance Day in January. Middle Harbour 30 with member Robbie Fidler aboard, as she makes (see story p 14) a grand entrance on Valentine’s Day.

12 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 13 MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News

Rescue display thrills holiday crowd Flare sparks big search MRNSW Forster-Tuncurry hosts spectacular emergency services skills demonstration. Camden Haven Rescue 2 crew excel.

ore than 1000 residents and MRNSW members and grab a bite Mholiday makers turned out to at the barbecue and coffee shop watch a breathtaking demonstration throughout the day, which is now of emergency services skills planned as an annual event. organised by Marine Rescue Forster- Other participants included Roads Tuncurry during the summer break. and Maritime Services from Forster, The highlight of the Boat Safety Port Stephens NSW Police Force and Trailer Maintenance Day was a Marine Area Command, Barclay precision winching operation by the Marine Forster and the Westpac Westpac helicopter, which dropped Helicopter Fundraising team, along a crew member on to the deck of with the helicopter crew. MR Crowdy the police vessel Intrepid before Harrington trailered its boat down for retrieving him again. the day before returning by water for Camden Haven search team Terry Sturgeon, Ken Clancy, Gordon The Westpac helicopter performed a precision winching operation. The crowd on the breakwall some extra sea training. Gray, Ken Smith and Alan Malcolm aboard Rescue 2. alongside the Marine Rescue NSW December and January are meant base watched on as the helicopter to be “another day in paradise” at again highlighted the problem of and Judith Tyne with ribbons for report of a flare sighting at sea to suit the conditions reported by the then buzzed two MRNSW vessels Forster-Tuncurry but the weather boaties forgetting their basic safety five years each. Aturned a routine training session crew, while Ken directed operations on the channel to give their crews gods forgot about summer this year. checks before venturing on to Our fundraising efforts were into a major search operation for and kept MAC and others notified. experience in working under a While this limited the number the water. extensive over summer with an members of Marine Rescue Camden As the morning progressed, MAC chopper draft. of boaties on the water, it also New Mid North Coast Board extra market held in fine weather, Haven last month. brought both Marine Rescue Crowdy Members of the public had the reduced the number of assists, Director John Lynch visited to making up for a couple in the rain At 8.20am on February 21, the Harrington and Port Macquarie into chance to inspect the helicopter, which were of a minor nature and present John Zalockar with his Long late last year. crew on Camden Haven Rescue 2, the search. attend a talk on boat and trailer generally required only a tow back Service Medal for 20 years’ service Dennis Travers Gordon Gray, Ken Clancy, Ken Smith, Rescue 2 searched along the NE/ maintenance, seek advice from to moorings. Some of these tasks and Graeme Parker, Norm McLeod Unit Commander Charlie Snudden, Terry Sturgeon and SW paths with no result other than Alan Malcolm, were completing Man a sighting of a dolphin and a sea Overboard and Abandon Ship drills bird. Two vessels in the search area when radio operator Robert Sargent were approached to ask if they had Coffs Harbour encounters a marauding shark asked them to conduct a search. seen anything that might assist but Unit kept busy over summer helping out yachties, anglers and boaties. A member of the public had with no result. A drift test provided reported to the NSW Police Force additional information. espite the weather, members of Marine Area Command. One of Marine Area Command that he had The conditions were reasonable DMarine Rescue Coffs Harbour these was the hard luck story of the seen a flare to the north-east from at first with visibility to 15nm, calm still managed to assist yachties month when a yacht motoring up the top of North Brother, just west seas and 5-10 knot SE winds but passing in the night, anglers chasing the coast trolling a few lures hooked of Laurieton. Rescue 2 was tasked worsened with very choppy 1.5 to game fish and a boat that came off a shark, which ran the line around with initially searching along a NE 2m seas and winds at 15-20 knots. second best in a tangle with a shark. the prop and rudder, fouling the heading from Grants Head to a Travelling along the northerly legs Returning from slipping for works. The shark was cut free and point 6nm seaward, then continuing was easy enough but the southerly maintenance and starboard engine Marine Rescue was called to assist. to search in a parallel pattern at legs were most uncomfortable. repairs in November, CR2 led the Another yacht reported engine 700m spacing, later changed to one At noon it was time for a crew competitors in a sail-past at the start problems offshore from the Macleay nautical mile, due to the conditions. change. Crowdy 20, skippered of the Hot Current Game Fishing River soon after midnight on January Robert is a young, relatively by John Peers, with Joe Bell and Tournament. The unit also recorded 12. Shortly afterwards, the engine recent member of our unit who Brian Hulton aboard, had been Pittwater to Coffs race competitors’ failed completely and the vessel MR Coffs Harbour member Kevin Recknell aboard CR 2 at the start has picked up the skills of Leading searching closer in shore and estimates of their finishing times as was unable to make way, with no of the Hot Current Game Fishing Tournament. Crew and Radio Operator extremely then took over the southern part they passed Nambucca on their way sea anchor and unable to raise its well. He immediately began plotting of the search area while Rescue north. Many of the vessels passed mainsail. MR Coffs Harbour relayed were considered, but when 503 offshore voyages and put in the search pattern and relayed the 2 returned to base. Shortly after, during the night, making for a busy messages between the vessel and conditions improved Fearless 25,732 volunteer hours. Off the positions to Rescue 2. Operations MAC called off the search, placing shift for the duty watch keeper. Coffs Harbour MAC throughout the headed south and by 12.37pm had water, Coffs Harbour held an open Officer Ken Rutledge was appointed all vessels on standby awaiting January was full, with up to 50 night. The MAC vessel, Fearless, the vessel under tow. After breaking day in December and members lent onsite coordinator and Annette further developments. A helicopter boats logged on for several days left Coffs at 5.20am but at 8.14am the tow line twice, both vessels a hand at the Lions Club Christmas Gainey, Brian Burton and Peter was organised to make a couple of – and up to 73 on January 2. Seven advised it was too dangerous to arrived safely at Coffs at 7.19pm. Party for disadvantaged children. Wheeler-Smith also assisted. passes, again with no result. vessels were assisted and the unit continue in 6m seas and 40 knot In 2011, we helped 84 vessels, Alison Bowling Robert handled the navigational Ken Clancy also supported Coffs Harbour Police winds. Other rescue arrangements logged on 4480 vessels, tracked Publicity Officer work, adjusting the search pattern Duty Skipper

14 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 15 MAKING WAVES Hunter Valley/Central Coast news

Central Coast powering along Port Stephens spreads the Log On ethos Main rescue boat gets a new diesel engine and gearbox. Twelve per cent more boaters are now following this essential safety procedure.

arine Rescue Central Coast March 29. Toni Stevens, Liz Taylor, R Port Stephens has been We have now held five boat Mis going more strongly than Lambeth Bennett, Lillian de los Mspreading the safety word, ramp days and two marina days at ever in its 41st year thanks to a new Reyes, Wayne Horsburgh, the urging boaters to log on and off and Soldiers Point that have attracted diesel engine and gearbox fitted to Andrew Swan Trio and Hardly Jazz join the unit’s Marine Radio Service. almost 100 new members to our the unit’s principal rescue vessel, will star at the Gosford RSL event. A safety awareness campaign Marine Radio Service (MRS). Central Coast 20, before Christmas. The unit also has received an in the local boating community The results were clear on The 12-year-old engine had been NRMA Community Grant, which resulted in 12 per cent more boaters January 7, when our watchkeepers using excessive oil and blowing it has used to buy a portable logging on in January 2012 than at handled a huge number of calls, smoke and even with repairs it Davey Fire Fighter Honda Pump, the same time last year. including 65 log ons – one of the could not be guaranteed reliable for firefighting on the water and The unit, in conjunction with busiest days this summer by far. as parts were no longer available. pumping out sinking vessels. the local NSW Police Force Marine Twenty five per cent of those log Concerns were raised about fitting a In 2011, the unit received 10,670 Area Command and NSW Maritime, ons came from an MRS campaign new engine to the old gearbox and radio calls and 7444 phone calls, embarked on the campaign in at Soldiers Point boat ramp. it was found to be less expensive to including one on December 12 October 2011, setting up displays Sadly, during an early January Engineers from Yanmar Dealer, Minnards, guide Central Coast 20’s MR Port Stephens members Kevin Walker, Laurie Nolan and Bob Young. fit a new gearbox than to refurbish to help a family of four on board new engine on to its mounts. at local boat ramps. visit to a significant local marina, the existing model, so both were their 13m catamaran. Overnight, The favourable public response we found that of 87 skippers we conversations added another six this marina sample. replaced, costing $50,000. the vessel’s anchor had dragged Mackellar headed out on Central needed help to return to Woy Woy. gave us the impetus to continue, spoke to, 70 had never logged to the MRS register and one vessel We really need to continue with A crane was needed to remove when the weather changed and it Coast 11, which moved the 13.5m This tow was not quite completed as it was clearly evident that on with MRNSW, nine had logged to the offshore tracking system. our awareness program. But it won’t the old engine and gearbox and lift was stranded, aground in Paddy’s yacht to navigable water. when the MR crew was assigned to many boaties were wary of using on at least once in the past year While we are all very aware happen if we remain unseen in the new 350hp Yanmar into place, Channel. Once the vessel was freed, Less than an hour later, Central help two people on another runabout their radios, often didn’t turn them and a further eight were members of the value of logging on with the radio room! overseen by Norm Smith and Peter call-out crew Al Morris and Dennis Coast 11 deployed to Lobster Beach with a mechanical problem aground on and were unaware of the of our MRS service. Marine Rescue, we did not feature Robert Young Ashworth and the vessel is now Byrne towed it back to Ettalong. to assist a 7m half-cabin launch near an oyster lease in Paddy’s basic protocol. This particular morning of on the radar of 80 per cent of PR Officer better than new. About 2.30pm on January 3 an with six people on board that had Channel. This tow was picked up at The unit’s fundraising committee, Ettalong resident reported that a reported an electrical failure, towing about 5.35pm and taken to its berth headed by Penny Booth, enlisted yacht was stuck on a sandbank near it back to its Blackwall berth. At 5pm at Davistown. Barbara Guerrero to organise a Half Tide Rocks. Duty skipper Hunter a 4.3m runabout at Orangegrove Ron Cole variety concert benefit night on Leeder and his crewman Andrew suffered a mechanical failure and PR Officer Central Coast

