SUMMER HEROES Our Crews Launch 1,000 Rescue Missions Games Fever Gold Medal Volunteers Dropping In! SIMPLY Highwire Training SUPERIOR™

Volunteers saving lives on the water

Quarterly Journal of Marine Rescue NSW | Issue 34, Autumn 2018

SUMMER HEROES Our crews launch 1,000 rescue missions Games fever Gold medal volunteers Dropping in! SIMPLY Highwire training SUPERIOR™

NEW RealVision™ 3D Sonar and AXIOM Multifunction Displays

Superior RealVision 3D sonar displays ﬁ sh and underwater structures in stunning, lifelike detail. And with gyro-stabilization, RealVision 3D automatically compensates for boat movement, delivering the best under water imaging anywhere.

Images for illustrative purpose only PLUS: Tragedy on fatal shore | Seaplane down | Tuned in to race emergencies

210 x 297 AXIOM Sonar 2 (UK).indd 1 08/03/2017 10:31 WATER THE “ON “ON THE WATER Safer boating at your fingertips WATER THE “ON S S S.O. S.O. NOTHING NOTHING S.O.S S S S.O. S.O. NOTHING MARINE MARINE SOS FASTER IS IS FASTER SOS MARINE MARINE MARINE MARINE SOS FASTER IS RESCUE-READY EQUIPMENT YOU MAY NOT LIVE WITHOUT LIVE NOT MAY YOU EQUIPMENT RESCUE-READY DISASTER" THAN THAN DISASTER" RESCUE-READY EQUIPMENT YOU MAY NOT LIVE WITHOUT WITHOUT LIVE NOT MAY YOU EQUIPMENT RESCUE-READY DISASTER" THAN BEARING LOAD WATERFRONT WATERFRONT LOAD BEARING BEARING LOAD WATERFRONT DAN BUOY DAN VEST EQUIPMENT VEST JACKET LIFE LIFE JACKET VEST EQUIPMENT VEST DAN BUOY BUOY DAN VEST EQUIPMENT VEST JACKET LIFE “When time is of the essence the the essence the of is time “When designs our about serious are We provide jackets Life Waterfront S.O.S S.O.S Waterfront Life jackets provide We are serious about our designs “When time is of the essence the the essence the of is time “When designs our about serious are We provide jackets Life Waterfront S.O.S is the answer” the is Buoy Dan SOS working the improve to approach new a a new approach to improve the working SOS Dan Buoy is the answer” answer” the is Buoy Dan SOS working the improve to approach new a Philip Thompson Philip professionals marine of capabilities capabilities of marine professionals Philip Thompson Thompson Philip professionals marine of capabilities America’s Cup America’s America’s Cup Cup America’s MARINE RESCUE NSW Challenger Skipper Challenger Challenger Skipper Skipper Challenger Download the FREE MarineRescue App!

❱&❱Wildlife Parks ❱ ❱ Local❱Councils❱ ❱ ❱ ❱❱ Local❱Councils❱ ❱❱ Parks❱&❱Wildlife ❱&❱Wildlife Parks ❱ ❱ Local❱Councils❱ ❱ ❱ Mining ❱ ❱ SES❱ ❱ ❱ ❱❱ SES❱ ❱❱ Mining Mining ❱ ❱ SES❱ ❱ ❱ Security ❱ ❱ Parking❱Inspectors❱ ❱ ❱ ❱❱ Parking❱Inspectors❱ ❱❱ Security Security ❱ ❱ Parking❱Inspectors❱ ❱ ❱ Engineers ❱ ❱ Police ❱ ❱ ❱❱ Police ❱❱ Engineers Engineers ❱ ❱ Police ❱ ❱ Emergency❱Response ❱ ❱ ❱Response First ❱ ❱ ❱❱ First❱Response ❱❱ Emergency❱Response Emergency❱Response ❱ ❱ ❱Response First ❱ ❱ RESCUE PERSON 4 & 2 2 & 4 PERSON RESCUE RESCUE PERSON 4 & 2 LASER FLARES LASER RAFT LIFE LSLING R R LSLING LIFE RAFT LASER FLARES FLARES LASER RAFT LIFE LSLING R jackets, life on material reflective Detects ❱ ❱ Detects reflective material on life jackets, jackets, life on material reflective Detects ❱ channel marker etc marker channel Rescue Reel the For For the Reel Rescue channel marker etc etc marker channel Rescue Reel the For battery one on signalling continuous hours 40 ❱ equipment overboard Man Man overboard equipment ❱ 40 hours continuous signalling on one battery battery one on signalling continuous hours 40 ❱ equipment overboard Man Ready -Rescue -Rescue Ready Ready -Rescue

For inshore & coastal boaters coastal & inshore For For inshore & coastal boaters boaters coastal & inshore For Penetrates smoke and haze and smoke Penetrates ❱ inflates ❱ Automatically ❱ THROW- ❱ JUST ❱ ❱ ❱❱ JUST❱THROW-❱Automatically❱inflates ❱ Penetrates smoke and haze haze and smoke Penetrates ❱ inflates ❱ Automatically ❱ THROW- ❱ JUST ❱ ❱ A worthy addition to pyrotechnic kits pyrotechnic to addition worthy A ❱ ❱most❱age❱groups for ❱handle❱ to Easy❱ ❱ ❱ ❱❱ Easy❱to❱handle❱for❱most❱age❱groups ❱ A worthy addition to pyrotechnic kits kits pyrotechnic to addition worthy A ❱ ❱most❱age❱groups for ❱handle❱ to Easy❱ ❱ ❱ Allows search & rescue to continue when when continue to rescue & search Allows ❱ Much❱smaller❱servicing❱costs❱ ❱ ❱ retrieving for system rescue use to Easy Easy to use rescue system for retrieving ❱❱ Much❱smaller❱servicing❱costs❱ ❱ Allows search & rescue to continue when when continue to rescue & search Allows ❱ Much❱smaller❱servicing❱costs❱ ❱ ❱ retrieving for system rescue use to Easy darkness limits search limits darkness Packed❱in❱valise ❱ ❱ overboard falls who person a a person who falls overboard ❱❱ Packed❱in❱valise darkness limits search search limits darkness Packed❱in❱valise ❱ ❱ overboard falls who person a R LSLING R RECOVERY/RESCUE RECOVERY/RESCUE R LSLING LSLING R RECOVERY/RESCUE RAFTS LIFE SOCK LADDER LADDER SOCK LIFE RAFTS RAFTS LIFE SOCK LADDER HIRE FOR FOR HIRE HIRE FOR [email protected] [email protected] E E [email protected] [email protected] E

JACKETS LIFE LIFE JACKETS JACKETS LIFE SERVICE AVAILABLE SERVICE SERVICE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE SERVICE www.sosmarine.com GET I DO HOW HOW DO I GET www.sosmarine.com www.sosmarine.com GET I DO HOW BACK ON BOARD? ON BACK BACK ON BOARD? BOARD? ON BACK 02 97000233 97000233 02 T T 02 97000233 97000233 02 T Two-in-one Two-in-one Two-in-one 02 97000277 97000277 02 F Recovery SOS ❱short-handed❱crews❱-❱the❱ For ❱ ❱ ❱❱ For❱short-handed❱crews❱-❱the❱SOS Recovery F 02 97000277 97000277 02 F Recovery SOS ❱short-handed❱crews❱-❱the❱ For ❱ ❱ ❱ attachment ❱ for 'sock' ❱ own ❱ its ❱ has ❱ now Ladder product one just using recovery recovery using just one product Ladder now❱has❱its❱own❱'sock' for❱attachment❱ ❱ attachment ❱ for 'sock' ❱ own ❱ its ❱ has ❱ now Ladder product one just using recovery [email protected] E ❱a❱ at ❱ deployed ❱ be ❱ to ❱ ready ❱ rail, ❱ toe ❱ the ❱ to or Use❱rungs❱as❱a❱ladder❱ ❱ ❱ ❱❱ Use❱rungs❱as❱a❱ladder❱or to❱the❱toe❱rail,❱ready❱to❱be❱deployed❱at❱a❱ E [email protected] [email protected] E ❱a❱ at ❱ deployed ❱ be ❱ to ❱ ready ❱ rail, ❱ toe ❱ the ❱ to or Use❱rungs❱as❱a❱ladder❱ ❱ ❱ Australian Manufacturer Australian moment’s❱notice. victim ❱ lift ❱ horizontally ❱ to ❱ shape ❱ entire ❱ Use ❱ ❱ ❱❱ Use❱entire❱shape❱to❱horizontally❱lift❱victim moment’s❱notice. Australian Manufacturer Manufacturer Australian moment’s❱notice. victim ❱ lift ❱ horizontally ❱ to ❱ shape ❱ entire ❱ Use ❱ ❱ SOS Marine’s safety equipment is easy to use and ready-to-go and use to easy is equipment safety Marine’s SOS SOS Marine’s safety equipment is easy to use and ready-to-go ready-to-go and use to easy is equipment safety Marine’s SOS save to equipment safety innovative winning, award international with field the led has expertise years 30 Marine’s SOS SOS Marine’s 30 years expertise has led the field with international award winning, innovative safety equipment to save save to equipment safety innovative winning, award international with field the led has expertise years 30 Marine’s SOS lives at sea. SOS Marine supplies equipment to 13 National Defence Forces, leisure boats and ocean vessels worldwide. vessels ocean and boats leisure Forces, Defence National 13 to equipment supplies Marine SOS sea. at lives lives at sea. SOS Marine supplies equipment to 13 National Defence Forces, leisure boats and ocean vessels worldwide. worldwide. vessels ocean Volunteersand boats leisure savingForces, Defence lives National on 13 to the waterequipment supplies Marine SOS sea. at lives CONTENTS Issue 34 | Autumn 2018

Quarterly Journal of Marine Rescue NSW

Cover Image THE HELM The crew of Shoalhaven 30 manoeuvres in large sea swells during winch 2 • Commissioner’s report training exercises with a CHC Group AW139 helicopter that provides aviation 4 • Chair’s report emergency response services for the Royal Australian Navy at HMAS ON THE RADAR Albatross. Photo: Danielle Carter. 3 • Crews prevent more tragedies on fatal shore Publisher 4 • New technology shreds volunteer paperwork Marine Rescue NSW 5 • Instant response to seaplane crash on river 202 Nicholson Parade 6 & 7 • Members catch Commonwealth Games fever Cronulla NSW 2230 8 • Volunteers keep watch over Hobart fleet Contact 10 • Inspections vital to ‘first line of safety’ Kate Woods • Thousands enjoy online volunteer videos Phone: 02 8071 4848 12 • Planning and building advice close at hand Email: [email protected] 13 • $200,000 for shark surveillance, unit projects Design and Layout • New training to help win more funding Nicole Brown 14 • Kate recalls a time without women in ranks • Female volunteers urged to aim high Advertising 16 • Maritime plan to cut death toll on water Graham Joss Email: [email protected] IN THEIR OWN WORDS Phone: 0419 492 836 9 • Fran Breen, Unit Commander & Queen’s Baton Relay member

Printing MAKING WAVES Ligare Book Printers 19-22 Northern Rivers News Head office: 138-152 Bonds Road, Riverwood NSW 2210 • Wooli • Brunswick • Evans Head • Ballina • Point Danger Marine Rescue NSW is pleased to acknowledge the invaluable support of our 23-26 Mid North Coast News Soundings advertisers. • SAREX • Port Macquarie • Camden Haven © Copyright Volunteer Marine Rescue New South Wales. Reproduction in • Coffs Harbour • Nambucca • Crowdy Harrington whole or in part prohibited without permission of the publisher. • Forster-Tuncurry 27-30 Hunter/Central Coast News Marine Rescue NSW encourages the use of Soundings articles on boating • Central Coast • Norah Head • Lemon Tree Passage safety. Permission to use and supply of relevant images can be obtained • Port Stephens • Tuggerah Lakes • Lake Macquarie from the publisher. • Newcastle 31-34 Greater Sydney News • Hawkesbury • Middle Harbour • Botany Port Hacking • Terrey Hills • Port Jackson • Broken Bay • Cottage Point 35-37 Illawarra News • Shoalhaven • Port Kembla • Ulladulla • Kioloa • Jervis Bay • Sussex Inlet MARINE RESCUE NSW 38-41 Monaro News Volunteers saving lives on the water • Eden • Batemans Bay • Tuross • RWC training • Merimbula • Alpine Lakes Volunteer Marine Rescue New South Wales • Bermagui ABN 98 138 078 092 PICTURE GALLERY PO Box 579 17, 42 • What we’ve been up to Cronulla NSW 2230 Phone: 02 8071 4848 Fax: 02 9969 5214 IN MEMORIAM & FEEDBACK Email: [email protected] 43-44 • Tributes to valued members • Letters & correspondence

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 1 THE HELM ON THE RADAR Official business Summer response

arine Rescue NSW bases are agencies hold our organisation and to the end of another demanding Mlocated on some of the best particularly our volunteers in high summer, during which our crews coastal real estate NSW has to offer, regard. were again on the frontline of overlooking the open waters, coastal Recent issues, however, have operations in response to tragedies. bars, rivers and lakes that are the again highlighted the need to attain I commend all of those who boater’s playground. greater security of tenure. were on rescue vessels or in radio We do not take these locations For instance, MR Newcastle was bases for these missions, which or the spectacular views they offer forced to move from its long-term are gruelling for all involved. I must for granted - if only for the simple base at Shepherds Hill after the acknowledge the professional reason that we can’t. building sustained serious damage manner in which you carry out these We do not own these valuable in the 2015 East Coast Low storms. sad responsibilities. assets but occupy them under Despite the unit holding a valid lease While these, naturally, were the Commissioner various leases or licences from until 2019, Newcastle City Council most challenging operations, they Stacey Tannos ESM State or local government bodies, has now terminated this and opened were among more than 1,000 including property trusts. the site to expressions of interest. responses to incidents on the water As the tenants, we are In another case, despite MRNSW by our people over the peak boating responsible for maintenance and investing heavily in the construction season. Of these, 294 involved upkeep but despite this cost- of a new unit facility, the local life-threatening emergencies. Thank Thanks to you all ... Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant joins MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos, Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven shifting, the various occupancy council has refused to provide us a you to all our members who gave up Pearce, Royal Life Saving NSW CEO Michael Ilinsky and volunteers at the end of the peak summer season. arrangements do not give MRNSW security of tenure, with most leases You can be assured your training, skill and arine Rescue NSW volunteers Grant praised water safety agencies Macquarie and other agencies when an international student and licences able to be terminated contribution do not go unnoticed. Mwent to great lengths to keep for their tireless efforts to keep searched for an 11-year-old boy drowned at Fingal Head in February. on little notice. boaters safe during an exceptionally people safe around water. who was swept out in a rip on More tragedy struck on southern Obviously, sites in picturesque lease over a reasonable term. This time with their families and friends busy summer on and off the water. “I want to thank the incredible Lighthouse Beach. He had been Sydney waters. On December 19, locations on the coastline are leaves the unit facing the possibility over the holiday season to stand From December 1 to February 28 staff and volunteers from our rescue swimming with his family and his a volunteer crew from MR Botany in high demand and capable of of its purpose-built rescue base watch and fulfil their duties. volunteer crews carried out more agencies,” he said. 17-year-old brother tried desperately Port Hacking joined the search for a generating substantial income being opened to a competitive As a community, we ask a great than 1,000 rescues, responding to Of the 36 drowning deaths, 80 to save him. Ten days later, a missing 23-year-old man who failed far beyond the peppercorn rental leasing process. deal of our emergency services 294 life-threatening emergencies. per cent of the victims were male. 14-year-old boy drowned off Flynns to surface after jumping off a bridge volunteer agencies such as MRNSW I recently met with NSW volunteers but you can be assured More than 23,000 vessels The highest risk age group was Beach in Port Macquarie. A fruitless at Como on the Georges River. can afford to pay. Our occupancy, Minister for Lands, Forestry and your training, skill and contribution Logged On with MRNSW by 25-34. search involved Surf Lifesavers and On December 29, the unit therefore, depends largely on the Racing Paul Toole to highlight do not go unnoticed. marine radio, phone and the free Six of the summer drowning MRNSW personnel. was called to Kurnell where three goodwill of the leasing or licencing the issues our units face and Early in the season, Emergency MarineRescue app. victims were in a seaplane crash on MR Coffs Harbour volunteers fishermen were tossed from an body. We are fortunate that in the seek a path to provide us with Services Minister Troy Grant joined Radio traffic was heavy through the Hawkesbury River on New Year’s took part in a large scale search for overturned boat near the Cape majority of cases, the responsible standard leases setting uniform the crews of Middle Harbour 30 and the season with bases handling Eve. The DHC-2 Beaver sank rapidly a 22-year-old man caught in a rip Solander lighthouse. A 73-year-old conditions for our premises. This MH 20 on a training exercise on 71,000-plus radio calls. in 14 metres of water, leaving no while swimming at Valla Beach on man died. His son and another man would give us security of tenure Sydney Harbour and he has spent Crews were involved in the survivors. Search and rescue vessels February 17. managed to reach the shore. and the confidence to invest in time with several members at water response to a number of fatalities from MR Hawkesbury, Broken Bay MR Point Danger responded Brendan Trembath improvements that would enhance safety events. Mr Grant marked the on the water. New South Wales and Central Coast were deployed to our operational environments and end of summer by again extending recorded 36 drowning deaths Jerusalem Bay. help attract new volunteers. his and the NSW Government’s over summer, including boaters, a A fisherman was pulled from the At the same time, I raised the thanks for your diligent service. fisherman, swimmers lost in the surf water near Currarong on January 7 issue of income-generation on our As boaters again take to the water and a young man who jumped from by MR Shoalhaven volunteers but sites to help relieve the burden in force over the Easter holidays, we a bridge on a hot Sydney day. despite CPR attempts the 25-year- of fundraising on our volunteers will maintain our vigilance. “Any loss of life is an absolute old could not be revived. and offset part of the $4.5 million Congratulations to those members tragedy,” Commissioner Stacey Crews were deployed on a series cost of addressing the backlog of honoured in the Queen’s Baton Relay Tannos said. of search missions, several of maintenance and WHS requirements for the Commonwealth Games. I “Our volunteers performed 1,051 them on the Mid North Coast. On identified in an audit of our fixed am sure our personnel involved in rescue missions over the summer, December 3, a runabout capsized assets in 2015-16. the Games will reflect well on our preventing many more incidents and on the Camden Haven bar. Two men Matters such as this continue to service. There is no doubt our people emergencies from potentially ending were rescued from the water but a demand time and energy behind the are gold medalists in volunteering. with a loss of life.” 59-year-old man’s body was located Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant joins MRNSW Commissioner Crew member Greg Inglis keeps watch from Botany 30 during a Stacey Tannos and the crews of Middle Harbour 30 and MH 20 on a scenes of our day to day operations. Stacey Tannos ESM After the fatal season ended under the overturned boat. search for a 23-year-old man who did not resurface after jumping training exercise in December. On the water, we have just come Commissioner Emergency Services Minister Troy On December 6, MR Port from the Como Bridge in December.

2 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 3 THE HELM ON THE RADAR Official business Summer response

From the Commissioner Crews prevent more tragedies on fatal shore Security of tenure would give us the confidence to invest more in our premises. Thanks to rescue agencies for tireless efforts to keep people safe around water. arine Rescue NSW bases are agencies hold our organisation and to the end of another demanding Mlocated on some of the best particularly our volunteers in high summer, during which our crews coastal real estate NSW has to offer, regard. were again on the frontline of overlooking the open waters, coastal Recent issues, however, have operations in response to tragedies. bars, rivers and lakes that are the again highlighted the need to attain I commend all of those who boater’s playground. greater security of tenure. were on rescue vessels or in radio We do not take these locations For instance, MR Newcastle was bases for these missions, which or the spectacular views they offer forced to move from its long-term are gruelling for all involved. I must for granted - if only for the simple base at Shepherds Hill after the acknowledge the professional reason that we can’t. building sustained serious damage manner in which you carry out these We do not own these valuable in the 2015 East Coast Low storms. sad responsibilities. assets but occupy them under Despite the unit holding a valid lease While these, naturally, were the Commissioner various leases or licences from until 2019, Newcastle City Council most challenging operations, they Stacey Tannos ESM State or local government bodies, has now terminated this and opened were among more than 1,000 including property trusts. the site to expressions of interest. responses to incidents on the water As the tenants, we are In another case, despite MRNSW by our people over the peak boating responsible for maintenance and investing heavily in the construction season. Of these, 294 involved upkeep but despite this cost- of a new unit facility, the local life-threatening emergencies. Thank Thanks to you all ... Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant joins MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos, Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven shifting, the various occupancy council has refused to provide us a you to all our members who gave up Pearce, Royal Life Saving NSW CEO Michael Ilinsky and volunteers at the end of the peak summer season. arrangements do not give MRNSW security of tenure, with most leases You can be assured your training, skill and arine Rescue NSW volunteers Grant praised water safety agencies Macquarie and other agencies when an international student and licences able to be terminated contribution do not go unnoticed. Mwent to great lengths to keep for their tireless efforts to keep searched for an 11-year-old boy drowned at Fingal Head in February. on little notice. boaters safe during an exceptionally people safe around water. who was swept out in a rip on More tragedy struck on southern Obviously, sites in picturesque lease over a reasonable term. This time with their families and friends busy summer on and off the water. “I want to thank the incredible Lighthouse Beach. He had been Sydney waters. On December 19, locations on the coastline are leaves the unit facing the possibility over the holiday season to stand From December 1 to February 28 staff and volunteers from our rescue swimming with his family and his a volunteer crew from MR Botany in high demand and capable of of its purpose-built rescue base watch and fulfil their duties. volunteer crews carried out more agencies,” he said. 17-year-old brother tried desperately Port Hacking joined the search for a generating substantial income being opened to a competitive As a community, we ask a great than 1,000 rescues, responding to Of the 36 drowning deaths, 80 to save him. Ten days later, a missing 23-year-old man who failed far beyond the peppercorn rental leasing process. deal of our emergency services 294 life-threatening emergencies. per cent of the victims were male. 14-year-old boy drowned off Flynns to surface after jumping off a bridge volunteer agencies such as MRNSW I recently met with NSW volunteers but you can be assured More than 23,000 vessels The highest risk age group was Beach in Port Macquarie. A fruitless at Como on the Georges River. can afford to pay. Our occupancy, Minister for Lands, Forestry and your training, skill and contribution Logged On with MRNSW by 25-34. search involved Surf Lifesavers and On December 29, the unit therefore, depends largely on the Racing Paul Toole to highlight do not go unnoticed. marine radio, phone and the free Six of the summer drowning MRNSW personnel. was called to Kurnell where three goodwill of the leasing or licencing the issues our units face and Early in the season, Emergency MarineRescue app. victims were in a seaplane crash on MR Coffs Harbour volunteers fishermen were tossed from an body. We are fortunate that in the seek a path to provide us with Services Minister Troy Grant joined Radio traffic was heavy through the Hawkesbury River on New Year’s took part in a large scale search for overturned boat near the Cape majority of cases, the responsible standard leases setting uniform the crews of Middle Harbour 30 and the season with bases handling Eve. The DHC-2 Beaver sank rapidly a 22-year-old man caught in a rip Solander lighthouse. A 73-year-old conditions for our premises. This MH 20 on a training exercise on 71,000-plus radio calls. in 14 metres of water, leaving no while swimming at Valla Beach on man died. His son and another man would give us security of tenure Sydney Harbour and he has spent Crews were involved in the survivors. Search and rescue vessels February 17. managed to reach the shore. and the confidence to invest in time with several members at water response to a number of fatalities from MR Hawkesbury, Broken Bay MR Point Danger responded Brendan Trembath improvements that would enhance safety events. Mr Grant marked the on the water. New South Wales and Central Coast were deployed to our operational environments and end of summer by again extending recorded 36 drowning deaths Jerusalem Bay. help attract new volunteers. his and the NSW Government’s over summer, including boaters, a A fisherman was pulled from the At the same time, I raised the thanks for your diligent service. fisherman, swimmers lost in the surf water near Currarong on January 7 issue of income-generation on our As boaters again take to the water and a young man who jumped from by MR Shoalhaven volunteers but sites to help relieve the burden in force over the Easter holidays, we a bridge on a hot Sydney day. despite CPR attempts the 25-year- of fundraising on our volunteers will maintain our vigilance. “Any loss of life is an absolute old could not be revived. and offset part of the $4.5 million Congratulations to those members tragedy,” Commissioner Stacey Crews were deployed on a series cost of addressing the backlog of honoured in the Queen’s Baton Relay Tannos said. of search missions, several of maintenance and WHS requirements for the Commonwealth Games. I “Our volunteers performed 1,051 them on the Mid North Coast. On identified in an audit of our fixed am sure our personnel involved in rescue missions over the summer, December 3, a runabout capsized assets in 2015-16. the Games will reflect well on our preventing many more incidents and on the Camden Haven bar. Two men Matters such as this continue to service. There is no doubt our people emergencies from potentially ending were rescued from the water but a demand time and energy behind the are gold medalists in volunteering. with a loss of life.” 59-year-old man’s body was located Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant joins MRNSW Commissioner Crew member Greg Inglis keeps watch from Botany 30 during a Stacey Tannos and the crews of Middle Harbour 30 and MH 20 on a scenes of our day to day operations. Stacey Tannos ESM After the fatal season ended under the overturned boat. search for a 23-year-old man who did not resurface after jumping training exercise in December. On the water, we have just come Commissioner Emergency Services Minister Troy On December 6, MR Port from the Como Bridge in December.

2 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 3 ON THE RADAR ON THE RADAR Official business Holiday tragedy

From the Chair Instant response to seaplane crash on river The Board continues to focus on our strong forward progress for 2018. Horrified Hawkesbury members watch aircraft plummet into water.

he newly-elected MRNSW Macquarie, a boater on the bar at for the new Alpine Lakes vessel, hen a seaplane plunged TBoard of Directors held its first Camden Haven, the death of six along with the opening of the unit’s Winto Jerusalem Bay on the meeting of 2018 at Headquarters on people in the seaplane crash on boat shed. The provision of fit-for- Hawkesbury River north of Sydney February 24. the Hawkesbury River and a rock purpose vessels such as this Ocean on New Year’s Eve, MR Hawkesbury The new Board is working fisherman who fell into the water Cylinder and a number of other new volunteers David Hytche and Wendy cohesively and positively to continue at Little Beecroft Head and could vessels now under construction Mitchell were among the first advancing the interests of our not be revived, despite the best demonstrates the strength of our responders. members and organisation. efforts of his two mates, the crew of investment in ensuring our crews The couple was holidaying on At the February meeting, Shoalhaven 20 and police. have the safe, reliable and modern a 38 foot yacht about 200 metres Commissioner Stacey Tannos and It is, however, thanks to the vessels they need for their work. from the crash site. Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey immediate and impressive Many Unit Commanders “I saw the starboard wingtip hit gave the Directors comprehensive operations of our radio and vessel and Deputy Unit Commanders the water,” Mr Hytche said. “It then Chair briefings on our units’ operational crews that many more people attending the MRNSW conference cartwheeled.” James Glissan ESM, QC response over the peak summer returned safely home. Of the in Port Macquarie last September The de Havilland Canada DHC- boating season. You could not 1,051 rescue operations our crews expressed their desire for additional 2 Beaver, operated by Sydney help but be impressed by the undertook this summer, 294 were leadership training to assist them Seaplanes, sank in 14m of water. commitment of our volunteers in response to a life-threatening to meet the challenges of their The pilot and all five passengers - whether on the water or the emergency. Any of these could demanding roles. The Directors are on board, family members from the Recording important details for official investigations ... off duty MR Hawkesbury volunteer Wendy Mitchell airwaves or behind the scenes - to quickly have escalated into a tragedy pleased to note progress towards United Kingdom, were killed. scans the Jerusalem Bay site of the seaplane crash on New Year’s Eve. assisting and protecting the boating but for the efforts of MRNSW new training modules and improved Mr Hytche and Ms Mitchell had community. They accepted the members, often working with their induction processes. spent the past few days anchored investigators. Mr Groppenbacher said. Police also responded to the seaplane crash. responsibilty of standing watch, colleagues from other emergency, Our recent success in attracting in Jerusalem Bay, a secluded spot “They were very, very grateful for asked for assistance to keep other “We also called upon our never faltering in their dedication rescue and marine services. more than $200,000 in grant fringed by steep rocky bushland, the fact that we’d got the times, the boats away from the area. neighbours on the Central Coast to duty. The Commissioner and Deputy funding for a range of projects is with next to no mobile phone notes,” Mr Hytche said. MRNSW Greater Sydney Regional to send their vessel down as well,” Unfortunately, however, this Commissioner could not speak beneficial to our bottom line and I reception. He estimates the seaplane was Operations Manager Glenn Evans he said. was another summer marred by a highly enough of our people and the encourage all unit Grants Officers Shortly after 3pm, he saw a red 30m above the tree line when he thanked the units that quickly Brendan Trembath number of fatalities on and around Board wholeheartedly shares their and other relevant members to take and white seaplane fly low along the first saw it. our waterways. The number of view that we are fortunate to have advantage of new training sessions southern shore. Asked by investigators how drownings was lower than last such a well trained, resourced and being held in each region by Grants “My initial thoughts were ‘wow he judged the height, Mr Hytche summer but too many families and intentioned volunteer workforce. Manager Siobhán Moran-McFarlane. this thing is going to come in to pointed to his rock climbing friends have again felt the sting of The Board continues to focus My fellow Directors and I look land’,” he said. experience. loss over what should be the festive on our strong forward progress for forward to having the opportunity to The small plane began a “I said, ‘See the trees over there, season. 2018. meet and personally thank as many tight right turn before suddenly you don’t jump off a 30 metre cliff As always, our members were The Fleet Modernisation Program of you as possible for your hard plummeting into Jerusalem Bay. with a 20 metre rope’. resolute, professional and respectful continues to deliver valuable new work as we meet in regional centres Mr Hytche quickly made a “You get quite good at estimating in their response to tragedies, and refurbished assets to units, over the year ahead. Mayday call over marine radio which it.” including but not only the loss of with the Directors looking foward Good sailing was picked up by MR Terrey Hills He praised the speedy response two young boys in the surf at Port to the commissioning ceremony Jim Glissan Radio Operator Martin Devitt. by emergency services, including Emergency services rushed to NSW Police and local MRNSW units. the area while nearby boaters began MR Broken Bay Unit Commander David Hytche on an earlier training exercise on Cottage Point 30. a frantic search for the plane’s Vic Lawrence arrived on rescue New technology shreds volunteer paperwork occupants. vessel Broken Bay 20. “There were two guys there who He saw a buoy marking where the arine Rescue NSW has has been equipped with an iPad “It means members do not have qualified crew members, personal dived into the water and swam to it,” plane sank and lamented the loss of Mintroduced another online tool so crews can quickly and easily to fill out forms and then spend time protective equipment and fuel on Mr Hytche said. the pilot and five passengers. to reduce paperwork and streamline complete their risk assessment sending paperwork to the relevant board and that crew members are fit He maintained his communication “To die like that is terrible, processes for volunteers. and transmit the details directly senior personnel,” he said. and willing to proceed. role, keeping the authorities absolutely terrible.” The new Risk Management app to their Unit Commander, “The app helps crews focus Wind, sea height, visibilty, updated. Greg Groppenbacher, who was on automates the Operational Risk Regional Operations Manager and on safety by prompting them to daylight, tides and hazards such as “I just stayed on the radio calling Hawkesbury 21, helped police locate Assessment process crews are Headquarters. consider all potential risk factors bar crossings also are recorded. it as it happened.” witnesses. required to undertake before setting IT and Business Development before an operation.” The app and iPads were funded Ms Mitchell acted as a scribe, “We followed their instructions to out on the water. Director Florian Glajcar said the app The risk assessment checks with government grants totalling noting down times and events, get names and contact numbers of to assist police and air crash Mass response ... emergency services, including Broken Bay 20 (top) Each rescue vessel in the fleet had gone live in February. factors such as the number of $84,000. people who had seen the accident,” and Hawkesbury 21 (centre) assemble on the scene. Photo: Nine News.

4 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 5 ON THE RADAR ON THE RADAR Official business Holiday tragedy

From the Chair Instant response to seaplane crash on river The Board continues to focus on our strong forward progress for 2018. Horrified Hawkesbury members watch aircraft plummet into water. he newly-elected MRNSW Macquarie, a boater on the bar at for the new Alpine Lakes vessel, hen a seaplane plunged TBoard of Directors held its first Camden Haven, the death of six along with the opening of the unit’s Winto Jerusalem Bay on the meeting of 2018 at Headquarters on people in the seaplane crash on boat shed. The provision of fit-for- Hawkesbury River north of Sydney February 24. the Hawkesbury River and a rock purpose vessels such as this Ocean on New Year’s Eve, MR Hawkesbury The new Board is working fisherman who fell into the water Cylinder and a number of other new volunteers David Hytche and Wendy cohesively and positively to continue at Little Beecroft Head and could vessels now under construction Mitchell were among the first advancing the interests of our not be revived, despite the best demonstrates the strength of our responders. members and organisation. efforts of his two mates, the crew of investment in ensuring our crews The couple was holidaying on At the February meeting, Shoalhaven 20 and police. have the safe, reliable and modern a 38 foot yacht about 200 metres Commissioner Stacey Tannos and It is, however, thanks to the vessels they need for their work. from the crash site. Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey immediate and impressive Many Unit Commanders “I saw the starboard wingtip hit gave the Directors comprehensive operations of our radio and vessel and Deputy Unit Commanders the water,” Mr Hytche said. “It then Chair briefings on our units’ operational crews that many more people attending the MRNSW conference cartwheeled.” James Glissan ESM, QC response over the peak summer returned safely home. Of the in Port Macquarie last September The de Havilland Canada DHC- boating season. You could not 1,051 rescue operations our crews expressed their desire for additional 2 Beaver, operated by Sydney help but be impressed by the undertook this summer, 294 were leadership training to assist them Seaplanes, sank in 14m of water. commitment of our volunteers in response to a life-threatening to meet the challenges of their The pilot and all five passengers - whether on the water or the emergency. Any of these could demanding roles. The Directors are on board, family members from the Recording important details for official investigations ... off duty MR Hawkesbury volunteer Wendy Mitchell airwaves or behind the scenes - to quickly have escalated into a tragedy pleased to note progress towards United Kingdom, were killed. scans the Jerusalem Bay site of the seaplane crash on New Year’s Eve. assisting and protecting the boating but for the efforts of MRNSW new training modules and improved Mr Hytche and Ms Mitchell had community. They accepted the members, often working with their induction processes. spent the past few days anchored investigators. Mr Groppenbacher said. Police also responded to the seaplane crash. responsibilty of standing watch, colleagues from other emergency, Our recent success in attracting in Jerusalem Bay, a secluded spot “They were very, very grateful for asked for assistance to keep other “We also called upon our never faltering in their dedication rescue and marine services. more than $200,000 in grant fringed by steep rocky bushland, the fact that we’d got the times, the boats away from the area. neighbours on the Central Coast to duty. The Commissioner and Deputy funding for a range of projects is with next to no mobile phone notes,” Mr Hytche said. MRNSW Greater Sydney Regional to send their vessel down as well,” Unfortunately, however, this Commissioner could not speak beneficial to our bottom line and I reception. He estimates the seaplane was Operations Manager Glenn Evans he said. was another summer marred by a highly enough of our people and the encourage all unit Grants Officers Shortly after 3pm, he saw a red 30m above the tree line when he thanked the units that quickly Brendan Trembath number of fatalities on and around Board wholeheartedly shares their and other relevant members to take and white seaplane fly low along the first saw it. our waterways. The number of view that we are fortunate to have advantage of new training sessions southern shore. Asked by investigators how drownings was lower than last such a well trained, resourced and being held in each region by Grants “My initial thoughts were ‘wow he judged the height, Mr Hytche summer but too many families and intentioned volunteer workforce. Manager Siobhán Moran-McFarlane. this thing is going to come in to pointed to his rock climbing friends have again felt the sting of The Board continues to focus My fellow Directors and I look land’,” he said. experience. loss over what should be the festive on our strong forward progress for forward to having the opportunity to The small plane began a “I said, ‘See the trees over there, season. 2018. meet and personally thank as many tight right turn before suddenly you don’t jump off a 30 metre cliff As always, our members were The Fleet Modernisation Program of you as possible for your hard plummeting into Jerusalem Bay. with a 20 metre rope’. resolute, professional and respectful continues to deliver valuable new work as we meet in regional centres Mr Hytche quickly made a “You get quite good at estimating in their response to tragedies, and refurbished assets to units, over the year ahead. Mayday call over marine radio which it.” including but not only the loss of with the Directors looking foward Good sailing was picked up by MR Terrey Hills He praised the speedy response two young boys in the surf at Port to the commissioning ceremony Jim Glissan Radio Operator Martin Devitt. by emergency services, including Emergency services rushed to NSW Police and local MRNSW units. the area while nearby boaters began MR Broken Bay Unit Commander David Hytche on an earlier training exercise on Cottage Point 30. a frantic search for the plane’s Vic Lawrence arrived on rescue New technology shreds volunteer paperwork occupants. vessel Broken Bay 20. “There were two guys there who He saw a buoy marking where the arine Rescue NSW has has been equipped with an iPad “It means members do not have qualified crew members, personal dived into the water and swam to it,” plane sank and lamented the loss of Mintroduced another online tool so crews can quickly and easily to fill out forms and then spend time protective equipment and fuel on Mr Hytche said. the pilot and five passengers. to reduce paperwork and streamline complete their risk assessment sending paperwork to the relevant board and that crew members are fit He maintained his communication “To die like that is terrible, processes for volunteers. and transmit the details directly senior personnel,” he said. and willing to proceed. role, keeping the authorities absolutely terrible.” The new Risk Management app to their Unit Commander, “The app helps crews focus Wind, sea height, visibilty, updated. Greg Groppenbacher, who was on automates the Operational Risk Regional Operations Manager and on safety by prompting them to daylight, tides and hazards such as “I just stayed on the radio calling Hawkesbury 21, helped police locate Assessment process crews are Headquarters. consider all potential risk factors bar crossings also are recorded. it as it happened.” witnesses. required to undertake before setting IT and Business Development before an operation.” The app and iPads were funded Ms Mitchell acted as a scribe, “We followed their instructions to out on the water. Director Florian Glajcar said the app The risk assessment checks with government grants totalling noting down times and events, get names and contact numbers of to assist police and air crash Mass response ... emergency services, including Broken Bay 20 (top) Each rescue vessel in the fleet had gone live in February. factors such as the number of $84,000. people who had seen the accident,” and Hawkesbury 21 (centre) assemble on the scene. Photo: Nine News.