Members lend a hand on $30,000 project The Entrance welcomes new jetty and additional training and storage space.

embers of Marine Rescue The and an extra $10,000 raised by MEntrance will benefit from a the unit’s fundraising team, led by $30,000 upgrade to provide a new Deputy Unit Commander Ken Lawrey jetty and additional training and and his wife Lorraine. storage space at their base at Members of The Entrance unit North Entrance. carried out more than a dozen Work on the project began on the rescues and assists in December- Australia Day weekend, with many January, including capsized boats, members chipping in under the wind surfers and jet skis in trouble guidance of MRNSW member and and boats with mechanical or local builder, Michael Rizzi. fuel problems. The new jetty will mean the unit’s Tuggerah Lakes was the focus of MRNSW The Entrance member and local builder Michael Rizzi at Shark Cat can sit comfortably on its a strong law enforcement campaign work on the unit’s $30,000 extensions. Versa-Dock (donated by the local in the lead-up to Australia Day, Freemasons) and launched in just a with NSW Police Force Marine Area children, and fisheries staff were its watch crews. Many of the new couple of minutes in an emergency. Command, NSW Maritime and NSW actively ensuring there will be plenty recruits joined after speaking to Funding for the project came Fisheries on the water. of fish stocks for the future. our raffle teams, so well done to all from a $20,000 grant presented Local maritime officers were Ten new members joined the unit concerned. by former Member of Parliament particularly checking boaters were over summer, boosting numbers to Denis O’Mara for The Entrance, Grant McBride, carrying life jackets, especially for 52 and enabling the unit to build PR Officer

16 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 17 MAKING WAVES Hunter Valley/Central Coast news

Lake Macquarie breaks communications records Spotlight on boating safety equipment Super-busy radio room shows community’s respect for unit’s professionalism.

arine Rescue Lake Macquarie rescue people in the water. Mbroke its communications In two weeks of January, our records over the summer as members helped rescue 12 people, members of the local boating including 10 from the water, in four Boaters choosing advanced technology community kept the unit’s radio separate emergencies. We also Emergencies keep safety at sea on public radar. operators occupied on the airwaves. provided safety vessels for fireworks Our radio room, which is on air shows and escorts into and out of ive men clinging to their a look at advances in boating safety and reception provided by VHF sets 24/7, was busy with a stack of Lake Macquarie due to the Swansea Fcapsized offshore fishing boat equipment. and VHF with DSC. communications over the Christmas Channel silting up. were winched to safety from We contacted some of Marine EPIRBs with GPS functionality break and in January alone the In January we celebrated our pounding seas off Port Stephens on Rescue NSW’s suppliers and are featuring on new equipment radio operators handled 2019 first year as an amalgamated unit March 6 in a major rescue operation Soundings advertisers to find any shopping lists. Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie volunteers hard at work on anti- that again demonstrated the value trends in the safety equipment boat Instead of opting for the lowest radio calls, 251 local log ons and following the merger of Coastal fouling maintenance on their rescue vessel. 353 originating offshore tracking Patrol Lake Macquarie and Swansea of modern safety technology. buyers and owners were ordering acceptable standard of life jackets, schedules. At its peak, three Coast Guard. The merger has Medal), Mary Griffith, Tom Case and Our training program has kicked This was the latest in a string of for new vessels or upgrades. there appears to be a better operators were on each shift. gone well and we are going from Nicki Mayler (five-year Pins). in under the guidance of our training marine emergencies that has kept In addition to the list of understanding that a comfortable, Although we didn’t see much strength to strength, with about 150 Bruce Maddison also was named officer Phil Hart and our members safety on the water on the public mandatory safety gear required by modern lifejacket that can be worn sunshine, our crews were also members and new trainees. our Member of the Year for 2011. are getting involved and increasing radar in 2012. NSW Roads and Maritime Services, for long periods, or a lightweight GME Combo GPS Chartplotter/ busy on the water. We attended At our February unit meeting, Our unit is lucky to have a wealth of their knowledge and learning new Fourteen people were rescued it emerged that two separate inflatable life jacket is a better, safer Digital Fishfinder 42 incidents in December and 67 Hunter/Central Coast Regional Board talented members who contribute to skills to enable them to progress from the water in open sea boating categories of advanced safety gear solution. in January, ranging from the usual Director Peter Phillipson presented making our unit great. Bruce is one and contribute further to the unit. mishaps in January, the Brunswick are being sought out by the boating The second category is owners personal Man Overboard (MOB) flat battery and out-of-fuel assists long service awards to members, of our silent achievers and a worthy Jim Wright River bar lived up to its treacherous market. and buyers who are looking at more systems for safety on coastal through to emergency calls to including Bruce Oliver (10 year recipient for the award. Unit Commander reputation and search and rescue The first is smart boat owners/ advanced technology that increases cruising vessels. agencies mobilised on an overnight buyers looking beyond the minimum the level of safety available on their Marine Rescue NSW strongly search for two missing divers in standard and opting for additional boats. For example, combined GPS advocates safe and responsible February. safety on the water. chartplotter/fishfinders, thermal boating and is encouraged by this These and other incidents on the There appears to be a growing night vision cameras, Personal move to greater safety awareness water prompted Soundings to have understanding of the better signal Locator Beacons for individuals and among skippers. EPIRBs 19 owe their lives to distress beacons.

he five fishermen pulled from and the five, clinging to the rope and two nautical miles or more offshore In 2010-11, AMSA reacted to Tthe sea by Westpac and RAAF the boat’s motor, were pulled from are required to carry an EPIRB. 2,451 beacon incidents around rescue helicopter crews after their the water two hours later. Skippers should ensure their EPIRB Australia, of which 566 led to a boat capsized off Port Stephens had This rescue operation followed is up-to-date as only 406 MHz search. As at February 16, beacons their EPIRB to thank for summoning three in January in which EPIRBs distress beacons are now being registered in NSW included: help. guided rescuers to people in detected. The 121.5MHz analogue • EPIRBs: 27,840 (of which 3,619 The men were returning to shore trouble in the water: two fathers signal is no longer monitored. are GPS equipped) on the afternoon of March 6 when a and their sons clinging to an esky Relying on a beacon that is no • Personal Locator Beacons: 16,686 four-metre wave flipped their boat. were rescued from the sea off longer detected by satellite places (14,516 GPS equipped) Skipper Tony Egeberg told the Sydney’s North Head, a man was the user and all passengers at • Emergency Locator Transmitters Newcastle Herald that while treading rescued from an overturned kayak extreme risk of not being found in on aircraft: 5,239 water in the overturned boat’s hull, in Cronulla and nine men returning an emergency. There were 213,286 registered Britton Marine are the proud manufacturers behind NSW Marine Rescue’s newest vessel. he had grabbed the distress beacon from a diving expedition to the Each 406 MHz beacon – which vessels in NSW as at November Introducing the latest 2011 model Gemini 8.5M RIB with fully enclosed breglass cabin Britton Marine Aust Pty Ltd and a lifejacket and tied a piece of sunken HMAS Adelaide off Terrigal must be registered to an individual 2011. If it is assumed that all with bi-folding rear doors. The cabin can comfortably carry 4 crew with comfortable suspension seating. Fitted with twin powerful 200HP Mercury Verado L4 supercharged rope to a chair before swimming to activated an EPIRB when their boat person and their craft with AMSA 27,840 EPIRBs are carried on board engines for rapid acceleration, the vessel can reach speeds up to 42 knots. Equipped with the surface. capsized outside Broken Bay. – carries a unique identification boats, then only about 13% of the the lastest in marine search and rescue technology inluding an integrated FLIR night vision “Without the EPIRB we were All of these incidents could have code, transmitted when the beacon registered vessels appear to be camera, for both day and night searches and the latest 120W Raymarine GPS chart plotter gone,” he said. ended in tragedy if those involved is activated. This provides vital satisfactorily equipped to go further AIS system. The vessel has electronic shift, power assisted hydraulic steering for easy and The emergency distress signal had not been carrying EPIRBs to information about the boat and its than 2nm offshore. There is also smooth handling and has been widely accepted by the members of the NSW Marine alerted the Australian Maritime help rescue crews locate them. owner, ensuring a faster search and anecdotal evidence that some Rescue with one Vessel in Port Stephens and a Second vessel in Narooma. Safety Authority (AMSA) in Canberra All registered vessels navigating rescue response. (Cont. P20)

18 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 19 Spotlight on boating safety equipment

From P19. Zealand - achieved by the satellite All new Marine Rescue NSW Skippers should also remember boat owners share one EPIRB on system and the location accuracy. vessels are fitted with GME MT406G to replace EPIRB batteries before VHF radios with DSC some form of roster basis or as Non-GPS beacon signals can EPIRBs. GME’s Matthew Heap said the expiry date on the device’s label needed. take an average of 90 minutes to the MT406G was the flagship of the and to dispose of unwanted beacons Summon help with the push of a button. Boaters today have a choice be received but up to five hours emergency beacon range. responsibly at no cost by placing HF radios (transceivers) provide To use DSC techniques, a between EPIRBs with or without depending on prevailing conditions. “It has a 16 channel parallel GPS them in collection bins in any Battery Vbetter range and better quality VHF DSC transceiver must be GPS technology. The key benefits These devices have a location receiver with top mounted Quad World store around Australia. communication for boaters who permanently programmed with of a GPS-equipped EPIRB are the accuracy of 5km, whereas a GPS helix antenna that typically enables Non-GPS EPIRBs have been seen cruise or sail coastal waters. a unique nine-digit identification faster detection - typically around device can guide rescuers to 100 location accuracy to better than 100 at under $300, with GPS models Effective range is up to 20 nautical number known as the Maritime 10 minutes in Australia and New metres of the victim’s location. metres,” he said. from $399. miles and often further depending on Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) conditions and if using land-based which uniquely identifies that ship repeaters. In the recent rescue of or coast station. If more than one Personal Locator Beacons a boat disabled 30nm off the NSW fixed transceiver is carried they are South Coast, radio communications all to be programmed with the same An extra insurance policy. on a newly installed repeater were MMSI. A vessel’s 406 MHz EPIRB sharp and clear throughout the may also be programmed with ore and more safety- legally accepted substitute for an research the features, benefits and receiver with top mounted Quad Icom IC-M505 with DSC. Red Emergency button top right rescue between the rescue vessel, the same MMSI. The selling agent conscious skippers also are EPIRB on a vessel operating more pricepoint of each before buying. helix antenna to improve location M shore base and disabled vessel. can program the MMSI into the Steven Cooke Communications misunderstanding to occur, as status supplementing their onboard EPIRB than 2nm off the coast but an added For example, two products in this accuracy to typically better than 100 VHF with Digital Selective Calling transceiver and AIS equipment. Co-ordinator, Icom Australia said: messages are displayed on-screen. with the extra insurance policy of extra. category are the GME MT410G and metres. (DSC) and GPS connectivity provides Operators of VHF radios must “The continued adoption of DSC DSC transmissions also have roughly a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), While an EPIRB is carried on ACR ResQlink. Claimed to be the smallest PLB in extra safety and convenience. DSC have the Marine Operators VHF in Australia is great for maritime 15 percent greater transmission particularly if they are operating board a vessel, a PLB is a small, GME’s Accusat MT410G Pocket the world, the ResQLink is not only is a semi-automated means of Certificate of Proficiency (MROVCP) communications. In an emergency, range, meaning it is more likely to in rough conditions with a risk of light and powerful device designed Pro+ with integrated GPS PLB has a small at a mere 3.3 x 4.8 x 9.9cm, establishing initial contact between and an MMSI can be obtained only a DSC call will send GPS location reach a target. All Icom fixed- someone falling overboard. to be carried on your person – in 7 year battery replacement life and it is also very light at just 130g, stations. In a serious emergency the by the holder of this qualification or data to all vessels in range, making mounted marine VHF radios are DSC A PLB with GPS will provide your pocket or on a lanyard – so you a 7 year warranty. Other features waterproof to 5m. Other features DSC distress alert can be activated higher. Visit www.marinerescuensw. it easier to find those in danger. As ready.” rescuers with latitude and longitude can activate it if you fall overboard. include a high intensity flashing include super bright LED strobe, 66 with the push of a single button. It com.au for information on our radio DSC is a data transmission, not a VHF radios with DCN have been coordinates to within 100 metres. PLBs must operate for 24 hours LED, a ‘Non Hazmat’ battery pack, channel GPS, self test and GPS test, then repeats automatically. courses. voice call, there is less chance for seen at prices from $249 to $399. Like EPIRBs, PLBs must be once activated. strap and fully buoyant design, non-hazmat battery, wrist lanyard. registered with AMSA. It must be A range of PLBs is on the market patented technology for no warm-up PLBs have been seen at marine remembered that a PLB is not a and boaters should carefully period, 50 search channel GPS retailers priced from $389-$399. Man Overboard Systems Immediate alarm raised.

hen an EPIRB or PLB is or integrated via Raymarine’s Wactivated in Australian waters, SeaTalk into a boat’s instrument or it sends a signal burst via satellite multifunction display system. to the Rescue Coordination Centre The LifeTag can be worn around at AMSA in Canberra, which tasks the wrist, attached to clothing, or rescue agencies to locate the device. hung from a lanyard. Its size means When a Man Overboard (MOB) it is suitable for an adult or child, system is activated it sends a signal and can be attached to a belt loop, to alert the skipper or watch-keeper or even a pet’s collar. While the tag on a boat if a crew member has remains within the wireless range, gone overboard. which is 9m from the LifeTag base Different alerts are sent station, the tags exchange messages depending on the system used. On to confirm the crew member is some, the alert will be sent direct to safely within range. If the tag the on-board home station, others moves away from the base station, will send a GPS position signal via for example by its wearer falling VHF DSC radio. overboard, an alarm will sound. The Raymarine’s Life Tag Man alarm can also be set off manually Overboard System, for example, by pressing and holding down the is an automatic, wireless Man red MOB button on the LifeTag for Overboard device that can be more than three seconds. used as a stand-alone system, Seen for sale at $679 Raymarine LifeTag - wireless Man Overboard System

20 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 21 Spotlight on boating safety equipment MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News

Lifejackets and rescue devices It can only save your life if you wear it.

ifejackets are the most important of an emergency, which is why purpose-designed man-overboard in heavy, waterlogged clothing, who Lpiece of safety equipment Marine Rescue NSW encourages products. may be injured and/or unconscious. carried on any vessel. all skippers and their passengers to The multiple award-winning SOS The Sea Scoopa allows the person Inflatable lifejackets are becoming wear their lifejackets at all times on Dan Buoy marks the location of the in the water to be securely netted, increasingly popular because they the water. person overboard and also provides while the boat is still moving. They meet the need for comfort and Our own members are required them with an additional means of can then be buckled into position convenience in a garment that must to wear their lifejackets at all times support while they are in the water. and lifted horizontally on board. The be worn much more frequently when on board a vessel under The lightweight device automatically lightweight device features an inbuilt than in the past. These C02 inflated way. This not only safeguards our inflates when it is immersed in water stretcher. Invented by an Intensive garments are light, comfortable and volunteers but also ensures that we and sits 2.5m above water level. Care doctor, the Sea Scoopa less cumbersome than an old-style set a safe and responsible example Made from high-visibility fluorescent was the winning invention on the lifejacket. They can be purchased as for the boating public. yellow material to assist visibility, it 2008 series of the ABC’s The New “yoke” vests, waistband packs, wet Inflatable lifejackets have been features grab handles for the person Inventors television program. Models weather jackets or windproof vests. seen for less than $100 each. overboard to cling to for support. have been designed specifically for Happily, most skippers and In addition to its range of The Sea Scoopa man overboard rescue crews and for yachts. passengers recognise that lifejackets, including the vests that rescue device provides a safer way These innovative products provide lifejackets do save lives. are standard safety equipment to pull a person out of the water for increased safety and performance There is no doubt that wearing for crew on Marine Rescue NSW both rescued and rescuer. It is easy in an emergency situation with a lifejacket will significantly boost vessels, Australian company SOS to under-estimate the difficulty of advantages for both the rescue your chances of survival in the event Marine has also developed two new capturing and then lifting a person teams and the person overboard. The fleet approaches the leeward mark on day four of racing in February’s Etchells World Championships. Photos by Ingrid Abery ©. For more spectacular photos of the Etchells Championships, visit www.ingridabery.com Thermal imaging technology You’d be amazed what you can see in the dark. MRNSW anchors Etchells World Championships hermal imaging cameras New hand-held models are ideally and use on its smaller RHIB. complete darkness. Thermal vision Four units ‘tow’ the line with race fleet. Tare like many other items of suited for smaller vessels where an The clear vision of thermal will also show rocks, buoys, floating advanced electronic equipment for external mount is not possible and imaging night vision cameras gives debris and people in the water, he 2012 Etchells World line and to remain on standby as boating: they provide astonishing can also reduce the higher cost of boaters the power to see clearly for which is vital when just minutes can TChampionships proved an safety vessels,” he said. advantages for boat owners who an external fixed-mount camera with up to a kilometre distance, even in mean the difference between life offshore yachting spectacular in The Marine Rescue vessels had want to equip their vessels with screen at the helm on a larger boat. total darkness. and death. Sydney in late February - and the capacity to tow up to 20 of the exceptional standards of gear for New Class 30 vessels in the Thermal cameras make pictures Thermal imaging cameras Marine Rescue NSW had a starting fast, light, fibreglass racing sloops, safer navigation. With the cost of Marine Rescue NSW fleet, such from heat, not light. Everything are advanced electronics and line view of the action. with the remainder of the yachts thermal hardware now in the same as the Steber 38s, Kelvacats and – even ice – has a ‘thermal’ print, so it is recommended that anyone The nine-race regatta, hosted by towed by private boats, all under the price range as much standard Naiads over 9.14m (30ft), are fitted objects show up through the thermal considering one seek advice from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron control of Tow Master, Stephen Tait. electronic navigation equipment, with Raymarine thermal imaging energy they emit. Thermal imaging boating equipment professionals. (RSYS) in conjunction with the “The Port Jackson Unit took the thermal cameras are very accessible cameras. Marine Rescue Middle means users see landmarks, bridges You can learn more at Sydney Etchells Fleet, attracted a opportunity to showcase the newest and should be on the wish list for Harbour also has a hand held FLIR and other vessels clearly in all light www.raymarine.com.au or competitive fleet of 74 yachts and vessels of the Marine Rescue fleet every boat owner. brand thermal camera for flexibility conditions from fogged-in daylight to www.jntaylor.com.au crew, including victorious America’s during the regatta,” David said. Cup skipper John Bertrand, who “We would like to thank the finished in third place with hisTriad Botany Bay Unit for the use of its crew. Kevlacat and the Middle Harbour Marine Rescue Port Jackson Unit for the use of its Steber. What they’re saying… Unit Commander David Hand “The event was a good Jazaraa crossing tacks with Anamchara on Sydney Harbour. Advice based on experience. said the unit had been working in opportunity for members of the Port partnership with the Yacht Squadron Jackson, Middle Harbour, Cottage Rescued skipper Tony Egeberg, “Without the EPIRB we were gone.” Bill Collingburn, Yamba Welding and Engineering (Naiad RHIBs), the crews, each comprising three David said the partnership over the past year preparing for the Point and Botany Bay Units to gain Steve Britten, of Britten Marine (Gemini RHIBs) identified PLBs as a nominates “well known, international brands with good technical or four sailors, made the best of the between RSYS and MR Port Jackson competition, staged from February valuable experience working with highly desirable piece of safety equipment along with thermal night back-up and after sales service; VHF radios with DSC”. prevailing weather throughout the would not have been possible 19 to 25. other Unit members and different vision cameras and satellite tracking systems. John Hunt, Hunts Marine, says customers are choosing VHF radios championship, which was won by without the assistance of RSYS “Marine Rescue’s involvement classes of vessels.” Chris Elford, Steber International, nominated VHF marine radios with with DSC, combined fish finder/mapping units and modern lifejackets the Iron Lotus team. Ensuring that Commodore Malcolm Levy, Regatta in the event was to provide towing While racing was abandoned on DSC and GPS interface, EPIRBs with GPS, combined GPS Chart plotter that are comfortable to wear. all three podium places went to Director David Sturrock, Regatta assistance for the competitors from day two of the regatta due to large and fishfinder. Australian teams, the Magpie team Tow Master Stephen Tait and Port the RSYS at Kirribilli to the starting seas and heavy wind conditions, finished second. Jackson Liaison Michael Carew.