4 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 5 GOLD COAST 2018 GOLD COAST 2018 Volunteers sign up Volunteers sign up

Ms Breen said one man Members catch Commonwealth Games fever recognised her instantly when he came in to the unit office a few days Unit Commanders bear the Queen’s Baton in relay along coastline. later to pay his Radio Club dues. ommonwealth Games “He said you’re the lady with the Cexcitement has spilled baton, you should have your photo south across the border from up on the wall.” Queensland’s Gold Coast with Further north, MR Wooli Unit MRNSW members volunteering for Commander Richard Taffs ran in a support roles at the April event and Coffs Harbour leg of the relay. taking part in the Queen’s Baton “It was just a thrilling event to Relay. be involved in, to have that honour” Three radio operators from he said. “It’s very much recognition the Brunswick and Ballina units, of what Marine Rescue does for Gabrielle and Michael Karkkainen the community, especially our and Tania Hawker, will swap their community of Wooli.” operational blues for a Games Well before the run Mr Taffs uniform for the April 4 to 15 event. worried how hot it might be, but on MR Forster-Tuncurry Unit the day conditions were ideal. Commander Fran Breen and MR “It was about 22 degrees, Wooli Unit Commander Richard beautiful southerly breeze blowing,” Taffs took part in the Queen’s Baton Swapping their blues for Games uniforms ... MR Brunswick radio operators Gabrielle and Michael Karkkainen he said. and MR Ballina’s Tania Hawker. Photo: Brendan Trembath. Relay in the lead-up to the largest MR Brunswick Radio Operators sporting festival Australia will see Baton across the Coolongolook River “It was quite stirring and 10 carried photographers who Gabrielle and Michael Karkkainen this decade. on board rescue vessel Forster 30 emotional,” she said. captured some stunning images of and MR Ballina’s Tania Hawker have Mrs Breen carried the Queen’s on February 2. The unit’s smaller vessel Foster the baton’s journey over the water. signed up to play their part in the Games. Precious cargo ... MR Forster-Tuncurry Unit Commander Frances Breen hands over the Queen’s Baton from Mr Karkkainen said he and his on board Forster 30 as she finishes her leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay. See In Their own words, Page 9. wife had been drawn to volunteer at the Games because it was a great year. “We heard lots of inspiring opportunity that would not come messages from current and former around again soon. athletes,” Mr Karkkainen said. THE WORLD’S HARDEST “The Medical Team interested The initial online training was us the most because it would be a followed up with role specific and good fit for our skills and we have venue training. WORKING RIBS experience in doing first aid at large MR Ballina Watch Officer Tania events such as the Royal Melbourne Hawker will be in operations and Show,” he said. communications, where the roles Recognised and operated by coast guards, “They must have liked us at include monitoring and logging radio police forces and commercial users around the interviews because we were communications in the Event Control the world. Whatever the conditions, offered the role of Event Control Room. you can rely on Naiad’s supreme ride Team Member, which we happily “I signed up because I wanted to and strength to get you home safely. accepted.” try my radio skills in something else Event Control Room team and to meet new people,” she said. PILOT BOATS RESCUE Ms Hawker was excited to MILITARY PATROL members will assist Queensland pick up her Games uniform and SUPERYACHT TENDERS TOURISM Ambulance Service officers RECREATIONAL DIVING to dispatch emergency first accreditation. responders to medical incidents at “I look forward to the volunteer Commonwealth Games venues. work,” she said. TO FIND OUT MORE PHONE +64 3 573 7246 Off and running ... MR Wooli Unit Commander Richard Taffs carries the Commissioner Stacey Tannos said WWW.NAIAD.CO.NZ “Our experience as radio Queen’s Baton on the Coffs Harbour leg of the relay. operators in MRNSW as well as our the members’ participation in the first aid training and experience Games demonstrated the portability their training and operations are participation in the Queen’s YAMBA WELDING & ENGINEERING P/L seems to be what the organisers are of MRNSW volunteers’ training and valuable assets, whether on duty, Baton Relay also is a welcome 4 Angourie Rd, Yamba, NSW 2464, AUS T: +61 2 6646 2421 looking for,” he said. skills across different operations and in the workplace or at a sporting demonstration of the esteem in activities. WWW.YWE.COM.AU The couple attended their first and cultural spectacular like the which our members are held in their Games orientation event at the Gold “The experience and knowledge Commonwealth Games,” he said. local communities.” Coast Convention Centre late last our members acquire through “Frances and Richard’s Brendan Trembath

6 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 7 GOLD COAST 2018 GOLD COAST 2018 Volunteers sign up Volunteers sign up

6 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 7 ON THE RADAR IN THEIR OWN WORDS Safety net Members talk about life as a volunteer

Volunteers keep watch over Hobart fleet Fran Breen MRNSW on the water and the airwaves to support yachts in iconic race. Unit Commander and Queen’s Baton Relay member.

Ready for duty ... the fleet of nine MRNSW vessels heads under the Sydney Harbour Bridge to take up position for the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day. Photos: Brendan Trembath.

ine MRNSW vessels were with Perpetual LOYAL the first yacht The yacht was taking on water The six people on board were Nstrategically located around out of the harbour. LDV Comanche after apparently striking a sunfish. winched on to an Ambulance Sydney Harbour for the Boxing Day won line honours and Ichi Ban was Victoria Police and Tas Maritime Victoria rescue helicopter while Pride on the water ... Marine Rescue Forster-Tuncurry’s first female Unit Commander, Fran Breen, waves to crowds lining the waterfront start of the 72nd Rolex Sydney to declared the handicap winner. Radio were notified. The Australian merchant vessel Trans Future Seven during the Queen’s Baton Relay in the lead-up to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April. Hobart Yacht Race. The voyage south was fraught Maritime Safety Authority’s provided cover from the elements. The MRNSW fleet was drawn for German entrant Rockall, which Challenger jet from Melbourne AMSA thanked everyone involved arine Rescue Forster-Tuncurry waving from the foreshore and boats. I admit I didn’t take too much not being left stranded. We have from the Botany Port Hacking, suffered a broken rudder and torn located the yacht in rough seas in the rescue, including MRNSW. Unit Commander Frances other boats started to boost my notice until I retired in 2011 and as interaction with local schools from Broken Bay, Cottage Point, sail 60nm south of Eden. 81nm east of Flinders Island. Brendan Trembath M Breen has taken on many roles and sense of not only pride but also of a bit of a fun thing to do, talked my wreath laying on Anzac Day through Hawkesbury, Middle Harbour, Norah MR Eden received a Pan Pan call activities since joining MRNSW in how good things draw us together neighbour into coming with me to to engaging local indigenous youth Head and Port Jackson units. from the disabled 16.9m vessel, 2011 but on February 2, she was and the importance of community. learn about radios. in water safety sessions. One of MRNSW volunteer crews helped resulting in a police launch being proud to be handed an uncommon My husband and our daughter were ■ My interest developed from our senior members has received the NSW Police Force Marine sent from Eden to tow the yacht to responsibility. by my side as I waved continuously there until this year I was a number of local awards for his Area Command, NSW Roads and safety. ■ Early last year our Marine to the crowd and held the baton appointed the first female Unit contribution to our community. Maritime Services and the Cruising For the 16.7m yacht Hollywood Rescue unit was requested to high, arriving to an even larger Commander of MR Forster- ■ Belonging to a large volunteer Yacht Club of Australia maintain an Boulevard, trouble came on the provide rescue boats and a baton crowd at the Forster wharf. Tuncurry following 18 months as organisation such as ours carries exclusion zone to keep hundreds of return journey after the race. bearer to carry the Queen’s ■ I was honoured to represent Deputy Unit Commander. In the many challenges and rewarding spectator craft a safe distance from Again, MR Eden lent a helping Baton across the channel in Marine Rescue on board Forster past seven years I’ve qualified as a moments, especially involving the racing fleet. hand, with the unit picking up a our local harbour as part of the 30 (Cape Hawke). This was indeed radio watch officer, filled the role of helping not only our boaters but A 12 to 13 knot north-easterly Mayday call from the yacht in Bass Commonwealth Games Queen’s a momentous day, on which our unit administration officer and assisted also each other. The camaraderie breeze was blowing at the start, Strait. Baton Relay. Discussions were and MRNSW were represented in a at many fundraising events. of the unit members is wonderful to held among our members and special, once-in-a-lifetime event. ■ There have been many see and experience. eventually it was “why don’t you ■ In 2008, my husband Tony highlights in my journey through ■ It is said we stand on the do it, Fran?”. I was warned not and I had taken early retirement, Marine Rescue besides the shoulders of those who have to reveal the “secret” to family moving from hectic Sydney to obvious ones of the hundreds gone before. This is certainly true and friends until one minute past the beautiful coastal town of of people a year we assist on with our unit in Forster. The unit midnight on October 18. Forster. Not ready to hang up the the water. At Forster-Tuncurry operates solely because of the ■ Our relay was at the end of the business suit, I quickly found myself we have helped to save the life of dedication of its current members day so quite a few hours were working as Registrar at Taree Court. a man who lived on for two and combined with the legacy of those spent nervously waiting for 16:48 One day, Tony walked into the a half years and whose grateful who put countless volunteer hours (yes, the relay legs were timed to downstairs door at Forster Marine family now organises an annual into creating the building itself and the minute!). As we departed the Rescue and discovered a whole ‘Run For Heart’ event, the proceeds contributed endless time to the Forster wharf to travel to Tuncurry new world of radio operating and of which are donated to our unit. training, fundraising and operations to receive the baton, I thought, boat crewing; a chance to live out We have received accolades from that have resulted in our well-oiled Cottage Point 30 helps maintain the exclusion zone for spectactor Black Jack passes Port Jackson 30 as it makes its way to Sydney Heads vessels as the race fleet heads for open waters. and the long trip south to Hobart. “wow, this is pretty special”. People some of his dreams of working on several small children, grateful for unit today. My hat goes off to them.

8 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 9 ON THE RADAR IN THEIR OWN WORDS Safety net Members talk about life as a volunteer

Volunteers keep watch over Hobart fleet Fran Breen MRNSW on the water and the airwaves to support yachts in iconic race. Unit Commander and Queen’s Baton Relay member.

Ready for duty ... the fleet of nine MRNSW vessels heads under the Sydney Harbour Bridge to take up position for the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day. Photos: Brendan Trembath. ine MRNSW vessels were with Perpetual LOYAL the first yacht The yacht was taking on water The six people on board were Nstrategically located around out of the harbour. LDV Comanche after apparently striking a sunfish. winched on to an Ambulance Sydney Harbour for the Boxing Day won line honours and Ichi Ban was Victoria Police and Tas Maritime Victoria rescue helicopter while Pride on the water ... Marine Rescue Forster-Tuncurry’s first female Unit Commander, Fran Breen, waves to crowds lining the waterfront start of the 72nd Rolex Sydney to declared the handicap winner. Radio were notified. The Australian merchant vessel Trans Future Seven during the Queen’s Baton Relay in the lead-up to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April. Hobart Yacht Race. The voyage south was fraught Maritime Safety Authority’s provided cover from the elements. The MRNSW fleet was drawn for German entrant Rockall, which Challenger jet from Melbourne AMSA thanked everyone involved arine Rescue Forster-Tuncurry waving from the foreshore and boats. I admit I didn’t take too much not being left stranded. We have from the Botany Port Hacking, suffered a broken rudder and torn located the yacht in rough seas in the rescue, including MRNSW. Unit Commander Frances other boats started to boost my notice until I retired in 2011 and as interaction with local schools from Broken Bay, Cottage Point, sail 60nm south of Eden. 81nm east of Flinders Island. Brendan Trembath M Breen has taken on many roles and sense of not only pride but also of a bit of a fun thing to do, talked my wreath laying on Anzac Day through Hawkesbury, Middle Harbour, Norah MR Eden received a Pan Pan call activities since joining MRNSW in how good things draw us together neighbour into coming with me to to engaging local indigenous youth Head and Port Jackson units. from the disabled 16.9m vessel, 2011 but on February 2, she was and the importance of community. learn about radios. in water safety sessions. One of MRNSW volunteer crews helped resulting in a police launch being proud to be handed an uncommon My husband and our daughter were ■ My interest developed from our senior members has received the NSW Police Force Marine sent from Eden to tow the yacht to responsibility. by my side as I waved continuously there until this year I was a number of local awards for his Area Command, NSW Roads and safety. ■ Early last year our Marine to the crowd and held the baton appointed the first female Unit contribution to our community. Maritime Services and the Cruising For the 16.7m yacht Hollywood Rescue unit was requested to high, arriving to an even larger Commander of MR Forster- ■ Belonging to a large volunteer Yacht Club of Australia maintain an Boulevard, trouble came on the provide rescue boats and a baton crowd at the Forster wharf. Tuncurry following 18 months as organisation such as ours carries exclusion zone to keep hundreds of return journey after the race. bearer to carry the Queen’s ■ I was honoured to represent Deputy Unit Commander. In the many challenges and rewarding spectator craft a safe distance from Again, MR Eden lent a helping Baton across the channel in Marine Rescue on board Forster past seven years I’ve qualified as a moments, especially involving the racing fleet. hand, with the unit picking up a our local harbour as part of the 30 (Cape Hawke). This was indeed radio watch officer, filled the role of helping not only our boaters but A 12 to 13 knot north-easterly Mayday call from the yacht in Bass Commonwealth Games Queen’s a momentous day, on which our unit administration officer and assisted also each other. The camaraderie breeze was blowing at the start, Strait. Baton Relay. Discussions were and MRNSW were represented in a at many fundraising events. of the unit members is wonderful to held among our members and special, once-in-a-lifetime event. ■ There have been many see and experience. eventually it was “why don’t you ■ In 2008, my husband Tony highlights in my journey through ■ It is said we stand on the do it, Fran?”. I was warned not and I had taken early retirement, Marine Rescue besides the shoulders of those who have to reveal the “secret” to family moving from hectic Sydney to obvious ones of the hundreds gone before. This is certainly true and friends until one minute past the beautiful coastal town of of people a year we assist on with our unit in Forster. The unit midnight on October 18. Forster. Not ready to hang up the the water. At Forster-Tuncurry operates solely because of the ■ Our relay was at the end of the business suit, I quickly found myself we have helped to save the life of dedication of its current members day so quite a few hours were working as Registrar at Taree Court. a man who lived on for two and combined with the legacy of those spent nervously waiting for 16:48 One day, Tony walked into the a half years and whose grateful who put countless volunteer hours (yes, the relay legs were timed to downstairs door at Forster Marine family now organises an annual into creating the building itself and the minute!). As we departed the Rescue and discovered a whole ‘Run For Heart’ event, the proceeds contributed endless time to the Forster wharf to travel to Tuncurry new world of radio operating and of which are donated to our unit. training, fundraising and operations to receive the baton, I thought, boat crewing; a chance to live out We have received accolades from that have resulted in our well-oiled Cottage Point 30 helps maintain the exclusion zone for spectactor Black Jack passes Port Jackson 30 as it makes its way to Sydney Heads vessels as the race fleet heads for open waters. and the long trip south to Hobart. “wow, this is pretty special”. People some of his dreams of working on several small children, grateful for unit today. My hat goes off to them.