22 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 23 MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News

Marooned fishermen learn valuable lesson Rescue capacity boost Cottage Point rescue operation saves anglers washed up on rocks. Botany Bay welcomes new vessel.

wo Sydney boaters picked up a nearby, safe but shaken. The pair Tvaluable boating tip and a new was advised the crew would need appreciation of the skill of local to wait for the next high tide before rescue agencies when their day attempting to pull the vessel clear. out fishing ended in a challenging MAC was advised of the recovery rescue operation at Green Point. plan and the Ocean Beach Surf The Marine Rescue Cottage Point Life Saving Club asked to provide duty crew had already carried out a manoeuvrable rubber ducky to three assists on February 5 when support the operation. the NSW Police Force Marine Area With the rising tide, the runabout Command (MAC) requested they was being pounded on the rocks. Start the engine before lifting the anchor… the scene of the Green assist a runabout with two people on In dangerous conditions, the SLSC Point rescue. board on the rocks at Green Point. crew passed the tow line to CP 20’s Cottage Point 20 was despatched Simon Robinson on the runabout. 20 was on afternoon patrol in the set and holding the vessel aground to the scene, with Skipper Chris CP 20 then began a delicate tow Broken Bay area. Crew members as it was being buffeted against the Perdue and crew Michael Kielty, to clear the runabout until a rogue John Bensley and David White shore by a southerly swell. Commissioner Stacey Tannos, Chairman Jim Glissan, Botany Bay Unit Commander Mark McKenzie and Inspector Mark Watters from David Burns, David Mellefont and wave overturned the vessel 40 observed a Hanse sloop lazily Despite the rocky shoals, CP 20 Hurstville Police LAC at the commissioning of Botany 30. Simon Robinson aboard. metres offshore, parting the tow line. tacking its way towards Lion Island manoeuvred close to the stern of The crew found the 4.8-metre A new line was quickly attached and in the 20-knot breeze. As it neared the yacht and a tow line was passed he formal commissioning of boat ramp off Foreshore Drive aluminium runabout had run hard the overturned vessel towed 800 the island it became apparent the and secured to its starboard quarter. TBotany 30 on March 10 was the knows just how popular Botany Bay aground on the rocks on a falling metres north to Pearl Beach. skipper was struggling with an The Hanse yacht was eventually latest event to mark the progress of is for boating and fishing. tide after the fishermen had made David Burns joined Simon unresponsive wheel and unable to bounced over the reef and dragged Marine Rescue NSW’s $30 million “The number of recreational the simple error of lifting the anchor Robinson on the beach and, with turn or tack his vessel. The yacht clear of the rocks. The skipper could fleet replacement program. boats registered in this area alone clear of the water before starting local help, righted the runabout, struck the reef on the island’s south- then get the sails down and check The $280,000 eight-metre grew by more than 15 per cent in the engine. The vessel was quickly which was then pumped dry before west side, knocking the two young the yacht’s seaworthiness before Kevlacat, commissioned in a the decade from 1999 to 2009. washed on to the rocks before the being towed to Mooney Mooney. children on board off their feet. being towed to the Bayview marina. ceremony at the St George Motor By 2026, the number of vessels is engine could be started. This followed another significant The yacht was stuck to the rocks David White Boat Club, replaces Marine Rescue forecast to rise to almost 30,000. The two men were sheltering rescue on December 30, when CP at a 10-degree list with the sails still Unit Commander Botany Bay’s Waveney rescue “Port Botany has experienced vessel, BY 40. more than a seven per cent annual Marine Rescue NSW growth in trade for the past 25 Commissioner Stacey Tannos years and the port expansion for MH 30: a hard worker and a TV star commissioned the boat. future container and bulk liquids Middle Harbour’s industrious new Steber 38 features in documentary series. “This Kevlacat is another sign of trade will add increasing numbers of our commitment to ensuring that commercial vessels to the Bay. arine Rescue Middle Harbour’s Sydney to Hobart yacht race on take us through the aquatic events Kevlacat, Botany 30, which was our volunteers have modern, reliable “The increasing amount of traffic Mnew vessel, a $680,000 Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and the running up to the end of January. So crewed by Port Jackson members, and safe vessels for their important and mix of large-scale commercial Steber 38, has had a busy Australia Day Ferrython and parade far, six skippers have been endorsed, and we supplied MH 30, which was work on the water,” Commissioner vessels and small recreational boats introduction to Sydney Harbour. of boats in Darling Harbour. with more following. A number of crewed by both Middle Harbour and Tannos said. on the water means it is crucial that The unit took delivery of the new The Middle Harbour crew was members are undertaking or have Port Jackson members. More than “It has been strategically we are equipped with fast-response rescue vessel in early December joined for these and other activities recently completed courses at TAFE 70 yachts competed each day, with positioned to reinforce our capability vessels so we can move quickly in after her voyage down the coast by a film crew shooting footage for Master 5, MED2, MED3 (Marine many needing to be towed to the on one of the country’s busiest the event of an emergency.” from Forster and two weeks of for the upcoming television series Engine Driver) and Coxswain. offshore start, due to the light winds. commercial and recreational MR Botany Bay Unit Commander acceptance sea trials in Sydney, Coastwatch (see story P5). We look In an important initiative, our MH 30 towed up to 20 of these 30- boating waterways. Mark McKenzie said the vessel before putting her straight to work. forward to seeing MH 30 in action neighbouring MR Port Jackson foot yachts at a time. “A 2009 NSW Government report had been welcomed by the unit’s Middle Harbour 30 replaces the on our TV screens. In February, she unit provided vessels as tow boats Along with five other Marine showed there were about 24,000 members and had already been unit’s long-serving and much-loved went out to meet the Queen Mary 2 and safety vessels for the Etchell Rescue and three police vessels, recreational and commercial vessels involved in more than 40 assists, Waveney class lifeboat, MH 40, as she sailed into port. Class World Championships being we also took part in a major search registered in the Botany Bay/Port and the recent search for a diver decommissioned and sold to a MH 30 is accredited to carry eight held off Sydney during the week of and rescue operation for a diver Hacking region. missing in Little Bay. Queensland buyer in January. people up to 30 nautical miles off February 19. This assistance was missing from Little Bay on “This included almost 11 per cent “The boat’s lighter handling Apart from the usual mid-week the coast and 15 people in sheltered much welcomed by the organisers Sunday, February 26, sadly of the state’s registered recreational and greater manoeuvrability makes and weekend patrols, MH 30 waters so she can be used as a of the championships, the Royal without success. vessels and seven per cent of the it a real asset for our members has been involved in the harbour training platform. The unit’s first task Sydney Yacht Squadron. MR Botany Peter Steigrad commercial boats. for both routine patrols and celebrations for the start of the was to endorse sufficient skippers to Bay supported the event with its Publicity Officer “Anyone who’s used the public emergency.”

24 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 25 MAKING WAVES Illawarra News

Shoalhaven saves vessel from rocky ending Jervis Bay puts Navy through paces Unit members commended for their exceptional skill and guidance. HMAS Creswell rookies join with MRNSW for summer training exercise.