8 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 9 ON THE RADAR Now screening

Inspections vital to ‘first line of safety’ I SHOULD’VE Duo maintains annual servicing regime for rescue crew lifejackets.

ll the inflatable lifejackets inland waters for an annual check- Aworn on MRNSW vessels by up are carefully inspected. volunteers and staff are checked Those that pass are returned to SWITCHED annually by a dedicated duo on their units while those that fail are Sydney’s north shore. destined for the dump. MRNSW Stores Manager Graham The first phase of the check-up is Foy and Bill Keleher from MR Middle a close inspection of the outer cover, Harbour meticulously service the the webbing and stitching. lifejackets in the MRNSW stores The bladder is then inflated for SOONER warehouse at Chatswood. 15 minutes to check for leaks. The Karl Stubbs the Commuter It’s their very own bat cave, second phase includes removing packed with safety gear, spare and weighing the carbon dioxide motors and uniforms. cylinder to assess its gas content. Mr Foy said servicing lifejackets The inspectors also look for signs MR Middle Harbour skipper Bill Keleher and MRNSW Stores Manager was a big job. of corrosion, a strong possibility Graham Foy are accredited to perform annual lifejacket inspections. “We’ve got close to a thousand when lifejackets are used in a salty lifejackets that need to be serviced environment. Any rusty cylinders are and stay inflated for more than 12 not going to work.” every year,” he said. replaced. hours,” he said. Mr Keleher wears his own work “They have to be looked after. Mr Foy and Mr Keleher also His offsider Mr Keleher started when he skippers the search and It’s your first line of safety if you go examine each lifejacket’s emergency servicing lifejackets six years ago rescue vessel Middle Harbour 30. overboard.” whistle and light, which are vital for after a request for volunteers. He recommends cleaning Mr Foy and Mr Keleher are summoning help if someone does He said properly maintained lifejackets with a damp cloth accredited for the never ending end up in the water. lifejackets were essential for after each use. “Just wipe the safety task. Mr Foy said the longest part of MRNSW volunteers. jacket down,” he said. “I use a car The lifejackets sent in to Stores the examination was the final test “Your life depends on it,” he said. chamois, not too wet.” from units along the coastline and for leaks. “They have to be inflated “If it’s not in good condition it’s Brendan Trembath Thousands enjoy online volunteer videos growing number of Marine The most watched video, with The second most popular seas from Patonga to Palm Beach A Rescue NSW volunteers can add thousands of views, was helicopter volunteer video gave viewers a front scored the third highest hits. video journalist to their list of skills. winch training with the CHC Group row seat in the rocking and rolling A tip for budding VJs: Hold your Some of the most popular posts on Jervis Bay. search and rescue vessel Port smartphone horizontally, to match on the MRNSW Facebook page over The video showed the precision Hacking 30 as it set out in 2m seas the orientation of a TV screen. summer were videos recorded by boating and flying required to to assist a boater 4nm off Maroubra. Send short phone videos and volunteers during operations and conduct a safe and successful A video recorded as Cottage Point a suggested caption to media@ exercises on the water. helicopter transfer. 31 towed a 39 foot yacht in sloppy mrnsw.com.au CALLAGHANS MARINE SERVICES » SERVICING ALL DIESEL, PETROL & STERNDRIVES » REPOWER & REFIT SPECIALIST » ENGINEERING & FABRICATION » PROPULSION & STEERING SYSTEMS » ONBOARD SYSTEMS NEXT LEVEL! » SALES, SERVICE & PARTS for BETTER ACCELERATION, BETTER FUEL EFFICIENCY

Located @ Fenwicks Marina, 31 Brooklyn Rd, Brooklyn NSW 2083 P: 02 9985 7885 | F: 02 9985 7991 E: [email protected] | W: www.callaghansmarine.com.au MR Botany Port Hacking’s Tomek Zamencki at the helm of the rock and rolling rescue vessel Port Hacking 30. Video: Glenn Evans. SUZUKIMARINE.COM.AU

10 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS

SUZ TEST 210x297mm Ad Soundings 02-18.indd 1 21/2/18 1:56 pm ON THE RADAR Now screening

Inspections vital to ‘first line of safety’ I SHOULD’VE Duo maintains annual servicing regime for rescue crew lifejackets. ll the inflatable lifejackets inland waters for an annual check- Aworn on MRNSW vessels by up are carefully inspected. volunteers and staff are checked Those that pass are returned to SWITCHED annually by a dedicated duo on their units while those that fail are Sydney’s north shore. destined for the dump. MRNSW Stores Manager Graham The first phase of the check-up is Foy and Bill Keleher from MR Middle a close inspection of the outer cover, Harbour meticulously service the the webbing and stitching. lifejackets in the MRNSW stores The bladder is then inflated for SOONER warehouse at Chatswood. 15 minutes to check for leaks. The Karl Stubbs the Commuter It’s their very own bat cave, second phase includes removing packed with safety gear, spare and weighing the carbon dioxide motors and uniforms. cylinder to assess its gas content. Mr Foy said servicing lifejackets The inspectors also look for signs MR Middle Harbour skipper Bill Keleher and MRNSW Stores Manager was a big job. of corrosion, a strong possibility Graham Foy are accredited to perform annual lifejacket inspections. “We’ve got close to a thousand when lifejackets are used in a salty lifejackets that need to be serviced environment. Any rusty cylinders are and stay inflated for more than 12 not going to work.” every year,” he said. replaced. hours,” he said. Mr Keleher wears his own work “They have to be looked after. Mr Foy and Mr Keleher also His offsider Mr Keleher started when he skippers the search and It’s your first line of safety if you go examine each lifejacket’s emergency servicing lifejackets six years ago rescue vessel Middle Harbour 30. overboard.” whistle and light, which are vital for after a request for volunteers. He recommends cleaning Mr Foy and Mr Keleher are summoning help if someone does He said properly maintained lifejackets with a damp cloth accredited for the never ending end up in the water. lifejackets were essential for after each use. “Just wipe the safety task. Mr Foy said the longest part of MRNSW volunteers. jacket down,” he said. “I use a car The lifejackets sent in to Stores the examination was the final test “Your life depends on it,” he said. chamois, not too wet.” from units along the coastline and for leaks. “They have to be inflated “If it’s not in good condition it’s Brendan Trembath Thousands enjoy online volunteer videos growing number of Marine The most watched video, with The second most popular seas from Patonga to Palm Beach ARescue NSW volunteers can add thousands of views, was helicopter volunteer video gave viewers a front scored the third highest hits. video journalist to their list of skills. winch training with the CHC Group row seat in the rocking and rolling A tip for budding VJs: Hold your Some of the most popular posts on Jervis Bay. search and rescue vessel Port smartphone horizontally, to match on the MRNSW Facebook page over The video showed the precision Hacking 30 as it set out in 2m seas the orientation of a TV screen. summer were videos recorded by boating and flying required to to assist a boater 4nm off Maroubra. Send short phone videos and volunteers during operations and conduct a safe and successful A video recorded as Cottage Point a suggested caption to media@ exercises on the water. helicopter transfer. 31 towed a 39 foot yacht in sloppy mrnsw.com.au CALLAGHANS MARINE SERVICES » SERVICING ALL DIESEL, PETROL & STERNDRIVES » REPOWER & REFIT SPECIALIST » ENGINEERING & FABRICATION » PROPULSION & STEERING SYSTEMS » ONBOARD SYSTEMS NEXT LEVEL! » SALES, SERVICE & PARTS for BETTER ACCELERATION, BETTER FUEL EFFICIENCY

10 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS

SUZ TEST 210x297mm Ad Soundings 02-18.indd 1 21/2/18 1:56 pm ON THE RADAR ON THE RADAR Member expertise Cash for volunteers

Planning and building advice close at hand $200,000 for shark surveillance, unit projects Units encouraged to tap into volunteer Property Officer’s experience. Grants help fund new equipment, vessels and upgraded facilities.

RNSW units planning a building market day operations, with about rant funding of more than MRNSW improve shark detection Mproject are able to draw on the another 80 licences for radio sites G$200,000 is being invested in and beachgoer safety. Fifty new expertise and experience of Property and equipment up and down the upgrading MRNSW facilities and handheld UHF radios will be Officer David Lyall. coast and inland. equipment and helping units protect supplied to units to enable them to A member of MR Broken David’s experience covers many water users from the predators of communicate with Surf Life Savers Bay, David performs this role waterfront projects, including the deep. as part of local shark surveillance. as a volunteer, drawing on his building the first floating marina in MRNSW has been awarded Seven Community Building background in private enterprise NSW at The Spit in Sydney in the 16 grants under seven State Partnership grants worth $93,856 as a builder for about 30 years and 1960s. Government and Club Grants will help fit out the new MR Trial Bay another two decades as a local While he recommends that it programs recently. training facility and MR Evans Head government commercial property is best for units to deal directly Commissisioner Stacey base, boost security at MR Broken manager. with their relevant local authorities Tannos said grants to support the Bay and Headquarters, repower In 2009, David undertook the for building works, maintenance MRNSW Property Officer David Lyall receives the Maritime Medal from enhancement of unit facilities were Tuggerah Lakes 21 and upgrade the Racing Minister Paul Toole and Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams mammoth task of transferring all the and approval requirements, David former Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister Duncan Gay in 2015. particularly beneficial. jetty, piers and launch rails at MR present MR Port Macquarie UC Greg Davies with a $33,000 grant. property leases and licences held by is happy to provide advice and “Our current budget does not Nambucca. The Wooli, Bermagui, the three former rescue services to assistance where needed. how to deal with the appropriate through to providing advice on the cover the significant cost of the Shellharbour and Ulladulla units Communities Program. first aid equipment. MR Iluka the new MRNSW, giving him detailed “I am happy to advise by phone authorities,” he said. approval needed to just replace a upkeep of these valuable community received Club Grants worth a total In January, Racing Minister Yamba received $10,000 towards knowledge of the new organisation’s or email, do the leg work and phone “At the moment, projects I have redundant pontoon and ramp.” assets, the majority of which are of $9,200 towards a base upgrade, Paul Toole and Port Macquarie a secondary rescue vessel and MR property arrangements. calls for the unit, where necessary in hand range from the complete Units considering changes to leased,” he said. vessel engine servicing, training MP Leslie Williams presented Jervis Bay has upgraded Admiralty He said MRNSW now had 128 arrange a visit and to discuss design design and construction of a new buildings, waterfront access or A Department of Primary costs and a rescue line thrower. MR Port Macquarie with an Wharf thanks in part to $8,000 in leases or licences for its 44 units’ ideas, the best way to go about base, renewal of numerous licences licences can contact David on Industries Shark Observation MR Nambucca received another Infrastructure Grant for $33,000 funding from the Premier’s Rural buildings, jetties, moorings and achieving better facilities and then and minor and major extensions [email protected] Grant worth $37,500 will help $9,000 under the Stronger for boatshed refurbishments and and Regional Grants Fund. New training to help win more funding

Your Waterfront Development Partner Copley Marine Consulting Group is a Grants Manager Siobhán Moran-McFarlane (centre) and members of specialist in domestic waterfront developments and Greater Sydney units at the first grants training session. your partner in the Planning Approvals of Jetties, Pontoons, Mooring Pens and Seawalls. ew training sessions are helping were valuable in supplementing the NMRNSW units boost their organisation’s core funding from the We specialise in providing: chances of success in attracting NSW Government and boaters. • Concept Designs • Planning Approvals - grants funding. “These sessions are aimed at • Landowners Consent and Development Applications Grants Manager Siobhán Moran- helping boost our units’ chances • Engineering • Computer Aided Design (CAD) McFarlane is facilitating the training of securing grants for a range of sessions for unit Grants Officers and projects, facilities and resources,” members in each of the six regions. she said. “We’re passing on Nine members of Sydney units information on required grants gathered at MR Middle Harbour for processes and advice on how to the first training on March 7. maximise their chances of meeting Tel: 02 8935 9695 www.cm-consulting.com.au Ms Moran-McFarlane said grants grants criteria to win more funding.”

12 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 13 ON THE RADAR ON THE RADAR Member expertise Cash for volunteers

12 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 13 ON THE RADAR MRNSW women

THE PROVEN CHOICE Kate recalls a time without women in ranks National Medal recognises lengthy commitment in numerous roles.

n the eve of International fundraising and administrative OWomen’s Day, a volunteer support for years before she was recently awarded the National Medal able to become a member of the for her lengthy commitment recalled service herself. a time when women were not “David started in 1979 and I represented in the ranks. helped with all the fundraising Illawarra Regional Operations and the treasurer’s role and Manager Bruce Mitchell presented administration but at that stage, Kate Jones with the National women weren’t allowed to join. We Medal acknowledging her service think that wasn’t until around 1988,” in numerous roles with the Royal she said. Volunteer Coastal Patrol and “We opened a Coastal Patrol shop Illawarra Regional Operations Manager Bruce Mitchell presents Kate MRNSW. in the main street of Sussex Inlet in Jones with the National Medal at Sussex Inlet. Kate and her husband David 1986 and raised a lot of money. are the MRNSW Maritime Liaison “We used to make 320 dozen lamingtons every weekend in the raised that within a year,” she said. Officers, responsible for compiling lamingtons a month. We’d mix up shop.” Once a member, Kate quickly official monthly statistical and the chocolate at the butcher’s shop The local fundraising activities progressed, becoming a radio financial returns from units that the Divisional Commander owned enabled the Sussex Inlet division to operator, crew member on two conduct boating licence courses and and keep it in the coolroom there. purchase a series of rescue boats rescue vessels, administration tests for members of the public. We’d bring down cake and big bags over the years, including a jet boat officer and RVCP Captain South, Kate said she had worked with of coconut and have an assembly built in South Australia. which covered Wollongong to Kioloa. David, a former RVCP Chair, on line every Friday night. We sold the “That cost $40,000 and we “We’ve done a lot in our time.” The proven choice for Government and Professional applications around the world Female volunteers AirBerth Boat Lifts urged to aim high

Barrenjoey Marine Electrics has been a proud supporter of Marine Rescue NSW for over 5 years. BME has provided complete sales, service & refit solutions for units from Eden to Point Danger and on inland waterways. To celebrate the strength of this relationship, BME would like to offer Marine Rescue NSW members significant discounts towards any of the following marine electronics products: • Raymarine • Garmin Optimise vessel performance today • Furuno • Icom • Simrad • Fusion by storing your boat out of the water The AirBerth features: Please call our office on 9997 6822 • Increase speed and fuel efficiency by • Quick, safe and easy to launch for quick deployment or send enquiries to [email protected] MR Bermagui member Olivia Ford, who recently gained her Crew • 9 different models suit vessels up to 15 metric tonnes rating, on a Search and Rescue Exercise off Bermagui. eliminating anti-foul paints on the hull • UV stable Heavy Duty HDPE construction ensures • Launch and retrieve your vessel in minutes AirBerth is environmentally friendly and maintenance free omen account for 25 per cent achievement,” he said. • Maximise days on water; of MRNSW volunteers and Pat Fayers was the first woman • Vessel retrieval equally as fast so less time on W minimise maintenance time staff. elected to the MRNSW Board. dock post-rescue Commissioner Stacey Tannos “I wish all the women of MRNSW • No submerged metal parts paid tribute to each of them on a wonderful International Women’s International Women’s Day, March 8. Day. Thank you all for your service,” • Isolates air and water for added safety “We are fortunate to have a high she said. “I am thrilled by the proportion of female members increasing number of women in our Proud member of: Unit 5B Heron Cove Marina, compared to other emergency ranks, particularly those elected to AirBerth Boat Lifts End of Queens Parade West, Newport, NSW 2106 services. I congratulate them on leadership positions. Aim high and WINNER www.bme.net.au 2015 Maritime +61 7 5587 7888 their commitment to progress and keep up the good work!” Australia Limited Civil Industry National [email protected] Innovation Award www.airberth.com 14 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS

1729 AirBerth Soundings FP ad.indd 1 8/05/2017 3:10 pm ON THE RADAR MRNSW women

THE PROVEN CHOICE Kate recalls a time without women in ranks National Medal recognises lengthy commitment in numerous roles. n the eve of International fundraising and administrative OWomen’s Day, a volunteer support for years before she was recently awarded the National Medal able to become a member of the for her lengthy commitment recalled service herself. a time when women were not “David started in 1979 and I represented in the ranks. helped with all the fundraising Illawarra Regional Operations and the treasurer’s role and Manager Bruce Mitchell presented administration but at that stage, Kate Jones with the National women weren’t allowed to join. We Medal acknowledging her service think that wasn’t until around 1988,” in numerous roles with the Royal she said. Volunteer Coastal Patrol and “We opened a Coastal Patrol shop Illawarra Regional Operations Manager Bruce Mitchell presents Kate MRNSW. in the main street of Sussex Inlet in Jones with the National Medal at Sussex Inlet. Kate and her husband David 1986 and raised a lot of money. are the MRNSW Maritime Liaison “We used to make 320 dozen lamingtons every weekend in the raised that within a year,” she said. Officers, responsible for compiling lamingtons a month. We’d mix up shop.” Once a member, Kate quickly official monthly statistical and the chocolate at the butcher’s shop The local fundraising activities progressed, becoming a radio financial returns from units that the Divisional Commander owned enabled the Sussex Inlet division to operator, crew member on two conduct boating licence courses and and keep it in the coolroom there. purchase a series of rescue boats rescue vessels, administration tests for members of the public. We’d bring down cake and big bags over the years, including a jet boat officer and RVCP Captain South, Kate said she had worked with of coconut and have an assembly built in South Australia. which covered Wollongong to Kioloa. David, a former RVCP Chair, on line every Friday night. We sold the “That cost $40,000 and we “We’ve done a lot in our time.” The proven choice for Government and Professional applications around the world Female volunteers AirBerth Boat Lifts urged to aim high

1729 AirBerth Soundings FP ad.indd 1 8/05/2017 3:10 pm ON THE RADAR PICTURE GALLERY Reducing risk Engaging with the community

Maritime plan to cut death toll on water What we’ve been up to Government strategy to reduce trauma and improve boating safety.

he State Government has That’s why the NSW Government is Tlaunched the Maritime Safety reducing trauma on our waterways Plan to minimise trauma and through initiatives like this.” promote safety on NSW waterways. Over the past five years, the State Minister for Roads, Maritime Government has invested more than and Freight Melinda Pavey said $500 million in delivering services the plan aimed to reduce the rate and infrastructure to the NSW of fatalities and serious injuries on maritime community. NSW waterways by 30 per cent by “This includes raising the the end of 2021, which would result lifejacket wear rate from nine per in four lives saved and 16 serious cent 10 years ago to 45 per cent,” injuries prevented each year. Mrs Pavey said. Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister Melinda Pavey at the launch “In NSW, we have some of the She said in the past financial of the Maritime Safety Plan with Macleay Fishing Co-op Chair Lawrie best waterways in Australia and year NSW had recorded the lowest McEnally and MRNSW Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey. each year more than two million number of fatalities in at least 40 people head out on the water on years, with only four casualties. lookout and judgment.” to more than 1,000 incidents boats and the like to enjoy the sun, “While we have made significant MRNSW Deputy Commissioner over summer, including 294 life- catch a few fish or to spend time progress in reducing drowning Dean Storey attended the launch of threatening emergencies. A beautiful day on the water ... a drone captures Point Danger 30 and Point Danger 20 making their way down the Tweed River to pass with family and friends,” Mrs Pavey fatalities on boats, increased effort is the plan on January 11. He said MRNSW was committed under the Boyds Bay Bridge during a corporate video shoot to promote AirBerth boat lifts and MRNSW volunteers’ work. The unit’s rescue said. needed to respond to non-drowning He said MRNSW members helped to working with the government mannequin, Bernie, enjoys the ride on the deck of PD 30 before being tossed in the drink for man overboard drills. (See story, Page 22.) “Boating is not without its risks fatalities – caused by factors such prevent many more tragedies on and boating community to improve and one life lost is one too many. as speed, alcohol, keeping a proper the water, with crews responding boating safety and reduce fatalities.