earing for his life, the skipper nautical miles east of Shoalhaven aval cadets from HMAS vessels, ranging from aluminium Fof a boat in peril had rung his Heads and slightly south. NCreswell enjoyed a taste of runabouts to a centre console wife to say his final farewells before The crew of SA 20, with warning life on board a smaller fleet when vessel, and three joined the crew Marine Rescue Shoalhaven came to lights activated, made the best Marine Rescue Jervis Bay joined a aboard JB 10, which led the fleet his rescue off Penguin Head. speed under the conditions: a nor- summer training exercise. into Jervis Bay. JB 20, with Captain The MR Shoalhaven members, east 2-3m swell and a 20-25 knot Captain of the Australian Navy Fisher and other Navy officers on skipper Mark Dolence and crew wind. SA 30, on a training exercise Cadets and Marine Rescue Western board, brought up the rear. member Charlie Yates, have been at Kiama, also responded. Australia Bunbury Unit Commander, The group followed a grid search commended for their skill and SA 20 found the distressed motor Eliot Fisher, also joined his naval and pattern using hand signals for calm guidance in helping the skipper vessel off Penguin Head at Culburra Marine Rescue colleagues for the communication as the cadets had bring his vessel under control Beach, in an obviously dangerous January 21 operation. no radios, before brief stops at the and turn it away from the rocks position, likely to run aground either Two MR Jervis Bay vessels, Cardinal Mark at Plantation Point Eliot Fisher presents Marine Rescue Jervis Bay DUC Ron Davies with and beach. on the beach or the rocks. Either with Duty Skipper Lester and Vincentia and a dolphin sighting JB 10 a pennant as appreciation for escorting the young seafarers on their Mark and Charlie were the outcome could have resulted in the Shute, Lisa Young and new recruit on the way to Collingwood Beach. Jervis Bay training exercise. duty crew on rescue vessel SA 20 loss of the skipper’s life. Graham Stevens on board, and As the centre console vessel was operating out of the unit’s home port Mark and Charlie were able JB 20, skippered by Deputy Unit experiencing engine problems, the MR Jervis Bay also was busy off awnings, tables, chairs and banners. at Greenwell Point on November to provide calm reassurance and Commander, Ron Davies, headed fleet headed back to Creswell. the water over the holiday break, The unit has thanked Rick Jones, 5 when a MAYDAY was called guidance to the distressed man, SA 20 churns through the sea off Shoalhaven. out of Currambene Creek to The cadets on JB 10 each had putting its new promotional trailer to a retired sheet metal fabrication at 1.01pm by the skipper of the giving him the confidence to take Creswell on a reasonably choppy a turn at the helm, impressing the good use at fundraisers, including business owner, and Harold Plumb, transiting vessel. action to bring his vessel under anchorage in the Crookhaven River. of a mariner who was truly in deep sea to support the exercise. Before MR crew. While the cadets in the Huskisson market days and the a retail trailer business owner, for The skipper reported that he control and manoeuvre it away The crew’s professional trouble at sea. departure, Lester Shute addressed faster training vessels returned to Australia Day Duck Derby. building the trailer, as well as the was about to run aground, although from danger, making his way response turned a potentially fatal Bill Carter ESM the cadets on sea and weather Creswell, JB 20 escorted the centre The trailer has made life easier, other volunteers who helped out. the indicated position was about 4 back out to sea and then to safe situation into a successful rescue Unit Commander conditions on Jervis Bay. console vessel in to berth to wrap up with space and shelving for Lester Shute The cadets boarded four training a rewarding training day. barbecues, gas bottles, foldable Publicity Officer Divers could have avoided major scare Logging on with Marine Rescue is an essential boat safety procedure. Australia Day honour for Ulladulla Contribution to the community earns District Organisation of the Year award. t took just over 12 hours before At 10pm, MR Port Kembla was boat off Flinders Islet but the anchor boaters at each of its 45 radio bases Itwo missing divers were found requested to have a crew on the did not hold and the vessel had along the NSW coast. District Organisation of the Year and commercial operations, this venture search for a Jervis Bay-based safe on Flinders Islet off Port Kembla water ASAP as there were two drifted, taking the anchor with it and “I urge all skippers to make it a Commander Doug Musker lined up has been affected by economic vessel and a night flare sighting on Monday, February 20. divers missing. ended up about three nautical miles habit to log on with Marine Rescue with the local Citizen of the Year and trends and the unit is examining search. The latter was a “furphy” but “The alarm was raised at 7pm on “Port Kembla 30 was on the south-west. When they surfaced to NSW. Emergencies on the water can Junior Citizen of the Year to accept ways to boost the numbers of stall- police traced the offenders. Sunday when a concerned member water and heading to the search find their boat missing, they swam occur when you least expect them the award on the members’ behalf. holders and visitors. The unit’s drive to build an of the public knocked on our door area at 10.30pm,” Commander to shore on the island. and when someone responsible The citation applauded the unit A small committee is looking at extension to house a proper training at Hill 60, the Marine Rescue Purnell said. “Shellharbour’s vessel “If the divers had followed the knows you’re out there, search time for its work in preserving safety of ways of improving presentation, room has won the support of State Port Kembla Radio Room,” Unit Shellharbour 20 also joined the simple safety procedure of logging can be reduced and the likelihood of life at sea and its involvement in encouraging new retailers and Member for South Coast and Unit Commander Peter Purnell said. search until 2.30am, when both on with Marine Rescue Port Kembla saving lives increased,” he said. local community events, in which upgrading its overall atmosphere. Patron, Mrs Shelley Hancock, “A deserted boat appeared to be On Monday, January 23, Port MRNSW volunteers undertake This push is being spearheaded and a DA has been submitted to duties removed from their primary by Theo Bagou, Jeff Peterson and council. moored about 150m off the south “If the divers had logged on, it’s likely the search Kembla 30 and its sister vessel Port Ulladulla Unit Commander end of MM Beach, Port Kembla. would have been over almost immediately. ” Kembla 10 joined the search for Doug Musker with the District role. Barry Donohue. Crew members have also been Our radio operator could not see a boy caught in a rip off Corrimal Organisation of the Year award. Members work year-round at One initiative is a market website, working for months re-coating the the vessel from the tower as it was rescue vessels were stood down before their trip to the island to Beach and swept out to sea. events such as the Easter Blessing which is planned to be launched deck of the Encounter, with boat under the lee of a small hill so he until 7.30am when the search advise they were diving there, it is Tragically, the boy’s body was later arine Rescue Ulladulla’s hard- of the Fleet, local music, food and before Easter. The committee would master John Culley likening the task called NSW Police Radio VKG. resumed.” likely that the search would have found on Woonona Beach. Mworking volunteers had their wine festivals, district football be happy to hear from other units to cleaning the Harbour Bridge with “A crew from Port Kembla The State Emergency Service been over almost immediately The previous day, the unit had efforts rewarded with an Australia matches, annual golf day and the who might have similar ideas. a paint scraper. Marine Area Command was called joined MAC and Marine Rescue because the Flinders Islet is where responded to two emergencies Day gong from the community. Milton Show. The Ulladulla team had a busy Ashore, the unit is training both to investigate and they found the in the search, before the Polair the search would have started,” within six hours, rescuing three One of the national day’s These activities help the unit’s summer season although, thankfully, crew and non-seagoing members vessel anchored with fishing gear, helicopter spotted the two divers on Commander Purnell said. people from Bellambi Reef before highlights at Mollymook Beach was fund-raising efforts, along with the no major incidents on the water. in the use of its new $3000 clothes and lunch boxes with food Flinders Islet and airlifted them back Commissioner Stacey Tannos turning out to assist an upturned the presentation of major awards by monthly harbour market, at which a There were a number of routine defibrillator. and drink on board. They searched to Port Kembla Harbour. said Marine Rescue NSW offered boat that had been taking part in the Milton Ulladulla Lions. large contingent of members is on rescues involving breakdowns and Jamie Roberts the local area with no luck.” The divers had anchored their this vital boating safety service to all Sydney Game Fishing Tournament. The unit was honoured as duty from 5am to 3pm. Like other fuel problems, a time-consuming PR Officer

26 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 27 MAKING WAVES Monaro News

Racing yachts and tall ship visit Eden Bermagui to move HQ Unit kept busy watching over the Sydney to Hobart and Young Endeavour. Plan for improved facilities at Fishermen’s Co-operative.

he seasonal influx of recreational the yachts had crossed Bass Strait embers of Marine Rescue Tboaters, the Sydney to Hobart and provided advice and assistance MBermagui are planning fleet and a tall ship in Twofold Bay to the handful of yachts that retired to relocate their unit to new have kept members of Marine to Eden during the event. headquarters providing them Rescue Eden alert over summer. The weather on the yachts’ with a greater ability to keep While the actual number of passage down the far south coast watch over the harbour mouth visitors, mainly from Victoria and the kept the yachts in close and they and improved facilities. ACT, was down on previous years, could be seen from headlands and A development application has according to the local Chamber the MR station powering their way been lodged with Bega Valley Shire of Commerce, the number of into heavy seas towards Hobart. Council, with members hoping to recreational boaters remained It was quite a spectacle. Fortunately, move into the base, upstairs on the about the same. This has kept the there were only a few retirements Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf, in the unit busy with day running vessels, this year, with broken gear the near future. as well as transiting yachts and main cause. The old shack used by the then power boats using the Off-shore Eden also hosted the sail Bermagui Coast Guard was removed Tracking System. training ship Young Endeavour when construction of the Bermagui After Christmas, MR Eden while she worked with new crew in Fishermen’s Co-operative wharf played host to members of the Twofold Bay: a truly romantic sight began in 2008 and since then the MR Bermagui Unit Commander Alec Percival and Bermagui Fishermen’s Co-operative manager Rocky Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, when under sail. volunteers have been operating out Lagana outside the Co-op, where the unit is planning its new headquarters. Photo: Narooma News who used our Search and Rescue The east coast current with its of an office at the Bermagui slipway, Co-ordination Centre to monitor the pool of warm water has pushed Eden hosted the Young Endeavour in Twofold Bay. kindly donated by the Jubb family. additional building height for the VHF installed so the rescue vessel could in from 10 nautical miles out and scheduled reports put out by the down the coast and reached Eden. Commander Alec Percival said radios to transmit further out to sea, be out front of the Co-op. rafted him up to another yacht in the competitors in the Sydney to Hobart This has seen a flurry of activity on Fortunately, we have had continues throughout the year. a new permanent home needed to easy access for the boating public Operationally, Bermagui harbour. The owner arrived later and yacht race. Eden volunteers manned the water with both local and visiting no major incidents this summer John Steele be found, with radio interference and enough floor space to be able volunteers were called out on made a donation to cover our fuel.” the station 24/7 during the race until fishermen enjoying a bonanza. and we hope that this trend Unit Commander from welding equipment causing to use the office not only as a radio February 17 to rescue a stricken Mr Percival thanked local problems at the current location. room but also for training. 32-foot yacht drifting down past residents and tourists who had “The owners of the fisherman’s Bermagui Fishermen’s Co- Montague Island while en route from supported the unit’s summer raffle, co-operative have offered a very operative manager Rocky Lagana Brisbane to Eden with one person with tickets sold every Wednesday Alpine Lakes recruits keen to take to water generous package to Marine said the new location was a on board. and Saturday by volunteers Sharyn Rescue which, apart from the office natural fit and the rescue unit “With little or no wind and quite a and Michael Jan. New volunteers sign up for our first inland rescue unit. building, also includes a mooring for was the only service of its kind in decent swell of around three metres, The money raised, amounting to a ore than 40 local residents from many backgrounds; some the rescue vessel and two secure the area, vital to commercial and he hadn’t slept for 36 hours and third of the unit’s annual budget, will Mhave signed up to take to have had had lots of previous storage areas,” he said. recreational vessels. was exhausted,” Mr Percival said. go toward the fit-out of the planned the water as members of Marine experience with ocean vessels, Advantages include the excellent Mr Lagana said he was working “His engine would not work and new Radio and Training room in the Rescue Alpine Lakes, our first inland others no experience at all, but all view of the harbour mouth, with the unit to have a mooring area he had flat batteries. We towed him Co-op building. waters rescue unit. are keen to learn new skills and While the recruits have been help their community. enthusiastically training for months, Members of the Jindabyne crew under the guidance of Monaro spent time at the end of February Training officer’s quick thinking saves a life Regional Coordinator Bob Herbert training in their unit’s new vessel. Batemans Bay member congratulated for off-duty action. and the Batemans Bay unit, the Under the expert guidance of RNSW Batemans Bay member After a day’s Sea Survival training of the stairs but when he let her with persistence was able to grasp “The volunteers come from many backgrounds MGlenn Sullivan has been for members of the new Alpine go she fell to the ground and partly a piece of meat and remove it from credited with saving the life of a Lakes Unit, Mr Sullivan and Mr down the stairs, unconscious.” (The her throat. The woman was not and are keen to help their community.” Alpine Lake recruits Sam Seiler, Bradley Cox and Liam Seiler, on board with Coxswain Kyle Shadlow, have enthusiastically taken to their training woman at risk of choking to death. Herbert headed out for dinner at the Heimlich manoeuvre is no longer a breathing so Glenn began mouth to State Rescue Board must approve coxswain Kyle Shadlow, they took before they’ve even been kitted out with their MRNSW uniforms. Monaro District Regional hotel where they were staying. recommended procedure.) mouth resuscitation and she started the accreditation of the new unit and turns driving the boat, performed Coordinator Bob Herbert said “At about 6.45pm, while standing “Glenn immediately went to the to breath. two rescue vessels, a Sailfish for man overboard scenarios and When operational, both boats will of the community from the Mr Sullivan – now the Southern in a queue to order our dinner, a assistance of the woman, carrying “He placed her in the recovery Lake Eucumbene and a rigid practised manoeuvres and coming be a huge asset for the area as they Eucumbene, Jindabyne and Regional Training Officer - had man shouted that a woman was her down the stairs and laying her position until Ambulance officers hull inflatable for Lake Jindabyne, alongside drills. will be able to withstand the harsh surrounding areas to be part of this administered life-saving first aid choking,” Mr Herbert said. on the floor, began to clear the arrived and treated her.” before the members can officially Eucumbene’s crew has also been conditions of the Alpine Waterways. exciting new rescue service. to the woman while off-duty on a “When we turned we could see a blockage externally but was unable Mr Herbert said he believed that begin operations. practising with coxswains John Alpine Lakes Unit Commander Danielle Devine training weekend at Jindabyne in man trying to administer a Heimlich to do so,” Mr Herbert said. without Mr Sullivan’s quick response, The new volunteers have come Wilson and Mark Fountain. Les Threlfo encouraged members Alpine Lakes October. manoeuvre to a woman at the top “He then laid her on her side and the woman would have died.

28 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 29 LIFE SAVER New boat feature

The Steber hull and deckhouse are modified and fitted out for maritime Search and Rescue.

Steber 38 vessels have been delivered to Batemans Bay, Shoalhaven, Iluka/Yamba and Middle Harbour Marine Rescue units. The new boats can be deployed up to 30 nautical miles offshore.

The cabin layout provides two bank systems, however a 12 DC to any other AIS equipped vessels Search and Rescue operations. Introducing the powerful Steber 38 main operating areas, the helm 240 AC volt inverter provides power that come within VHF radio range. SAR routes can be loaded and the Soundings profiles a new vessel in the MRNSW fleet. By Don Alexander, Fleet. (on the Starboard forward) and to onboard power points and the AIS allows vessels to keep track of vessel steered to the course by the the navigation desk (Port Aft). An microwave oven. Each engine has each other during multi-vessel SAR autopilot, removing significant stress arine Rescue NSW has a 38ft hull and deckhouse design, Advanced design features recovery operations. Two side gates observer’s position is located on the its own 12v x 200 Ah approximate operations and provides shore-based and fatigue for helm operators when Mfleet of 73 accredited rescue they are modified and fitted out for The aft well deck provides a large provide alongside access and Port forward position and the fourth starting battery and there is a operators with information about hand steering a SAR course. vessels strategically located along maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) working area with a centrally-located transfer of crew under way. The crew position is aft adjacent to the common 12v house supply bank vessels’ locations during SAR and Electrical, navigation and radio the NSW coastline. These range operations. tow post. The transom construction well deck and stern gates are large Nav desk. A small galley is located that provides a capacity of 400 Ah. for tasking. equipment on board is installed from our largest 15.8-metre vessels More than 5000 working hours includes a wide boarding platform enough for helicopter operations. behind the Starboard helm position. Battery charging is from engine- The Taiyo VHF RDF enables the by Barrenjoey Marine Electrics, built to handle the roughest sea goes into their construction, and two stainless steel gates that The hull is a deep vee planing driven alternators. operator to home in on the direction which has expertise in MRNSW conditions to five-metre rigid hull involving shipwrights, electricians, can be opened for towing and/or design with an extended keel. Engineering and electrics of VHF radio transmissions and requirements for SAR vessels. inflatables more manoeuvrable in upholsterers, marine engineers, Steber 38 vessels are fitted with Communications and navigation detect the homing signal emitted shallower waters. We have embarked cabinet makers, fibreglass TECH SPECS twin 309 kW Yanmar Turbocharged All new Marine Rescue NSW by all 406MHz EPIRBs, which is an POwER AnD DRivE on an ambitious $30 million fleet laminators and apprentices, enabling diesel engines complete with heavy vessels are fitted with a standard obvious benefit in a maritime search Overall length 11.46m modernisation project to ensure MRNSW to make an important duty commercial gearboxes. The package of communications and rescue. Main Engines: 2 Yanmar 6LY3A our volunteers are heading out on contribution to the state’s economy Overall Beam 3.84m engines and gearboxes are operated technology, including 2 x ICOM Onboard Raymarine navigation turbocharged intercooled diesel up-to-date, safe and reliable vessels and development of local skills on Draft 1.0m (Depth keel to deck level – 1.3m) by an electronic control system. VHF-DSC radios, ICOM MF/HF radio, equipment includes two multifunction each with Yanmar KMH61AD The propellers are handed and Tait DCN radio, Taiyo VHF RDF (Radio display (MFD) units with Navionics handed 2.01:1 ratio reversing in which they and the boating the Mid North Coast. Displacement 10.5 tonnes community can place their trust. The Stebers provide our rotate top outward when going Direction Finder) and Raymarine loud electronic marine charts, HD digital gearbox Air Draft (waterline to top of antennae) 6.1m Marine Rescue NSW has now volunteers with a fast response ahead. Twin hydraulically powered hailer system. Furuno FA150 Class A radar/radome, autopilot, GPS Propulsion Power: 309kW per Top speed 32.5 knots delivered Steber 38 vessels to four rescue vessel that can be deployed rudders are mounted behind each (commercial grade) AIS transceivers receiver, sonar depth sounder and engine – maximum (approx units: Batemans Bay, Shoalhaven, up to 30 nautical miles offshore and Cruising (MCR) speed 18-22 knots propeller and provide excellent ensure that we see and can be Infra-red camera. All navigation 240kW MCR) Iluka/Yamba and Middle Harbour. help them provide an increased level Fuel capacity 1350 litres (2 x 675 litre tanks) steering precision at all speeds. Slow seen, even in fog and heavy seas. equipment is interconnected by a These rescue vessels are of safety on the water in the busy speed manoeuvring can be fully The AIS system is integrated with data and video sharing bus system. Propellers: VEEM Interceptor Operational range (approx) 300 nm constructed by Steber International fishing and cruising regions where achieved by engine control. the navigation screens to display The installation of autopilots has handed 58cm diameter (23 inch) at its Taree factory. Based on a they are based. Towing speed at max bollard pull approx 7.5 knots Electrics are all 12v from battery the position, speed and course of increased the effectiveness of our with a 67cm pitch (26.5 inch)

30 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 31 ICONS Great boating figures

South Coast gets new communications boost Marine VHF radio repeater installed.