Value for you. Support for us.

Visit the Marine Rescue NSW e-shop to show your support for our volunteers’ work to save lives on the water. On the air ... MR Port Stephens radio operators Colin Couper and Stay safe ... Commissioner Stacey Tannos and Sydney volunteers join Sarah Charters monitor some of the 1,050 boats Logged On by the Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant at the launch of the State MRNSW provides a vital safety net for our boating community unit over summer. (See story, Page 29.) Government’s summer water safety campaign. but we need your help. When you shop with us, you’ll not only get great value but you’ll know you’re also helping maintain our world-class emergency service. You’ll find a range of MRNSW merchandise - coffee mugs, water bottles, floating key rings, USB sticks and supporter caps and slouch hats - so you can join our life-saving mission. You can shop for safety equipment and some useful boating and fishing gear, too. Discounts apply for MRNSW volunteers and Radio Club members. Show your support today!

Shop at the MRNSW e-shop Enjoy the ride ... MR Camden Haven’s Alan Malcolm and Gordon What an office ... MR Cape Byron member David Morris and the shopmrnsw.com.au Gray on a towing exercise behind CH 10, crewed by Neville Adams, Byron Bay lighthouse keep watch over the coastline. The unit Tony Noakes, John Evans and Ron Neville. (See story, page 24.) Logged On 390 vessels and handled 1,079 radio calls over summer.

16 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 17 ON THE RADAR PICTURE GALLERY Reducing risk Engaging with the community

Maritime plan to cut death toll on water What we’ve been up to Government strategy to reduce trauma and improve boating safety. he State Government has That’s why the NSW Government is Tlaunched the Maritime Safety reducing trauma on our waterways Plan to minimise trauma and through initiatives like this.” promote safety on NSW waterways. Over the past five years, the State Minister for Roads, Maritime Government has invested more than and Freight Melinda Pavey said $500 million in delivering services the plan aimed to reduce the rate and infrastructure to the NSW of fatalities and serious injuries on maritime community. NSW waterways by 30 per cent by “This includes raising the the end of 2021, which would result lifejacket wear rate from nine per in four lives saved and 16 serious cent 10 years ago to 45 per cent,” injuries prevented each year. Mrs Pavey said. Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister Melinda Pavey at the launch “In NSW, we have some of the She said in the past financial of the Maritime Safety Plan with Macleay Fishing Co-op Chair Lawrie best waterways in Australia and year NSW had recorded the lowest McEnally and MRNSW Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey. each year more than two million number of fatalities in at least 40 people head out on the water on years, with only four casualties. lookout and judgment.” to more than 1,000 incidents boats and the like to enjoy the sun, “While we have made significant MRNSW Deputy Commissioner over summer, including 294 life- catch a few fish or to spend time progress in reducing drowning Dean Storey attended the launch of threatening emergencies. A beautiful day on the water ... a drone captures Point Danger 30 and Point Danger 20 making their way down the Tweed River to pass with family and friends,” Mrs Pavey fatalities on boats, increased effort is the plan on January 11. He said MRNSW was committed under the Boyds Bay Bridge during a corporate video shoot to promote AirBerth boat lifts and MRNSW volunteers’ work. The unit’s rescue said. needed to respond to non-drowning He said MRNSW members helped to working with the government mannequin, Bernie, enjoys the ride on the deck of PD 30 before being tossed in the drink for man overboard drills. (See story, Page 22.) “Boating is not without its risks fatalities – caused by factors such prevent many more tragedies on and boating community to improve and one life lost is one too many. as speed, alcohol, keeping a proper the water, with crews responding boating safety and reduce fatalities.

Value for you. Support for us.

16 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 17 MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Disabled yacht saved in eight hour operation Overnight steering failure on delivery voyage no fairytale for Hans Christian craft.

uitable holiday boating weather Skept MR Wooli members busy over summer, with the unit maintaining a daily radio watch and  rescue vessel Wooli 30 on the water most days.  The first incident of the season,  however, was not at sea but another  tobogganing accident at the Wooli   sand slide. Medical assistance and evacuation is only possible by boat and with a spinal injury always suspected, this is a lengthy process involving MRNSW, Wooli First Responders and NSW Ambulance. At sea, the unit responded to an EPIRB alert, a tow for a vessel with engine failure drifting dangerously close to the rocky shoreline south of Wooli and, testing the endurance of both crew and radio operators, a long tow for a sailing vessel with Wooli 30 crew member Nic Firth sets up the tow for a disabled Hans Christian sailing vessel. failed steering drifting overnight 12nm offshore. WI 30 located the disabled a following sea and increasing north WI 30 then had a two-hour return The sailing vessel, on a delivery vessel, a Hans Christian 33, 13.5nm east breeze at a boat speed of six to voyage into the north-easterly run from Brisbane to Port Kembla, ESE of Wooli and set up for a 20nm, seven knots. breeze that had freshened to 20 had called for help during the night 3.5-hour tow to Coffs Harbour. Once in the harbour at Coffs, our to 25 knots. The crew travelled and the unit was activated at first The return route took the rescue colleagues from MR Coffs Harbour, more than 60nm over eight hours, light to assist. Crew members Kath vessel just seaward of South Solitary on board Coffs 30, took over, setting using 200 litres of fuel, to meet our Farrar, Nic Firth, Marty Hutchings Island, an interesting change of up a side tow to guide the vessel commitment to saving lives on the and Richard Taffs were deployed on scenery from North Solitary for the on to a berth in the marina, where water. This was a great example of WI 30 and Watch Officer Jackie Taffs Wooli crew. The tow set-up worked they were met by Police Marine Area members and units working together joined radio operator Steve Reading, effectively, with 100m of towline and Command to check on the condition in support of one another. already on duty at the base. good synchronisation all the way in of the vessel and crew. Richard Taffs     2 / 49 Gavenlock Road TUGGERAH NSW 2259 Brunswick team has training eye on the sky

he crew of Brunswick 30 headed the new Agusta Westland AW-139 Tsouth to Ballina in late February helicopter operated by Westpac in for a major joint training exercise Northern NSW. The helicopter then with teams from MR Ballina, Surf practised high line retrieval from Life Saving and the Westpac Ballina 30 while Brunswick 30 Lifesaver Helicopter. and the Surf Life Savers ventured The annual training provides the offshore to take part in the life raft MRNSW crews with experience in drop and passenger retrieval, all techniques for winching patients off under the watchful eye of an AMSA w w b ! our vessels and the deployment of representative who travelled from www. . O . @ . life rafts from rescue helicopters. Cairns to monitor the exercises. This year’s event began with a A turn in the weather saw the comprehensive briefing about the second day of training staged with Brunswick 30 heads out into dawn’s first light to travel south to capabilities and performance of BA 30 on the Richmond River. Ballina for annual training with the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 19 MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Disabled yacht saved in eight hour operation Overnight steering failure on delivery voyage no fairytale for Hans Christian craft.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 19 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News Northern Rivers News

Joint response to rescue crippled cruiser Ballina members welcome public to open day Riviera loses steering and power on journey down Northern Rivers coast. Unit promotes boating safety and thanks community for ongoing support. killed crews from two Northern embers of MR Ballina threw SRivers units worked together to Mopen the doors to their rescue a crippled flybridge cruiser riverside base for the unit’s second that limped to within a mile of the annual open day on Australia Day. Ballina bar but ended its journey The inaugural open day and further south at Evans Head on sausage sizzle, on Australia Day February 10. 2017, had drawn large crowds, with The Riviera 33, with new owners hundreds queuing for a look through on board, called the MR Ballina radio the distinctive new base, which base to report it had lost its steering. had only been operating for four Ballina 30, with Tony Handcock, months and was of great interest, Tony Hensley and Bill Ewen aboard, particularly to local boaters. was tasked to respond, intending to With gold coin entry to the tow the vessel into the safety of the building, a sausage sizle and raffle, Richmond River. this year’s event contributed to the However, conditions on the bar unit’s fundraising to replace the were rough, with breaking waves Evans 30 takes over the tow of the disabled Riviera from Ballina 30 (rear) to continue its journey south. engines on rescue vessel Ballina 30 pushing the Riviera toward the this year. The unit already has raised breakwall, snapping the tow line. Riviera and wait until conditions activated at 5pm to meet BA 30 This was a major effort, with the $10,000 towards the $50,000 Ballina 30 and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter undertake winch training on the Richmond River. As the skipper attempted to improved, so the skipper deployed about half way between the two Riviera’s displacement of 9000kg on cost of new twin Suzuki 250HP use the engines to steer the boat the anchor and watched as all the coastal ports and take over the tow. the back of the Kevlacat. outboards. to demonstrate our state of the Hunter thanked the members who had the privilege of working with away from the wall, the drive shaft chain disappeared; the bitter end With rough conditions slowing With light fading, the crew The Open Day was a chance to art radio operation and provide made the event a success. other units’ crews and vessels and coupling on the port motor broke, had not been secured to the boat. progress, Tony McNally, Bill Bates, negotiated the Evans River bar to thank the community for its ongoing information on marine flare use and A number of our new members taking part in joint training exercises leaving the vessel with no steering MR Ballina Watch Officer Leon Scott Mohr, Bruce Pedder, Ian deliver the vessel safely to the boat support and promote boating safety. disposal and the safety benefits of are now qualified as radio operators with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. and only one engine. Coventry consulted Northern Rivers Murray and Ken Exley headed north harbour. Our volunteers were on hand lifejackets. Unit Commander Doug and our boat crew members have Leon Coventry Due to Tony Handock’s expertise, Regional Operations Manager on EH 30 for a rendezvous about Both skippers and crews BA 30 was able to nudge the vessel John Murray and it was decided to 10nm from Evans. performed commendably in another back towards the sea and re-attach instead tow the boat to Evans Head. The crew of the Riviera returned strong demonstration of units a line to tow the boat away from After a four-hour morning training to Ballina on board BA 30 and working efficiently together to save breaking waves. session and a vessel tow about EH 30 took over the tow of the lives on the water. Evans volunteers step up for summer season It was decided to anchor the 1pm, the crew of Evans 30 was unmanned vessel. Bill Bates & Leon Coventry ith our town’s population the rocky headland. Wswelling threefold each This followed an earlier summer, the members of MR Evans emergency when unit radio operator Head redouble their efforts in the Michael Shoham took a call from Ray’s leadership an asset to unit, community radio base and on the water. a catamaran after an accident Crews were out as often as on board left the skipper with a ver the years Ray Thorpe has transition to the newly-established over our professional fishermen and possible but were only called to broken leg. The crew of EH 30, Oapplied his broad range of skills MRNSW. recreational boaters. respond to three offshore incidents Kira Hartland, Scott Mohr, Lance and experience to the development In his time as Flotilla Commander, Ray also oversaw the building of over the peak season, while our Fountain and Kerry Turpin, met of MR Evans Head. he worked with Richmond River the Coast Guard’s storage facility radio operators Logged On 394 paramedics to take on board pain With a background in Shire Council and the Bundjalung next to our vessel mooring at the boats with 1,047 people on board relief for the injured man before An aerial view of the Evans River bar from the open door of a Bell 47 management, including four years Aboriginal Council to secure Evans Head Marina and then the and responded to 941 radio calls. heading 16nm north east to the Helicopter during the Evans Head Fly In. Photo: Bill Bates. as National Sales Manager of approval for the construction of the unit’s training room above the On Christmas Eve, the unit was yacht. Kira boarded the catamaran Customer Services with Rheem current MR Evans Head Radio Base storage area. alerted to an upturned vessel close to provide first aid and, with the historical society, markets, veteran home safely by midnight. and 16 as International Business at Razorback Lookout. These facilities are a major asset to rocks near Chinamans Beach, a skipper out of action, help the less and vintage cars and more on Congratulations to MR Evans Development Manager with OEM The project was led by Ray to MR Evans Head and the local short distance south of Evans Head. experienced crew negotiate the bar, January 6 and 7. Our members sold Head provisional member, retired Dynamics Pty Ltd, Ray has displayed with the building and planning community. Tony McNally, Scott Mohr and Bill escorted by EH 30. The patient was drinks and tickets in our monster squadron leader Rod Kinnish, who ongoing leadership and consistency expertise of Frank Skaines and other A coxswain since 1995, Ray Bates responded on Evans 30 and delivered to waiting paramedics. esky raffle, raising more than $500. was awarded an Order of Australia in all aspects of MRNSW operations. members at the time. remains a dedicated member and MR Evans Head’s Ray Thorpe. with very little daylight left, found (See Letters, Page 44.) At the end of the first day,EH 30 Medal in the Australia Day honours, Ray joined the Australian The base, overlooking the bar, radio operator who is always willing the small vessel washed up on the The Great Eastern Fly In hosted was called out about 9.30pm to help recognising his tireless efforts Volunteer Coast Guard Association is ideally located for our radio to give his time and energy to the dedication to the development of our sand. The crew spent the remaining warbirds, stunt flyers, helicopters, a boat with electrical problems. Bill as a volunteer in the Evans Head in 1994. As Flotilla Commander operators to monitor both the bar cause. unit has been outstanding. daylight ensuring there were no gyrocopters, displays by RAAF Bates, Lance Fountain and Karin community. from 1996 to 1999, he led the unit’s and sea conditions as they watch Ray Thorpe’s commitment and Julie Cooper people in the water or stranded on Amberley and the local RAAF Brown responded, getting everyone Bill Bates

20 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 21 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News Northern Rivers News

20 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 21 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News Mid North Coast News

ultiple cameras and a drone ad conditions challenged marine Logged On with the MarineRescue Mcaptured the action when MR Brescue experts involved in the app from the Coffs Harbour boat Point Danger volunteers starred in a Mid North Coast Regional Search ramp shortly before 10am and was corporate video shoot on the Tweed and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) off due back by 2pm. River in January. Coffs Harbour in late February. When the boat became overdue The Burleigh Heads-based The event was organised to test MR Coffs Harbour volunteers made company AirBerth produced the agencies’ marine search and rescue numerous attempts to contact the video to promote its boat lift storage practices and coordination. skipper by marine radio and mobile systems, which are installed at 17 More than 20 volunteers from phone and checked the boat ramp. MRNSW bases. MRNSW’s Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Mid North Coast Regional National Sales Co-ordinator Aaron Port Macquarie, Trial Bay and Operations Manager Randall Gawne Bottriell said the company also Woolgoolga units were activated. praised them for an efficient and wanted to raise awareness of the The mock emergency also prompt response. “amazing” work done by MRNSW involved personnel and assets from “They followed procedure volunteers. the NSW Police Force Marine Area perfectly,” he said. “They put so much time into Command in Coffs Harbour and MAC advised MRNSW to Making movies ... operator Derek Weir, MRNSW Regional Operations Manager John Murray, MR Point making sure everybody returns Danger members Zoe Ford, Gordon Wood, DUC Nick Wythe and Kerry Kane and AirBerth National Sales Sydney. scramble the search and rescue home,” he said. Co-ordinator Aaron Bottriell and Installations Manager John Verbeek. Photo: Brendan Trembath. MRNSW Deputy Commissioner vessel Coffs Harbour 30. MR Point Danger Deputy Unit Dean Storey said it was important A full search was mounted Commander Nick Wythe said the crew could get shots from different boats out of the water saves on to be deployed,” he said. for water safety partners to train the following morning, with Coffs shoot provided excellent images of angles. “It’s not an easy task to maintenance costs such as anti- An AirBerth is lowered by flooding together. Harbour 30, Nambucca 20, Trial Bay the unit’s volunteers and vessels, repeat and repeat as Bernie weighs fouling. its primary floats and raised by “This allowed everyone to fine- 30, Woolgoolga 30 and the Police The crew of Nambucca 20 faces off against choppy seas during the Point Danger 20 and PD 30. tune their response and maximise launch Fearless moving into defined 80kg-plus,” Mr Wythe said. “Our longer-term plans include filling them with compressed air. The Mid North Coast Regional SAREX. Photos: Brendan Trembath. “Gordon Wood and Zoe Ford The MR Point Danger members an AirBerth for our primary rescue company, established 18 years ago, safety,” he said. search areas between South Solitary simulated a man overboard drill also towed a “disabled” vessel vessel PD 30,” Mr Wythe said. is an Australian success story. Mr Storey said MRNSW Island and Coffs Harbour. using our mannequin, Bernie,” Mr skippered by AirBerth Installations Mr Bottriell said AirBerth’s “We are currently distributing volunteers on the Mid North Coast Mr Gawne said crews faced Wythe said. Manager John Verbeek. The final systems were well suited to to a vast number of countries,” Mr were committed to building their rough seas, rain and spray. Bernie was rolled overboard and scene saw PD 20 being put to bed emergency services. Bottriell said. skills and knowledge. “The exercise went very retrieved several times so the video in its AirBerth “cradle”. Storing “Within minutes vessels are ready Brendan Trembath “They give up their time to well considering the conditions provide boaters with a vital safety encountered by crews on the water,” net on the water,” he said. he said. “Visibility was very limited.” The SAREX began on a Friday By mid-afternoon the searchers afternoon after Rogue 1, a fictional had located two targets representing New year starts with fireworks and lightning 5.3 metre aluminum vessel with the missing boaters. The search hirty-seven boaters, including Evans Boat Harbour. two people on board, failed to return was coordinated from the MR Coffs Tthree caught offshore in a storm, On January 1, the owner of a boat from a fishing trip around South Harbour radio base on Beacon Hill. MR Port Macquarie DUC Graham Gibbs and MR Coffs Harbour DUC were returned safely to shore by MR with three people on board called for Solitary Island. The skipper had Brendan Trembath Russell Shelton and member Peter Kent plot search patterns. Point Danger rescue crews in two help at 7pm. The boat had run out demanding months. of fuel and was drifting south about The unit’s crews responded to 1.5nm out to sea, heading into an 20 incidents over December and approaching storm. Point Danger 30 January, with its Radio Operators was tasked and the crew headed Logging On and Off almost 1,100 out to locate the distressed boaters. CNC Machined Steel Half Couplings vessels crossing the Tweed bar. Both vessels were caught in the Poly Flex half couplings come in a range of models including 424, 434, 464, 524, 534, 546 & 616. The first number of the model specifies the flange These were followed in early storm, with our crew transferring OD being either 4”, 5” or 6”. These accommodate shaft sizes ranging from 3/4” - 3”. Please ask one of our trained staff for more info. February by a two-day recovery the three people on board PD 30 for Custom Half Couplings mission after an international the slow trip back to the bar in the & Cotton Reel Adaptors MR Point Danger Deputy Unit Commander Nick Wythe watches over Available on Request!! student drowned off Fingal Head. challenging conditions. All returned a vessel under tow by Point Danger 20. The night sky was alight as 2017 safely just before 10pm. ended and 2018 began. On New Thanks to all those radio recruitment has seen eight new busy period with the Easter holidays Year’s Eve, a houseboat needed to operators and vessel crew on duty probationary members begin approaching and Commonwealth be moved from the exclusion zone and standby over Christmas and training and more ready to join. Games being held on our doorstep. for the fireworks show on Jack New Year. Our successful summer The unit is gearing up for another Dale Leo

22 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 23 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News Mid North Coast News

Bird’s eye view of volunteers on the Tweed SAREX crews hit targets in squalls and chop Drone captures our team in action for new promotional video. ‘Missing boaters’ located in mock emergency off Coffs Harbour coastline. ultiple cameras and a drone ad conditions challenged marine Logged On with the MarineRescue Mcaptured the action when MR Brescue experts involved in the app from the Coffs Harbour boat Point Danger volunteers starred in a Mid North Coast Regional Search ramp shortly before 10am and was corporate video shoot on the Tweed and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) off due back by 2pm. River in January. Coffs Harbour in late February. When the boat became overdue The Burleigh Heads-based The event was organised to test MR Coffs Harbour volunteers made company AirBerth produced the agencies’ marine search and rescue numerous attempts to contact the video to promote its boat lift storage practices and coordination. skipper by marine radio and mobile systems, which are installed at 17 More than 20 volunteers from phone and checked the boat ramp. MRNSW bases. MRNSW’s Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Mid North Coast Regional National Sales Co-ordinator Aaron Port Macquarie, Trial Bay and Operations Manager Randall Gawne Bottriell said the company also Woolgoolga units were activated. praised them for an efficient and wanted to raise awareness of the The mock emergency also prompt response. “amazing” work done by MRNSW involved personnel and assets from “They followed procedure volunteers. the NSW Police Force Marine Area perfectly,” he said. “They put so much time into Command in Coffs Harbour and MAC advised MRNSW to Making movies ... operator Derek Weir, MRNSW Regional Operations Manager John Murray, MR Point making sure everybody returns Danger members Zoe Ford, Gordon Wood, DUC Nick Wythe and Kerry Kane and AirBerth National Sales Sydney. scramble the search and rescue home,” he said. Co-ordinator Aaron Bottriell and Installations Manager John Verbeek. Photo: Brendan Trembath. MRNSW Deputy Commissioner vessel Coffs Harbour 30. MR Point Danger Deputy Unit Dean Storey said it was important A full search was mounted Commander Nick Wythe said the crew could get shots from different boats out of the water saves on to be deployed,” he said. for water safety partners to train the following morning, with Coffs shoot provided excellent images of angles. “It’s not an easy task to maintenance costs such as anti- An AirBerth is lowered by flooding together. Harbour 30, Nambucca 20, Trial Bay the unit’s volunteers and vessels, repeat and repeat as Bernie weighs fouling. its primary floats and raised by “This allowed everyone to fine- 30, Woolgoolga 30 and the Police The crew of Nambucca 20 faces off against choppy seas during the Point Danger 20 and PD 30. tune their response and maximise launch Fearless moving into defined 80kg-plus,” Mr Wythe said. “Our longer-term plans include filling them with compressed air. The Mid North Coast Regional SAREX. Photos: Brendan Trembath. “Gordon Wood and Zoe Ford The MR Point Danger members an AirBerth for our primary rescue company, established 18 years ago, safety,” he said. search areas between South Solitary simulated a man overboard drill also towed a “disabled” vessel vessel PD 30,” Mr Wythe said. is an Australian success story. Mr Storey said MRNSW Island and Coffs Harbour. using our mannequin, Bernie,” Mr skippered by AirBerth Installations Mr Bottriell said AirBerth’s “We are currently distributing volunteers on the Mid North Coast Mr Gawne said crews faced Wythe said. Manager John Verbeek. The final systems were well suited to to a vast number of countries,” Mr were committed to building their rough seas, rain and spray. Bernie was rolled overboard and scene saw PD 20 being put to bed emergency services. Bottriell said. skills and knowledge. “The exercise went very retrieved several times so the video in its AirBerth “cradle”. Storing “Within minutes vessels are ready Brendan Trembath “They give up their time to well considering the conditions provide boaters with a vital safety encountered by crews on the water,” net on the water,” he said. he said. “Visibility was very limited.” The SAREX began on a Friday By mid-afternoon the searchers afternoon after Rogue 1, a fictional had located two targets representing New year starts with fireworks and lightning 5.3 metre aluminum vessel with the missing boaters. The search hirty-seven boaters, including Evans Boat Harbour. two people on board, failed to return was coordinated from the MR Coffs Tthree caught offshore in a storm, On January 1, the owner of a boat from a fishing trip around South Harbour radio base on Beacon Hill. MR Port Macquarie DUC Graham Gibbs and MR Coffs Harbour DUC were returned safely to shore by MR with three people on board called for Solitary Island. The skipper had Brendan Trembath Russell Shelton and member Peter Kent plot search patterns. Point Danger rescue crews in two help at 7pm. The boat had run out demanding months. of fuel and was drifting south about The unit’s crews responded to 1.5nm out to sea, heading into an 20 incidents over December and approaching storm. Point Danger 30 January, with its Radio Operators was tasked and the crew headed Logging On and Off almost 1,100 out to locate the distressed boaters. CNC Machined Steel Half Couplings vessels crossing the Tweed bar. Both vessels were caught in the Poly Flex half couplings come in a range of models including 424, 434, 464, 524, 534, 546 & 616. The first number of the model specifies the flange These were followed in early storm, with our crew transferring OD being either 4”, 5” or 6”. These accommodate shaft sizes ranging from 3/4” - 3”. Please ask one of our trained staff for more info. February by a two-day recovery the three people on board PD 30 for Custom Half Couplings mission after an international the slow trip back to the bar in the & Cotton Reel Adaptors MR Point Danger Deputy Unit Commander Nick Wythe watches over Available on Request!! student drowned off Fingal Head. challenging conditions. All returned a vessel under tow by Point Danger 20. The night sky was alight as 2017 safely just before 10pm. ended and 2018 began. On New Thanks to all those radio recruitment has seen eight new busy period with the Easter holidays Year’s Eve, a houseboat needed to operators and vessel crew on duty probationary members begin approaching and Commonwealth be moved from the exclusion zone and standby over Christmas and training and more ready to join. Games being held on our doorstep. for the fireworks show on Jack New Year. Our successful summer The unit is gearing up for another Dale Leo

22 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 23 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News Mid North Coast News

ood weather and better boating community, resulting in t has been an interesting summer the police and our marine and Geducated boaters who Logged more boaters Logging On so the unit Ion the water around Coffs Harbour, emergency services colleagues. On with MR Port Macquarie when could monitor them while they were with ample opportunity for MRNSW We are fortunate to have two they headed out on the water have out on the water. operators and boat crews to police vessels based in Coffs contributed to a reduction in local The unit wrapped up its summer demonstrate and refine their skills. Harbour and CO 30 was carefully boating incidents this summer. activities by staging a display of MR Coffs Harbour has dealt with selected to complement the rescue Unit Commander Greg Davies simulated rescue operations as part eight or nine incidents each month, assets operating from the city. said the unit had received about 20 of the city’s Australia Day events. resulting in assists at sea, towing, The cooperation between services call outs over December, almost half All three of the unit’s vessels took rafting up and manoeuvring disabled was again highlighted on January the number last year. part in the coordinated display in vessels around the marina, as well 10, when MAC tasked CO 30 at These included the major front of the main town wharf and as the usual one or two overdue 2.30am to transport an officer to a coordinated search operations for foreshore, giving the public a clear vessels to be tracked down. large catamaran dragging anchor in two teenage boys who went missing view of proceedings. The summer season drew to a the harbour in a heavy south-east Port Macquarie 30 joins a colourful sailpast of vessels on the Coxwains Graham Taylor and Bob Ford on Coffs 30 in the search for in the surf in separate incidents on The display featured a live Hastings River on Australia Day. Photo: Alex McNaught. close with a large-scale search for a wind. a missing swimmer in hazardous conditions off Valla Beach. December 6 and 16. broadcast over the PA system of 22-year-old man caught in a rip and The crew on board was roused Mr Davies said favourable all the radio calls and responses of vessels ranging from fully up an influx of new recruits. swept out to sea while swimming at and persuaded it would be prudent Coastal Patrol in 1999, becoming commitment and achievement with weather and local boaters being between the vessel “in distress”, the restored historic vessels to modern The raffle was drawn in early Valla Beach on February 17. to move and re-anchor. Coffs Harbour Division Commander. MRNSW Long Service Medals, the better educated about safety, good unit’s radio base and the crew on runabouts. Considerable planning, February, with a local couple taking Coffs 30 joined Surf Life Saving, Similar cooperation between With the establishment of National Medal and our sincere boat maintenance and crossing the Port Macquarie 30. taking into account vessel speed home first prize, a runabout and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and neighbouring MRNSW units saw MRNSW, she took on the role of Mid thanks. hazardous Hastings River bar had Mr Davies gave a rundown of and manoeuvrability, resulted in a trailer. NSW Police Marine Area Command our crew assist a disabled yacht to North Coast Regional Coordinator, Congratulations to our two new helped reduce the number of call the rescue vessels’ features and well orchestrated display. A number of new boat crew in the search, which was eventually berth in Coffs Harbour after a long facilitating the integration of the skippers, Bernie Tight and Graham outs for rescue crews. capabilities and the steps the crew Taking advantage of the large members have now been assessed suspended on February 21 without tow from North Solitary Island by our region’s RVCP, Australia Volunteer Taylor, who recently achieved He said the unit, operating from was performing to bring the vessel crowd, our volunteers in our and taken their place on the vessel result. colleagues at MR Wooli. Coast Guard and Volunteer Rescue their coxsain ratings. Several radio its high-profile new radio base on under tow and safely transfer its MRNSW marquee were kept busy roster. Training will start for new Unlike this serious emergency, Several long term members Association units into the new operators and watch officers have Town Beach, had been working hard passengers on to PM 30. selling raffle tickets in the unit’s crew members in coming months. most of the incidents we deal retired over the summer, including organisation. In 2012 she became completed their training, providing to build relationships with the local PM 30 also led a sailpast fundraising campaign and signing Alex McNaught with are routine but all require Linda Jones, who is known to many Acting Unit Commander of MR flexibility in the rosters to maintain professional and effective response, across the organisation. Woolgoolga. our 24/7 SARCC operations. often in close cooperation with Linda joined the Royal Volunteer Linda retires after 19 years’ Graeme King Man dies in capsize on Camden Haven bar Services rush to scene, rescuing two others from open waters. Crews ensure no one lost on Nambucca bar man died and two others were a tow line and stood by with the boat Plaudits for members as 11 people and a flamingo plucked from water. A rescued from the water when held in position for 2.5 hours until their boat overturned on the Camden the run out tide slowed enough to leven people - and one pink them safely back to the beach. Haven bar on December 3. make the bar safe to cross. Eflamingo - have MR Nambucca We kept this up for three full A member of the public reported CH 10, a 4.2m Zodiac RHIB members to thank for their safety weeks, saving a total of 11 people, the emergency to the MR Camden delivered late in 2017, has proven over the summer holidays. including a lad who had broken his Haven base at 1.15pm. Camden a highly manoeuvrable asset in The crews of Nambucca 20 and wrist on an a sand island and was Haven 30, with Ken Rutledge, Alan shallow and tight waterways. Rescue Water Craft NH 11 were conveyed to a waiting ambulance. Malcolm and Neville Adams on The Zodiac responded to a report kept on their toes over Christmas Crew member Theo Ceapa’s board and CH 10, crewed by Ken of a tinny upside down in Queens rescuing people as they washed fluent German helped ensure the Clancy and Tony Noakes, were Lake at 7.30am on February 17. The across the wide bar from the retrieval of two German backpackers tasked to respond, along with the crew, Neville Adams, Tony Noakes Nambucca River on the big run out went like clockwork. Westpac Rescue Lifesaver helicopter and Ken Rutledge, found a small tides. The crews picked up two and Surf Life Saving crews. runabout with two people on board Our members gave up their family kayakers in trouble and another CH 30 arrived at the scene about on its side and swamped. activities for daily duty. person in danger of being washed Turbulent conditions at Camden Haven, looking north at North 1nm out of the river at 1.45pm to The embarrassed owner admitted was anchored each day away on a large inflatable pink Haven beach, on January 16. NH 20 Wildlife rescue ...RWC operator Gary Nichols on Nambucca 11 find SLS RHIBs had transported two they had forgotten to put the bungs with NH 11 close by, meaning we flamingo. Broken down vessels also rescues a giant pink flamingo before it can wash out to sea. men back to North Haven Beach into the vessel when leaving the reached the shallow waters on the With a bilge pump working, the were able to spring into action and were towed to safety. and a third man missing. He was ramp. They had managed to get lake, where they slowed up as they crew of CH 10 set up a tow to get pick up people as they got caught The unit provided a safety net kayaks, swimmers and the raft race. home safely and our members subsequently recovered from under up Stingray Creek at speed without touched bottom and the vessel filled the waterlogged boat back to the in the run. We would reach them for Australia Day activities on the We did not lose one person over received many public accolades. the upturned vessel. CH 30 attached noticing the problem until they with water and rolled on its side. Queens Lake Yacht Club ramp. before panic could set in and bring Nambucca River, watching over the holidays, everyone returned Graham Horne

24 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 25 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News Mid North Coast News