$36,000 upgrade of marine SOLAS Trusts, this project would not Acommunications equipment have been possible this year. SOLAS has significantly boosted radio is a solid supporter of marine rescue coverage and safety for recreational all over Australia and we thank them and commercial boaters on the for their support for this project,” South Coast. Commissioner Tannos said. Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW), CYCA SOLAS Ltd Chairman in partnership with the Cruising Matt Allen said the much- Yacht Club of Australia Sydney needed upgrade to the marine Seiglinde, the 50ft Halvorsen bridge deck cruiser built for Roy Foster, member and divisional skipper of Coastal Patrol Broken Bay, on a Hobart Yacht Race Safety of Life communications network was training exercise in 1962. at Sea (SOLAS) Trusts, installed a vital piece of infrastructure a new marine VHF radio repeater for both recreational and at Cambewarra Mountain in late commercial boaters. Centenary celebration for an Iron Man January. “Many of our members pass As Carl Halvorsen prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday, Ken McManus looks back The new equipment proved through the operational boundaries at the renowned boat builder’s influential career and links with volunteer rescue. invaluable in a marathon night of the network, whether racing rescue trip for volunteers from or cruising, and the trustees of In Wooden Boats, Iron Men – the The Halvorsen family is also Marine Rescue Ulladulla and a the CYCA SOLAS Trusts view the Halvorsen Story*, Randi Svensen’s inextricably linked with the history crippled $120,000 cruiser adrift investment support provided as a tribute to her family, she wrote of of volunteer marine rescue in 30 nautical miles off the coast natural fit to the objectives of the her uncle, “Carl’s skill in building Australia. Halvorsen boats were when both its engines failed due trusts,” Mr Allen said. masts by hand – using an axe, an among the first vessels used to to a suspected electrical fault. The Ulladulla Unit Commander Doug adze and a plane – would stand provide a volunteer marine rescue unit’s 52ft offshore rescue vessel, Musker said the new $36,000 him in good stead more than fifty service by the private owners who Encounter, made a 60 nautical marine radio repeater was a boon years later when he built new would become the earliest members mile (108km) round trip to tow the to the rescue crew in the February spars for Kathleen Gillett, Norway’s of the Volunteer Coastal Patrol. cruiser to safety when it broke down 23 operation. gift to Australia for the nation’s Halvorsen premises were used by off Jervis Bay on February 23. “Everybody was able to bicentenary.” the volunteers for their meetings, Commissioner Stacey Tannos said keep in touch and know what moorings and maintenance. that with coverage from Kiama to was happening with very clear hen Carl Halvorsen, one of Carl Halvorsen was invited to Kioloa and at least 22 nautical miles reception,” he said. WAustralia’s most revered boat join the VCP in late 1937 by one seaward, the channel 81 repeater Encounter’s duty crew set off builders, marks his centenary later of the co-founders, Bill Giles, of allowed boaters to talk to Marine shortly after 4pm and reached the this year, the milestone will also be York Motors, a major Sydney motor Carl Halvorsen – 100 years of boating history. Rescue bases from much further cruiser as dusk approached. The commemorated by many who own, dealer. He attended the first general away. cruiser, with two people on board, have owned, sailed in, holidayed meeting on March 28, 1938. Carl We had to attend lectures and drills. Patrol. This became the VCP Depot “Marine repeaters are a vital was quickly taken in tow for the long on or simply admired the elegance, was an active member for a number These first took place at the Sea “Seahorse”. safety tool in allowing boats to trip back to harbour which ended beauty and craftsmanship of a of years until the demands of World Scout Depot in High Street, Neutral Today, the wooden boats built provide information about their safely soon after 10pm. Halvorsen boat. War II on the family business, Lars Bay where we learned Morse Code by Carl Halvorsen and his family movements and the safety of the “Boaters in this area should know Hiring one of the fleet of Halvorsen Sons, to build boats for and signalling. We also had lectures are sought-after classics of boat and the people on board that if they are having any difficulty Halvorsen cruisers from Bobbin the military services, meant that his on Snapper Island.” craftsmanship whose owners lavish over a large area,” Commissioner getting help on the regular VHF Head was how thousands of priorities lay there. Carl’s younger brother, Trygve, money, time and lots of TLC to Tannos said. channels 16 and 73, they should Australians were introduced to In an interview with Campbell joined the patrol in 1938 and was restore, maintain and enjoy a rich “This repeater provides a real try channel 81. It’s not a chat the exquisite experience of being Middleton, whose father’s records later awarded the Golden Albatross, boating legacy. boost for our bases in the area, channel so should be used only the master of their boat, even if of the Coastal Patrol form a rich the Patrol’s highest recognition for Ken McManus allowing them to talk to boats in when necessary,” Commander for only a weekend. This fleet was resource of historical information, bravery, for his efforts in a major Marketing and Media areas they may never have been Musker said. undeniably influential for those Carl said: “All the members provided rescue on Sydney Harbour during able to access before.” who got the taste for messing their own boats, uniforms and one of its wicked southerlies. *Wooden Boats, Iron Men – the The project was jointly financed about in boats on a “Halvo” on the equipment and we were all The Halvorsen family’s support Halvorsen Story by Randi Svensen. by MRNSW and the CYCA SOLAS Hawkesbury and began the long treated equally. for the volunteers extended to Available from Soundings advertiser Trusts, which provided an $18,300 dream of perhaps owning one “Rules and regulations were strict providing their original boatshed in and Marine Rescue NSW supporter, grant for the vital work. some day. and we were all volunteers after all. Neutral Bay for use by the Coastal Boat Books Australia. “Without the generosity of the

32 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 33 ON tHe Water Picture gallery PWC news Engaging with the community

Jet ski riders urged to take it easy What we’ve been up to TV comedian public face of safety campaign.

oads and Maritime Services is definitely good fun to head out comedy routine, he has joined • Slow down to under 10 knots Ris aiming to raise safety on the water on a PWC, it is crucial NSW Maritime Boating Safety when near other vessels, the awareness among young male jet for safety reasons for riders to Officers to hand out free lifejackets shore or people ski riders in the Botany Bay and apply care, courtesy and common to children and items from the • Carry your PWC licence the Georges River region in an sense. While the majority of PWC new Ride Right PWC education • Observe local navigation education campaign running until riders are responsible, there is package, including a DVD, a mobile restrictions and the end of the boating season. a minority who either ignore or phone pouch, a new behaviour • Always wear a lifejacket. Maritime Services Operations become complacent about safety. sticker that must be attached to all Roads and Maritime Services Manager Botany Bay/ Port Hacking “Rob is helping to raise safety PWC, an information brochure and is collaborating with Cultural Graeme Dunlavie said actor and awareness and to reach out to handbook. Partners Australia, who specialise comedian Rob Shehadie was young men who may be tempted A special licence is required to in working with culturally diverse spearheading the ‘Take it Easy’ to take risks.” drive a PWC, regardless of what communities, on ‘Take it Easy’. campaign. Shehadie, who played Rocky speed it is driven. To obtain a PWC “Personal watercraft, otherwise in Fat Pizza for 12 years, is using licence, the general boat licence For Rob Shehadie’s PWC safety known as jet skis, are popular humour when he gets out among test must first be passed. Riding a tips go to: http://www.youtube. in and around Botany Bay,” Mr the PWC riders, encouraging them PWC between sunset and sunrise com/watch?v=9LEcqUw-YG8 Dunlavie said. to observe the rules for safe and is prohibited, regardless of whether The Commissioner’s Volunteer Consultative Committee held its quarterly meeting at Headquarters on February 14. From left: Ray Thorpe, “This campaign is about responsible boating and to take navigation lights are fitted. Many Marine Rescue NSW Evans Head; Roger Evans, Lake Macquarie; Vicki Buchanan, The Entrance; Andrew Topp, Terrey Hills; Commissioner Stacey Tannos; Richard reaching out to young men who it easy. When riding a PWC, remember units run PWC licence courses. Brooks, Ulladulla; George Patterson, Broken Bay; Alfred Schroeder, Narooma; Alan Scott, Coffs Harbour; Antony Jones, Coffs Harbour; and use PWC in places such as As well as entertaining people to: Visit marinerescuensw.com.au Joan Krzysik, Port Kembla. Barry Harrison from MR Merimbula was absent. Brighton Le Sands and Revesby. on the water and ashore with his • Keep a proper look out to find a full list of venues, times “Rob understands that while it safety awareness message and • Keep to a safe speed and requirements

Fit to burst: MR Jervis Bay’s Gordon Young blows up balloons for MR Hawkesbury member Sharyn Gillings, with daughter Katie, kids at the Australia Day Duck Derby while Brian Williams sells raffle receives her Long Service Medal in December from Member for tickets, with the unit’s new trailer behind them. Hornsby Matt Kean and Unit Commander John McCloskey.

MR The Entrance members Digby Maguire and Darrell Tomkins on First apply the handbrake: an expensive lesson for the owner of the unit’s new jetty, part of the unit’s $30,000 building project, which this submerged truck at The Ruins. MR Hawkesbury assisted in the is also providing new training and storage space. salvage operation.

34 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 35 FUNDRAISING Creative ideas for donation dollars

They’re busy . . . doing nothing Normie Rowe to rock Shop counter donation boxes are a steady source of funds in Ulladulla. Crowdy Harrington ome of Ulladulla unit’s most some TLC or replacement. Sconsistently successful fund- Unit member Harry Hendriks See the much-loved ’60s star in concert. raisers just sit around all day doing made it his mission to breathe absolutely nothing! new life into the boxes and as a For as many years as the by-product of his efforts, involve Ulladulla unit has existed, they’ve another community group in a been stalwart supporters and can be worthwhile project. spotted all over the district quietly Members of the local Men’s getting on with just sitting there. Shed offered their services to make The nice little earners are the replacement boxes which Harry now 50-plus donation collection boxes treats to a very smart paint job and adorning shop counters from Burrill revamped artwork. Lake in the south to Lake Conjola in He also completed an audit, the north – and all points between. touring the district to replace For more than 30 years they’ve battered old boxes with new ones, Unit member Harry Hendriks paints the new collection boxes built by been a modest, but consistent, and establishing a few new sites in local Men’s Shed members. source of funds from both locals and the process. the district’s many visitors. With help from auxiliary member home workshop looks like a small saying: “Look after the pennies But the years have taken their Phil Fibbins he has now brought production line. – the pounds will look after toll and most were sadly in need of the inventory up to date and his He’s proved the truth of the old themselves”.

A stitch in time for a good cause Normie Rowe will play at the Wingham District Memorial Services Get creative for Forster-Tuncurry’s Cosy Up Exhibition and Competition. Club on April 28.

arine Rescue Forster- Belles invited everyone to let their marine themes or Australiana.” The Belles will be serving morning he crowd will be shakin’ all was conscripted into the army and MTuncurry’s Breakwall Belles imagination inspire their creativity by A $100 prize and certificate are and afternoon tea and there will be Tover when Normie Rowe hits sent to Vietnam as a combat soldier. are encouraging keen craftspeople making a cosy for a teapot, coffee on offer for the winners in the Most raffles and a craft stall. Entry is by Wingham to perform a fundraising In 1970 he was demobilised to warm up for winter by entering plunger or hot water bottle to enter Innovative, Most Creative and Most gold coin donation. concert for Marine Rescue Crowdy back to Australia and resumed the Cosy Up Exhibition and in the competition and exhibition. Popular categories. Certificates It only costs $5 to enter your Harrington on April 28. his music career, with a greater Competition. “These can be knitted, crocheted, will also be awarded to Most cosy. Entries must be received at the The star of the ’60s, famous emphasis on using his music to The Belles are a group of friends quilted, beaded or sewn. Use Commended entries. unit before 4pm on Wednesday, April for his hits Que Sera Sera, It Ain’t help others. who are dedicated fundraisers buttons, ribbons, bows – whatever The exhibition will be staged 4. All entries will remain the property Necessarily So and Shakin’ All He later was one of the for the unit and their latest project is takes your fancy,” Jill said. over the Easter weekend, April 6 to of Marine Rescue NSW and will be Over, will play the Wingham District organisers of the Vietnam Veterans designed to get imaginations firing “Make it whimsical or science 9, at the Marine Rescue Forster- offered for sale, although exhibitors Memorial Services Club, which Welcome Home and National for this good cause. fictional; perhaps your inspiration Tuncurry Unit, Southern Breakwall, can buy their own entry for $2.50 has given the unit the use of its Memorial and was awarded the Member Jill Nash said the may come from nursery rhymes, Forster from 10am to 4pm daily. before the show. auditorium for the event. Advance Australia Award for his Crowdy Harrington Unit services to Vietnam veterans, Commander Joe Bell said the unit the entertainment industry and appreciated Rowe’s support for the community. its efforts to raise funds for the Mr Bell said the unit hoped to sell construction of a boat shed to 200 tickets for the show. protect its rescue vessel from Normie Rowe will take to the the weather. stage at 6pm, with support bands Rowe was the first Australian starting at 5pm. Tickets are $33 or entertainer to be awarded a gold $35 at the door and include a light record, subsequently earning four supper and door prizes. more and the first King of Popular Mr Bell thanked the Services Music title. His national tours set Club and local businesses, including records and he also crashed the UK the Wingham Golf Club Motel and market with hit singles and tours Brian at the Wingham Caltex Service with Gene Pitney and The Troggs. Station, for their generous support Upon his return to Australia, Rowe for the concert.