Better educated boaters safer on water Season ends with search for lost swimmer Number of incidents at Port Macquarie halves this summer. Cooperation the key to professional and effective emergency response. ood weather and better boating community, resulting in t has been an interesting summer the police and our marine and Geducated boaters who Logged more boaters Logging On so the unit Ion the water around Coffs Harbour, emergency services colleagues. On with MR Port Macquarie when could monitor them while they were with ample opportunity for MRNSW We are fortunate to have two they headed out on the water have out on the water. operators and boat crews to police vessels based in Coffs contributed to a reduction in local The unit wrapped up its summer demonstrate and refine their skills. Harbour and CO 30 was carefully boating incidents this summer. activities by staging a display of MR Coffs Harbour has dealt with selected to complement the rescue Unit Commander Greg Davies simulated rescue operations as part eight or nine incidents each month, assets operating from the city. said the unit had received about 20 of the city’s Australia Day events. resulting in assists at sea, towing, The cooperation between services call outs over December, almost half All three of the unit’s vessels took rafting up and manoeuvring disabled was again highlighted on January the number last year. part in the coordinated display in vessels around the marina, as well 10, when MAC tasked CO 30 at These included the major front of the main town wharf and as the usual one or two overdue 2.30am to transport an officer to a coordinated search operations for foreshore, giving the public a clear vessels to be tracked down. large catamaran dragging anchor in two teenage boys who went missing view of proceedings. The summer season drew to a the harbour in a heavy south-east Port Macquarie 30 joins a colourful sailpast of vessels on the Coxwains Graham Taylor and Bob Ford on Coffs 30 in the search for in the surf in separate incidents on The display featured a live Hastings River on Australia Day. Photo: Alex McNaught. close with a large-scale search for a wind. a missing swimmer in hazardous conditions off Valla Beach. December 6 and 16. broadcast over the PA system of 22-year-old man caught in a rip and The crew on board was roused Mr Davies said favourable all the radio calls and responses of vessels ranging from fully up an influx of new recruits. swept out to sea while swimming at and persuaded it would be prudent Coastal Patrol in 1999, becoming commitment and achievement with weather and local boaters being between the vessel “in distress”, the restored historic vessels to modern The raffle was drawn in early Valla Beach on February 17. to move and re-anchor. Coffs Harbour Division Commander. MRNSW Long Service Medals, the better educated about safety, good unit’s radio base and the crew on runabouts. Considerable planning, February, with a local couple taking Coffs 30 joined Surf Life Saving, Similar cooperation between With the establishment of National Medal and our sincere boat maintenance and crossing the Port Macquarie 30. taking into account vessel speed home first prize, a runabout and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and neighbouring MRNSW units saw MRNSW, she took on the role of Mid thanks. hazardous Hastings River bar had Mr Davies gave a rundown of and manoeuvrability, resulted in a trailer. NSW Police Marine Area Command our crew assist a disabled yacht to North Coast Regional Coordinator, Congratulations to our two new helped reduce the number of call the rescue vessels’ features and well orchestrated display. A number of new boat crew in the search, which was eventually berth in Coffs Harbour after a long facilitating the integration of the skippers, Bernie Tight and Graham outs for rescue crews. capabilities and the steps the crew Taking advantage of the large members have now been assessed suspended on February 21 without tow from North Solitary Island by our region’s RVCP, Australia Volunteer Taylor, who recently achieved He said the unit, operating from was performing to bring the vessel crowd, our volunteers in our and taken their place on the vessel result. colleagues at MR Wooli. Coast Guard and Volunteer Rescue their coxsain ratings. Several radio its high-profile new radio base on under tow and safely transfer its MRNSW marquee were kept busy roster. Training will start for new Unlike this serious emergency, Several long term members Association units into the new operators and watch officers have Town Beach, had been working hard passengers on to PM 30. selling raffle tickets in the unit’s crew members in coming months. most of the incidents we deal retired over the summer, including organisation. In 2012 she became completed their training, providing to build relationships with the local PM 30 also led a sailpast fundraising campaign and signing Alex McNaught with are routine but all require Linda Jones, who is known to many Acting Unit Commander of MR flexibility in the rosters to maintain professional and effective response, across the organisation. Woolgoolga. our 24/7 SARCC operations. often in close cooperation with Linda joined the Royal Volunteer Linda retires after 19 years’ Graeme King Man dies in capsize on Camden Haven bar Services rush to scene, rescuing two others from open waters. Crews ensure no one lost on Nambucca bar man died and two others were a tow line and stood by with the boat Plaudits for members as 11 people and a flamingo plucked from water. Arescued from the water when held in position for 2.5 hours until their boat overturned on the Camden the run out tide slowed enough to leven people - and one pink them safely back to the beach. Haven bar on December 3. make the bar safe to cross. Eflamingo - have MR Nambucca We kept this up for three full A member of the public reported CH 10, a 4.2m Zodiac RHIB members to thank for their safety weeks, saving a total of 11 people, the emergency to the MR Camden delivered late in 2017, has proven over the summer holidays. including a lad who had broken his Haven base at 1.15pm. Camden a highly manoeuvrable asset in The crews of Nambucca 20 and wrist on an a sand island and was Haven 30, with Ken Rutledge, Alan shallow and tight waterways. Rescue Water Craft NH 11 were conveyed to a waiting ambulance. Malcolm and Neville Adams on The Zodiac responded to a report kept on their toes over Christmas Crew member Theo Ceapa’s board and CH 10, crewed by Ken of a tinny upside down in Queens rescuing people as they washed fluent German helped ensure the Clancy and Tony Noakes, were Lake at 7.30am on February 17. The across the wide bar from the retrieval of two German backpackers tasked to respond, along with the crew, Neville Adams, Tony Noakes Nambucca River on the big run out went like clockwork. Westpac Rescue Lifesaver helicopter and Ken Rutledge, found a small tides. The crews picked up two and Surf Life Saving crews. runabout with two people on board Our members gave up their family kayakers in trouble and another CH 30 arrived at the scene about on its side and swamped. activities for daily duty. person in danger of being washed Turbulent conditions at Camden Haven, looking north at North 1nm out of the river at 1.45pm to The embarrassed owner admitted was anchored each day away on a large inflatable pink Haven beach, on January 16. NH 20 Wildlife rescue ...RWC operator Gary Nichols on Nambucca 11 find SLS RHIBs had transported two they had forgotten to put the bungs with NH 11 close by, meaning we flamingo. Broken down vessels also rescues a giant pink flamingo before it can wash out to sea. men back to North Haven Beach into the vessel when leaving the reached the shallow waters on the With a bilge pump working, the were able to spring into action and were towed to safety. and a third man missing. He was ramp. They had managed to get lake, where they slowed up as they crew of CH 10 set up a tow to get pick up people as they got caught The unit provided a safety net kayaks, swimmers and the raft race. home safely and our members subsequently recovered from under up Stingray Creek at speed without touched bottom and the vessel filled the waterlogged boat back to the in the run. We would reach them for Australia Day activities on the We did not lose one person over received many public accolades. the upturned vessel. CH 30 attached noticing the problem until they with water and rolled on its side. Queens Lake Yacht Club ramp. before panic could set in and bring Nambucca River, watching over the holidays, everyone returned Graham Horne

24 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 25 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News Hunter/Central Coast News

wo recent rescue operations Head. Keith Richardson, Aaron Orton crew from MR Central Coast Our crews responded to Tby crews from MR Crowdy and Bruce Hayward activated CB 30 Awas called to assist local police 61 incidents over summer. On Harrington highlighted the but once again, the vessel could not in their pursuit of a suspected thief Christmas Eve, crews towed a 5m importance of skippers being able to be located. who proved to be a true ‘stick in the Quintrex runabout that broke down accurately provide their location in A search pattern was put in place mud’ in late January. near the Rip Bridge and a Bayliner an emergency. and with a rescue helicopter on The volunteers were training cruiser that lost power south of Lion On December 28, a 6.1m standby, the crew of CB 30 spotted on board Central Coast 21 near Island to Empire Bay. vessel with five people on board a boat in the distance. On arrival, the Gosford wharf when they were On New Year’s Eve, crews at both called the unit’s base for help after they found it was the distressed approached by three members of bases were kept busy patrolling the experiencing engine problems. vessel, which was towed to safety. the NSW Police Brisbane Water exclusion zones for the evening’s

embers of MR Forster-Tuncurry northern bank of the Coolongolook Mhave negotiated two smooth River before heading to the Forster baton changes over summer. boat harbour and handing it over to After more than seven years’ continue its journey to Newcastle service, Unit Commander Mike on its way to the Games opening Thomas stepped down, with Deputy ceremony on April 4. Unit Commander Fran Breen Our crews responded to 27 seamlessly appointed as the leader vessels in trouble, mostly on inside and Operations Officer Dave Gibson waters, between December and as Deputy until the unit elections. February, returning 73 boaters to The new Norah Head 20 Ocean Cylinder under construction. Mike and his wife Pauline have safety. headed north, hoping to get a Our radio base managed 2,917 embers of MR Norah Head are characteristics and speed of a The crew of Forster 10 supports the Tuncurry Rural Fire Brigade eagerly anticipating the arrival traditional RHIB with the toughness chance to use the fishing boat that radio calls, Logging On more than during a bushfire fighting operation on Wallis Island. M has been an ornament in their front 1,200 boats with 3,475 people on of their new rescue vessel. and durability of puncture-proof yard for the past four years. We wish board. damage to homes or property. Local Achievement Award during Delivery of the 6.8 metre foam-filled aluminium sponsons. them well. In addition, FO 10 provided Master Coxswain Don Wright Senior Citizens Week in 2016. Don’s Ocean Cylinder, being built at Operating on reserve vessel The unit also ensured the logistical support to the Rural Fire has retired from boat duty after many roles in the unit included Boat Yamba Welding and Engineering, X-Ray 22 over summer, Norah Head Commonwealth Games Queen’s Service when a fire broke out nearly 18 years. After a career as Training Officer and Boating Officer. is expected by late March. The joined NSW Police and two MR Baton made it safely across our local on Wallis Island, putting homes a pilot, including a stint with the On returning to the dock from his $272,000 boat will be the 81st Central Coast vessels in a search for waters in February. at threat. Our crew transferred Royal Flying Doctor Service and TAA, final voyage onFO 30, Don was new or refurbished vessel delivered a person missing off Shelly Beach Fran Breen was chosen to carry firefighting crews and equipment Don retired to Tuncurry and joined greeted by a water spray farewell under the landmark MRNSW Fleet on December 10. Crews were stood the baton on board Forster 30. to and from the island. The fire MRNSW. He was awarded Senior from RFS fire engines and crews. Modernisation Program. The model’s down when the person was located She was handed the baton on the was brought under control with no Citizen of the year in 2014 and a Grant Maxwell robust build combines the handling safe and well on land.

26 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 27 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News Hunter/Central Coast News

Knowing your location will get help fast Central Coast joins muddy police pursuit Correct details will save rescue crews valuable search time at sea. Officers commandeer unit tinny to apprehend stranded female suspect. wo recent rescue operations Head. Keith Richardson, Aaron Orton crew from MR Central Coast Our crews responded to Tby crews from MR Crowdy and Bruce Hayward activated CB 30 A was called to assist local police 61 incidents over summer. On Harrington highlighted the but once again, the vessel could not in their pursuit of a suspected thief Christmas Eve, crews towed a 5m importance of skippers being able to be located. who proved to be a true ‘stick in the Quintrex runabout that broke down accurately provide their location in A search pattern was put in place mud’ in late January. near the Rip Bridge and a Bayliner an emergency. and with a rescue helicopter on The volunteers were training cruiser that lost power south of Lion On December 28, a 6.1m standby, the crew of CB 30 spotted on board Central Coast 21 near Island to Empire Bay. vessel with five people on board a boat in the distance. On arrival, the Gosford wharf when they were On New Year’s Eve, crews at both called the unit’s base for help after they found it was the distressed approached by three members of bases were kept busy patrolling the experiencing engine problems. vessel, which was towed to safety. the NSW Police Brisbane Water exclusion zones for the evening’s

When Crowdy 30, with Kevin On February 10, CB 20 was Aaron Orton watches over the tow rope as Crowdy 20 returns a 6.5m Local Area Command. The police fireworks. After lunch, police Nicholls, Kevin Bailey, Aaron Orton surveying depths in the Manning cuddy cabin to harbour. asked for a lift to help them tasked CC 21 to attend the Sydney Central Coast 21 tows a Bayliner cruiser that lost power south of Lion and John Single on board, arrived River when it was tasked to assist a apprehend a suspect who had seaplane crash at Jerusalem Bay Island back to Empire Bay Marina on Christmas Eve. at the boat’s last known position, it 4.8m cuddy cabin with mechanical coordinates to help rescuers reach searching for you but can reach you allegedly stolen a tender that had but the crew was stood down soon could not be located. issues 5nm east of Crowdy them swiftly. as quickly as possible.” become stuck on the mud with the after reaching Broken Bay. two pyrotechnicians from the water local prawns on the Pelican With Watch Officer Bek Brown lighthouse. “An onboard GPS will give you The Mid North Coast Chapter of female suspect on board. CC 21 The crew of CC 21 had just after an explosion on the fireworks waterfront. Off the water, we held contacting the skipper again to Four days later, a 5.2m open your latitude and longitude,” she the Fellowship of the First Fleeters returned to the Point Clare base to returned the Gosford fireworks barge at Terrigal. Safe Work NSW is our first Christmas party since the check the GPS co-ordinates, CB 30 runabout suffered engine failure said. “You can also find these on visited our base on Australia Day, collect the unit’s maintenance tinny, barge to shore after the show when investigating the incident. Terrigal and Central Coast units was able to locate the vessel and 12nm off Crowdy Bay and was smartphones and the MarineRescue accompanied by Alison Quint, the which the police rowed out to reach it was called to tow a cruiser that The last joint Rescue Water amalgamated. Members have take it under tow. towed to safety. app. wife of the late Ron Quint, who was the tender and get it off the mud. had broken down off Point Frederick Craft training session for 2017 was familiarised themselves with the two Almost a month later, the skipper MR Crowdy Harrington Unit “Time makes all the difference awarded an OAM in 1993 for his Both small boats were then towed back to its mooring, arriving back at hosted by MR Lake Macquarie, bases and vessels over summer. of a 6.5m cuddy cabin radioed to Commander Karen Farrell in an emergency on the water and service in starting the Australian back to the wharf. base by midnight. CC 22 retrieved followed by a lunch of fresh Mitch Giles say it was having engine issues and encouraged boaters to ensure they if we have your accurate location, Volunteer Coastal Patrol in this area. drifting south-west from Diamond were able to provide their GPS we don’t need to take valuable time Mary Thomas Norah Head awaits Forster executes smooth baton changes new vessel delivery New leaders step up as past Commander heads north to go fishing. embers of MR Forster-Tuncurry northern bank of the Coolongolook Mhave negotiated two smooth River before heading to the Forster baton changes over summer. boat harbour and handing it over to After more than seven years’ continue its journey to Newcastle service, Unit Commander Mike on its way to the Games opening Thomas stepped down, with Deputy ceremony on April 4. Unit Commander Fran Breen Our crews responded to 27 seamlessly appointed as the leader vessels in trouble, mostly on inside and Operations Officer Dave Gibson waters, between December and as Deputy until the unit elections. February, returning 73 boaters to The new Norah Head 20 Ocean Cylinder under construction. Mike and his wife Pauline have safety. headed north, hoping to get a Our radio base managed 2,917 embers of MR Norah Head are characteristics and speed of a The crew of Forster 10 supports the Tuncurry Rural Fire Brigade eagerly anticipating the arrival traditional RHIB with the toughness chance to use the fishing boat that radio calls, Logging On more than during a bushfire fighting operation on Wallis Island. M has been an ornament in their front 1,200 boats with 3,475 people on of their new rescue vessel. and durability of puncture-proof yard for the past four years. We wish board. damage to homes or property. Local Achievement Award during Delivery of the 6.8 metre foam-filled aluminium sponsons. them well. In addition, FO 10 provided Master Coxswain Don Wright Senior Citizens Week in 2016. Don’s Ocean Cylinder, being built at Operating on reserve vessel The unit also ensured the logistical support to the Rural Fire has retired from boat duty after many roles in the unit included Boat Yamba Welding and Engineering, X-Ray 22 over summer, Norah Head Commonwealth Games Queen’s Service when a fire broke out nearly 18 years. After a career as Training Officer and Boating Officer. is expected by late March. The joined NSW Police and two MR Baton made it safely across our local on Wallis Island, putting homes a pilot, including a stint with the On returning to the dock from his $272,000 boat will be the 81st Central Coast vessels in a search for waters in February. at threat. Our crew transferred Royal Flying Doctor Service and TAA, final voyage onFO 30, Don was new or refurbished vessel delivered a person missing off Shelly Beach Fran Breen was chosen to carry firefighting crews and equipment Don retired to Tuncurry and joined greeted by a water spray farewell under the landmark MRNSW Fleet on December 10. Crews were stood the baton on board Forster 30. to and from the island. The fire MRNSW. He was awarded Senior from RFS fire engines and crews. Modernisation Program. The model’s down when the person was located She was handed the baton on the was brought under control with no Citizen of the year in 2014 and a Grant Maxwell robust build combines the handling safe and well on land.

26 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 27 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Proud to support Marine Rescue NSW Hunter/Central Coast News Hunter/Central Coast News BERTH YOUR BOAT on the Boaters in trouble on Rich fishing grounds attract influx of visitors HAWKESBURY creek’s upper reaches Port Stephens watches over constant procession of vessels on water. Man, dog and drifting dinghy retrieved. ort Stephens is one of the most position, help get it anchored and Ppopular tourist destinations in monitor the exclusion zone around the state over Christmas, New Year the barge. and the summer school holidays. This effort was duplicated on New The area’s waterways and rich Year’s Eve, working with d’Albora fishing grounds are its biggest Marina to place the fireworks barge drawcards, attracting an influx of and again keep the exclusion zone boats to the Tomaree peninsula. free, this time with many more boats With all the car parks around on the water. boat ramps overflowing, there is Over the two months of Port Stephens 31 rafted up this 43 foot sailboat when its engine a constant procession of boats December and January, the unit’s • 88 berths with power and water failed on approach to the local marina, assisting it and its two departing for destinations on both radio operators Logged On 1,050 passengers into a tight berth in unfavourable winds. • 23 swing moorings (free dinghy storage) local and offshore waters. boats, peaking at 87 on our busiest • Boom gate access to car park Additional volunteers are day and recording up to 70 vessels on the water. At night and on public rostered in the MR Port Stephens on many others. Our rescue vessels, Port holidays, our base acts as the Lemon Tree 30 is powering on new twin 200 HP Suzuki outboards • Toilets and showers communications centre to handle The communications centre Stephens 30 and Port Stephens communications centre for the following a recent refit. • Slipway to 15 tonnes the expected increased load of handled 58 on-water incidents over 31, were tasked 27 times during Hunter Valley Rural Fire Service, • Convenience store (Brooklyn Central) trandings, vessels adrift and keeping a sharp lookout for people vessels Logging On and Off and to the holiday period. December and January. The managing 112 RFS incidents in boats with fuel problems and in the water. Police informed the respond to calls for assistance. Just when we were expecting to longest distance covered to reach January alone to support the fine • Unleaded fuel on wharf for marina clients S flat batteries ensured crews from base that the fishermen had swum The peak season got under see a decline in activity, we had a a distressed vessel was 23 nautical work done by RFS crews on the • Mechanic on site MR Lemon Tree Passage were a safely ashore. way with our support for the local “freak” day on Saturday, February miles. ground. high-visibility presence on local LT 30 has been refitted with Christmas Carols and fireworks on 10, with 77 Log Ons and six assists, Unit members also supported the Following the busy summer, the waterways over summer. new twin 200HP Suzuki outboard December 17. including four long range operations. NSW Roads and Maritime Service’s unit turned its focus to the fishing Rarely has our vessel Lemon Tree engines at a cost of just over After first preparing a risk The unit works closely with the expired flare collection program, competition season over February 30 been called out to the upper $45,000. A trip to Newcastle Port management plan, our role was Port Stephens Police Marine Area RAAF rescue helicopter training and and March. reaches of Tilligerry Creek beyond to assist MR Newcastle with safety to tow the fireworks barge into Command to respond to incidents the Australia Day community event. Tony O’Donnell SANDBROOK INLET Gibbers Point but two incidents saw patrols for the Australian Formula crews venture further upstream. Powerboat Grand Prix and Australia MARINA In the first, a small catamaran Day events helped run in the motors. had upturned in a stiff westerly The unit has farewelled our Small boats stuck hard and fast in shallows wind, with its mast embedded in the member and former MRNSW Brooklyn 9985 5500 mangrove mud, leaving the skipper Regional Trainer Leigh Carmichael, arine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and a frightened dog sitting on top who has moved to Victoria to be Mcrews responded to a spate of the hull. The catamaran’s mast closer to family after 13 years’ of boats stranded in shallow waters was pulled out of the mud with service with the Australian Volunteer over summer. difficulty and the vessel floated on Coast Guard and MRNSW. The unit was called to respond its side with one holed hull full of A Master 4, Leigh was one of our to more than 30 incidents over the water. It was then towed to Gibber senior skippers and had an intimate peak season, with 455 radio calls Point where the man, dog and boat knowledge of the region’s waters. received at the radio base. returned to shore. Many members benefited from Crews took 22 vessels under Crews also were called to the Leigh’s training. tow, including several suffering creek’s upper reaches when two The Maritime Fire Safety course, mechanical problems and other men called our radio base just on which he helped develop, was small boats with no means of dusk one evening in January to trialled at our base. clarifying the water depth until they report that they were standing by an Leigh said the most difficult became stuck on the sand. MR Tuggerah Lakes crew members Russell Crimmins, Bob Cox, Jamey Blackman and Skipper John upturned dinghy with two floating rescue he had attended was at Unit Commander Tony Younglove Girling prepare to take a boat stranded in shallow waters under tow on February 17. hats and fishing gear but no sign of Three Sisters Rocks, north of said about 15 boats had been the owners. Broughton Island, at night when a grounded on different areas of the working in recent weeks,” he said. careful attention to markers at all a tribute to 13-year-old Blake Tickell, LT 30 confirmed there was no 28ft cabin cruiser with three people lakes over the past year. “In Budgewoi Lake, some boaters times when they are on the water.” who died after falling in the sport’s sign of the boat’s occupants. and a dog on board lost engine “Our crews responded to one have been grounded in the Buff The unit recently provided State Titles in December, with junior The crew managed to tow the power. The tow took 2.5 hours in vessel stuck in Tuggerah Lake just Point area because the skippers did facilities and catering for the Region skiiers releasing orange balloons in 3.5m aluminium vessel to the public heavy seas with 3.5m swells. near the entrance to the Wyong not heed the markers. V waterski racing club races on his memory. wharf at Lemon Tree Passage, while Gary Bow River, where a dredge has been “Skippers should ensure they pay Budgewoi Lake. The event included Sue Younglove

28 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 29 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Proud to support Marine Rescue NSW Hunter/Central Coast News Hunter/Central Coast News BERTH YOUR BOAT on the Boaters in trouble on Rich fishing grounds attract influx of visitors HAWKESBURY creek’s upper reaches Port Stephens watches over constant procession of vessels on water. Man, dog and drifting dinghy retrieved. ort Stephens is one of the most position, help get it anchored and Ppopular tourist destinations in monitor the exclusion zone around the state over Christmas, New Year the barge. and the summer school holidays. This effort was duplicated on New The area’s waterways and rich Year’s Eve, working with d’Albora fishing grounds are its biggest Marina to place the fireworks barge drawcards, attracting an influx of and again keep the exclusion zone boats to the Tomaree peninsula. free, this time with many more boats With all the car parks around on the water. boat ramps overflowing, there is Over the two months of Port Stephens 31 rafted up this 43 foot sailboat when its engine a constant procession of boats December and January, the unit’s • 88 berths with power and water failed on approach to the local marina, assisting it and its two departing for destinations on both radio operators Logged On 1,050 passengers into a tight berth in unfavourable winds. • 23 swing moorings (free dinghy storage) local and offshore waters. boats, peaking at 87 on our busiest • Boom gate access to car park Additional volunteers are day and recording up to 70 vessels on the water. At night and on public rostered in the MR Port Stephens on many others. Our rescue vessels, Port holidays, our base acts as the Lemon Tree 30 is powering on new twin 200 HP Suzuki outboards • Toilets and showers communications centre to handle The communications centre Stephens 30 and Port Stephens communications centre for the following a recent refit. • Slipway to 15 tonnes the expected increased load of handled 58 on-water incidents over 31, were tasked 27 times during Hunter Valley Rural Fire Service, • Convenience store (Brooklyn Central) trandings, vessels adrift and keeping a sharp lookout for people vessels Logging On and Off and to the holiday period. December and January. The managing 112 RFS incidents in boats with fuel problems and in the water. Police informed the respond to calls for assistance. Just when we were expecting to longest distance covered to reach January alone to support the fine • Unleaded fuel on wharf for marina clients S flat batteries ensured crews from base that the fishermen had swum The peak season got under see a decline in activity, we had a a distressed vessel was 23 nautical work done by RFS crews on the • Mechanic on site MR Lemon Tree Passage were a safely ashore. way with our support for the local “freak” day on Saturday, February miles. ground. high-visibility presence on local LT 30 has been refitted with Christmas Carols and fireworks on 10, with 77 Log Ons and six assists, Unit members also supported the Following the busy summer, the waterways over summer. new twin 200HP Suzuki outboard December 17. including four long range operations. NSW Roads and Maritime Service’s unit turned its focus to the fishing Rarely has our vessel Lemon Tree engines at a cost of just over After first preparing a risk The unit works closely with the expired flare collection program, competition season over February 30 been called out to the upper $45,000. A trip to Newcastle Port management plan, our role was Port Stephens Police Marine Area RAAF rescue helicopter training and and March. reaches of Tilligerry Creek beyond to assist MR Newcastle with safety to tow the fireworks barge into Command to respond to incidents the Australia Day community event. Tony O’Donnell SANDBROOK INLET Gibbers Point but two incidents saw patrols for the Australian Formula crews venture further upstream. Powerboat Grand Prix and Australia MARINA In the first, a small catamaran Day events helped run in the motors. had upturned in a stiff westerly The unit has farewelled our Small boats stuck hard and fast in shallows wind, with its mast embedded in the member and former MRNSW Brooklyn 9985 5500 mangrove mud, leaving the skipper Regional Trainer Leigh Carmichael, arine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and a frightened dog sitting on top who has moved to Victoria to be Mcrews responded to a spate of the hull. The catamaran’s mast closer to family after 13 years’ of boats stranded in shallow waters was pulled out of the mud with service with the Australian Volunteer over summer. difficulty and the vessel floated on Coast Guard and MRNSW. The unit was called to respond its side with one holed hull full of A Master 4, Leigh was one of our to more than 30 incidents over the water. It was then towed to Gibber senior skippers and had an intimate peak season, with 455 radio calls Point where the man, dog and boat knowledge of the region’s waters. received at the radio base. returned to shore. Many members benefited from Crews took 22 vessels under Crews also were called to the Leigh’s training. tow, including several suffering creek’s upper reaches when two The Maritime Fire Safety course, mechanical problems and other men called our radio base just on which he helped develop, was small boats with no means of dusk one evening in January to trialled at our base. clarifying the water depth until they report that they were standing by an Leigh said the most difficult became stuck on the sand. MR Tuggerah Lakes crew members Russell Crimmins, Bob Cox, Jamey Blackman and Skipper John upturned dinghy with two floating rescue he had attended was at Unit Commander Tony Younglove Girling prepare to take a boat stranded in shallow waters under tow on February 17. hats and fishing gear but no sign of Three Sisters Rocks, north of said about 15 boats had been the owners. Broughton Island, at night when a grounded on different areas of the working in recent weeks,” he said. careful attention to markers at all a tribute to 13-year-old Blake Tickell, LT 30 confirmed there was no 28ft cabin cruiser with three people lakes over the past year. “In Budgewoi Lake, some boaters times when they are on the water.” who died after falling in the sport’s sign of the boat’s occupants. and a dog on board lost engine “Our crews responded to one have been grounded in the Buff The unit recently provided State Titles in December, with junior The crew managed to tow the power. The tow took 2.5 hours in vessel stuck in Tuggerah Lake just Point area because the skippers did facilities and catering for the Region skiiers releasing orange balloons in 3.5m aluminium vessel to the public heavy seas with 3.5m swells. near the entrance to the Wyong not heed the markers. V waterski racing club races on his memory. wharf at Lemon Tree Passage, while Gary Bow River, where a dredge has been “Skippers should ensure they pay Budgewoi Lake. The event included Sue Younglove

28 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 29 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News Greater Sydney News

night response crew from MR shore and a waiting ambulance. The n February 18 before a large ALake Macquarie was quickly swift and diligent response of our Ocrowd at Sydney Olympic Park, on the scene to rescue a woman team and the Westpac crew saved MR Hawkesbury volunteers were who had reportedly leapt into the the woman’s life. This operation presented with an Unsung Hero water in the dark at Shingle Splitters highlighted the value of a two-day award acknowledging their vital to escape a violent situation on training session with the helicopter efforts to save lives on the water. February 11. service in January. National Basketball League team Radio operator Max Marcatili February 18 proved a hectic day, the Sydney Kings honoured the called out the duty crew at 9.45pm, with our radio operators Logging unit “for making an overwhelming with skipper Roland Bennett at the On 41 vessels in the morning and impact on the lives of others in the boat shed within eight minutes and coordinating 10 assists during the community”. Lake Macquarie 30 during a two-day training exercise in choppy Bill Valent soon after, heading out on afternoon shift, summoning extra conditions with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. MR Hawkesbury Unit Commander board Lake Macquarie 11. boat crew to handle the workload. Ken Edwards said it was a great On a dark night with poor Over December and January the communications truck while the thanks from members of the experience. visibility, the crew took a police base handled 4,440 radio calls and work was carried out in the radio community, so we were pleased to “It was quite thrilling and lovely officer on board en route. Arriving Logged On 785 local boats and room. We are continuing to work see the praise for our team from to know that people do recognise at Shingle Splitters, LM 11 was another 162 travelling the coastline, hard to raise funds to replace our boater Gaylene Temple on social the time and effort that we put into directed to a nearby point where with our crews responding to 103 existing outdated and cramped base media: “Thank you for your help and helping the boating public and the Sydney Kings MC Mike Goldman presents MR Hawkesbury’s Greg Groppenbacher, Greg Rottinger, Ken the Westpac Rescue Helicopter had incidents. with a new building. professionalism. Your rescue boat public generally,” he said. Edwards, Peter Moore and Mark Dryza with their Unsung Hero award. Photo: Brendan Trembath. spotted the woman struggling in the Our new RediTalk computerised Fittingly, Communications Officer was beside us within half an hour Mr Edwards accepted the award water. radio system was installed in time Peter Shotton was named the unit’s after our call. Being at anchor with with fellow volunteers Mark Dryza, residents with no road access. aid and advanced resuscitation and Qudos Bank Arena just before the The crew found the woman with for the peak season, with more than Member of the Year for 2017. a sad engine and high winds was Greg Groppenbacher, Peter Moore “There’s something like 1,200 we have the latest equipment on our Kings’ final game of the season. her head just above the surface 60 volunteers completing training on Peter puts in countless hours and nerve wracking until you showed and Greg Rottinger. people who have water access only vessels.” After a loud cheer from the crowd, and water flushing over her face. the system over a week. has been responsible for many up taking control. You guys are MR Hawkesbury operates two fast on the entire river,” he said. The Kings’ Master of Ceremonies the volunteers stepped out of the She showed no signs of life but Our members operated our improvements at our radio base. awesome!” response search and rescue vessels “We might well be transporting Mike Goldman presented the spotlight to watch the game with rallied as she was conveyed to radio services from the MRNSW It’s always gratifying to receive Chris Parkinson based at Mooney Mooney. paramedics to a particular location Unsung Hero award - an official their families. The Sydney Kings beat Mr Edwards said MR Hawkesbury or we respond ourselves if required NBL basketball in a display case the New Zealand Breakers 101-86. served both boaters and river because we have all trained in first - to members on court at the Brendan Trembath A season of slow tows and high speed power Cruiser emergency: where there’s smoke there’s not always fire. Harbour crews dished up variety of incidents boater made an urgent call for chop from the north east, NC A help to MR Newcastle when his 30 took the boat under tow to rews at MR Middle Harbour With MH 30 approaching bow- motor failed and the cabin of his Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Cdealt with a smorgasboard of first, a crew member disembarked Markline flybridge cruiser filled with where it remained for three days for incidents, including offshore and with a tow rope, securing it to the smoke two days before New Year. motor repairs. enclosed water tows and a pump yacht, which was then towed to an The 34 foot cruiser, with a man This operation followed a call at out operation, on March 3. emergency buoy in Sailors Bay. and child on board, was travelling 2.25pm on December 9 to assist a In rough seas, MH 30 was called Members have congratulated from Sydney to Port Stephens. 4.5m aluminium open runabout with to assist a vessel stranded 1.5nm volunteer Bill Keleher on the Unit Commander Ron Calman one person on board stranded 5nm off Manly Beach, towing it back to presentation of the first clasp to his and Richard Neville, on board east of Nobby Surf Club. Berrys Bay, before being called to a Long Service Medal, recognising Newcastle 30, responded to the call On arrival, the crew of NC 30 boat taking on water in Shell Cove. 30 years’ committed service to at 11.30am, travelling 11nm east found the propeller had departed The Police Marine Area Command volunteer marine rescue. of Dudley, where the vessel was from the boat’s 50HP outboard Newcastle 30 returns a 34 foot cruiser to safety after its motor failed was on the scene, pumping out Bill joined the Royal Volunteer located with both occupants safe motor. and the cabin filled with smoke 11nm off shore. the vessel. MH 30 took over the Coastal Patrol in 1988, reaching the on board. The vessel was secured and operation, returning the boat safely rank of Divisional Commander of Greater Sydney ROM Glenn Evans congratulates MR Middle and Maritime Services and the Stockton swim and a spectacular With the Westpac Rescue towed without incident to the to its wharf. Botany Bay. Harbour’s Bill Keleher for 30 years’ service. Photo: Brian Roberts. Helicopter standing by, it had been Carrington boat ramp. Newcastle Police Marine Area aerial display. The day was almost over when He transferred to Middle Harbour determined before the rescue crew’s On Australia Day, NC 30, crewed Command to maintain the exclusion After a briefing at the RMS office, a member of the public called to in 2000 to train members on six Other positions Bill has held Bill has also worked with MRNSW arrival that the smoke was from the by Ian Morrow and Terry Reynolds, zone for the Australian Formula the MRNSW vessels both were report a wooden yacht had broken Waveney vessels acquired from the include watch officer, Local Stores Manager Graham Foy to motors, not a fire on board. and a vessel from MR Lemon Tree Powerboat Grand Prix in the vicinity tasked to assist at the swim area. free of its mooring and drifted on to Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Emergency Management Committee service all MRNSW lifejackets for the In fine conditions with a slight Passage supported NSW Roads of The Basin, the Newcastle to Ron Calman a private jetty off Northbridge. England. representative and boat master. past six years.

30 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 31 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News Greater Sydney News

Woman pulled from water close to death Hawkesbury heroes Kings for the day Lake Macquarie crew and rescue chopper quickly on scene in darkness. Award for volunteers’ overwhelming impact on lives of community. night response crew from MR shore and a waiting ambulance. The n February 18 before a large ALake Macquarie was quickly swift and diligent response of our Ocrowd at Sydney Olympic Park, on the scene to rescue a woman team and the Westpac crew saved MR Hawkesbury volunteers were who had reportedly leapt into the the woman’s life. This operation presented with an Unsung Hero water in the dark at Shingle Splitters highlighted the value of a two-day award acknowledging their vital to escape a violent situation on training session with the helicopter efforts to save lives on the water. February 11. service in January. National Basketball League team Radio operator Max Marcatili February 18 proved a hectic day, the Sydney Kings honoured the called out the duty crew at 9.45pm, with our radio operators Logging unit “for making an overwhelming with skipper Roland Bennett at the On 41 vessels in the morning and impact on the lives of others in the boat shed within eight minutes and coordinating 10 assists during the community”. Lake Macquarie 30 during a two-day training exercise in choppy Bill Valent soon after, heading out on afternoon shift, summoning extra conditions with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. MR Hawkesbury Unit Commander board Lake Macquarie 11. boat crew to handle the workload. Ken Edwards said it was a great On a dark night with poor Over December and January the communications truck while the thanks from members of the experience. visibility, the crew took a police base handled 4,440 radio calls and work was carried out in the radio community, so we were pleased to “It was quite thrilling and lovely officer on board