36 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 37 WEBSITE IN MEMORIAM Marine Rescue NSW online Tributes to valued members

Baker Tilly crosses the bar Tireless fundraiser kept Kioloa members well fed.

arine Rescue Kioloa has lost known for her apple pies and to provide refreshments for the Mnot only a valued member but sponge cakes. members. She stayed because she its renowned baker. “Tilly seldom missed a mess loved her community and felt she Lillian Paterson, known to all as meeting and she saw it as her duty had something to offer.” Tilly, passed away at the age of 97. Tilly was one the first recruits for Tilly’s Sponge Cake Separate eggs, beat whites and salt the new Royal Volunteer Coastal • 4 eggs until soft peaks form. Add sugar, Patrol unit, joining in July 1992 and • ¾ cup caster sugar beat until dissolved. Add beaten egg received her 10 year Long Service • ¾ cup cornflour yolks and beat for 2 minutes (don’t Medal at the commissioning of • Pinch salt overbeat). Fold in dry ingredients. Kioloa’s new vessel last November. • 1 tablespoon custard powder Pour into greased tins 2x8 inches. Unit Commander Fred Noble • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar and Bake in moderate oven for 25 said Tilly had worked tirelessly as a ½ teaspoon of bi-carb soda or two minutes (Tilly liked a wood stove). Tilly Paterson fundraiser and had been best teaspoons of baking powder Remove from tin immediately. Cool. Vale Bob Munkman Shellharbour camaraderie was a joy

ob (Robert) Edward Munkman hundred men working in the hot helped rescue many in distress Bwas born in Casino, NSW, on strip mill. on the seas, bringing them safely September 28, 1940. After working for 40 years at ashore with his colleagues, never Bob lived in several northern the steelworks, Bob took an early complaining when called out to NSW country towns, before redundancy at 56, playing more golf, fix something at the base or on moving to Corrimal in Wollongong and joining the Landcruiser 4 Wheel the boat. He loved being able to after completing the Intermediate Driver Club. help others competently with the Certificate at age 15. Bob joined the Coast Guard at minimum of fuss. He began an apprenticeship as a Shellharbour in November 2003. Unfortunately, Bob was diagnosed Fitter and Turner at BHP Steelworks, He completed the necessary with prostate cancer in 2010. Port Kembla, in 1956, finishing with training courses and enjoyed the Although he carried on bravely with distinction in 1961. wonderful camaraderie at social and his duties as long as he could, he Bob quickly become a foreman fund raising dinners and barbecues died peacefully after seven weeks in New website a showcase for members’ work Bob Munkman and then supervisor of several at Bunnings, Shellharbour. Bob Port Kembla Hospital Palliative Care. Handy advice, information and links for safer boating.

arine Rescue NSW is on the water but we’ve added some Up-to-date weather information channel do you need and what are ‘Fosscati’ sadly missed Mshowcasing the work of its new features as well, including a can be accessed via links to the the protocols? Tributes pour in for Brunswick larrikin volunteers and providing more range of information and handy links wealth of data on coastal waters As a non-profit, community-based information for the boating public to provide boaters with valuable and sailing weather at the Bureau of emergency service, Marine Rescue otorcycles were in the blood of many rescues; he was usually the along Coolamon Scenic Drive at on its new website, launched on safety, weather and marine radio Meteorology. is heavily reliant on community MGiacomo Fosscati – otherwise first to the boat shed. Typically, one Mullumbimby when he was allegedly March 1. advice and tips. Details of Marine Rescue’s support for our fundraising activities. known to his fellow Marine Rescue of his last acts was taking part in a hit from behind by a van. He was Commissioner Stacey Tannos “We’re finding that we receive boating safety education, including Many people who receive our help Brunswick volunteers as John Foss. rescue of people washed overboard found by a passing surf lifesaver but said the refreshed site reflected calls here at Headquarters from Boat and PWC licence courses on the water often make a voluntary John produced stylish, hand- when their rigid hull inflatable boat later died in Mullumbimby Hospital. the organisation’s commitment boaters in trouble on the water using and tests and marine radio and donation as a sign of their gratitude assembled Giacomo Fosscati capsized on the Brunswick River A man has been charged in relation to promoting the work and their smart phones to access our navigation courses, are listed. and to help cover the costs of the motorised bicycles and it was one of bar. John was aboard Sea Rescue to his death. professionalism of our volunteers. website to find who to call for help. Marine Rescue volunteers will operation. these he was riding on the morning 1 (BR 20), preparing to pull the four This dedication to helping others “The new site is an up-to-date That information is now in a new tell you anecdotally that many Supporters will find it easier than of his untimely death on January 3. passengers from the water but they in need was typical of John. He was representation of our members and high-visibility panel on every page.” boaters are wary of using their ever to donate to their local Marine John moved to the North Coast washed ashore and he was part of described at his funeral on January the services they provide members In a boating emergency, radio radios (see story P17 about MR Port Rescue unit or the organisation more than a decade ago, joining the crew that helped them as they 13, as a larrikin, a rogue and a of the boating community,” he said. for help on Channel 16 on VHF or Stephens’ research) so you’ll also overall, with a new convenient online MR Brunswick in 2010 and quickly came out of the water. raconteur. Tributes and donations “We are still proudly recounting Channel 88 on a 27MHz radio or call find an introduction to using marine payment facility. becoming a Radio Operator and John had returned home and in his memory have arrived from our members’ work to save people Triple Zero. radios: what sort do you need, what www.marinerescuensw.com.au John Foss Roster Officer. He was involved in was riding his motorised bicycle around the world.

38 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 39 IN MEMORIAM FEEDBACK Tributes to valued members Letters and correspondence

Vale Di Sergeant A big thank you! and Bruce Searles Etchells Fleet grateful for MRNSW’s help. Two highly-respected Novocastrians.

28 February 2012

David Hand Unit Commander Marine Rescue Port Jackson

Dear David, I am writing to express the appreciation of the Sydney Etchells Fleet for the marvellous support offered by Marine Rescue during the lead up and staging of the International Etchells World Championship 2012. Your team were great to work with and it was very comforting to know that well equipped, well trained support was available offshore in the event of an emergency. Di Sergeant Bruce Searles I believe all sailors, support teams, volunteers and race management officials appreciated your role and have an enhanced respect and rescue vessel due to be the radios over the years was understanding of the Marine Rescue Organisation. Adelivered this month is to be remarkable. named in memory of the long-time At our many meetings up on the Very best regards, Unit Commander of Marine Rescue hill it was difficult to keep Di in her Richard Hammond Newcastle, who died in February. seat as she was always thinking (Sydney Etchells Fleet Captain) The new GME MT406G EPIRB with integrated The unit’s Kevlacat 3000, which ahead, worrying about the radio has been refurbished in a $105,000 roster, whether there was enough project, will be known as the Di cake for morning tea, where the next GPS receiver provides the last piece ... Sergeant, with the operational call BBQ would be held, the new recruit sign NC 30. coming for an interview, training The Newcastle Unit is also notes for that evening. mourning the loss of its Treasurer, Di cared deeply about the future Bruce Searles, who also died last of the Newcastle Unit, she cared Mr Stacey Tannos ESM Be found fast! month. Bruce, 69, joined the former about the safety of mariners, she Commissioner Coastal Patrol in August 2006. cared about her members doing Marine Rescue NSW Search and Rescue authorities will have your GPS A certificate engineer, his career the hard yards on the water and at co-ordinates accurate to less than 100m within minutes, included positions as a design the radio base, she cared about the 9 January 2012 which means you get rescued quicker. draftsman, contracts engineer, success of our fledgling organisation purchasing officer and and she cared about people. Dear Stacey, Don’t take the risk, take the newest technology. production manager. Volunteers are truly great people. On behalf of the board of Directors and management of the Cruising Yacht This is an edited copy of MRNSW They give of their time and often Club of Australia, and the competitors in the 2011 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht GME providing affordable safety. Board Member Peter Phillipson’s scarce resources to help their Race and Rolex Trophy Series, we would like to thank you for your support of eulogy at Di’s funeral: community. It never ceases to our events during December. > 16 channel Quadrifilar Helix GPS Receiver “I have known Di for many years amaze me the commitment shown The latest edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race provided some in her various roles. The Newcastle and the willingness to learn new fascinating tactical duels between many of the competitors. Skippers and > High intensity strobe light Unit would not be where it is today skills and to beat that path on the crews had to rely on strategic decisions to gain an advantage in tricky and without Di’s extraordinary efforts endless pursuit of raising money. mercurial wind conditions. This in turn kept those following on land captivated > Australian design and manufacture and devotion to the objectives of Di was relentless in this endeavour the entire time. maritime safety and education. and certainly thought outside The success of the event could not have been achieved without the > COSPAS-SARSAT worldwide operation For many of us, the support Di the square. assistance provided by our supporters and specialist organisations. We gave Harry Taylor over many years There are very few people today appreciate the contribution made by the Marine Rescue divisions down the meant the unit prospered and when who would be willing to devote their NSW South Coast. Sydney (02) 9879 8888 Melbourne (03) 9798 0988 Brisbane (07) 3278 6444 Perth (08) 9455 5744 Adelaide (08) 8234 2633 Auckland (09) 274 0955 Harry was spending most of his life to the community as Di did over time on HQ business, Di ensured the the years. She was a remarkable Yours Sincerely, www.gme.net.au Division ran smoothly and rosters lady who has left a great legacy in Garry Linacre Mark Woolf were maintained. Her time manning Newcastle.” Commodore Chief Executive Officer M287A M285

40 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS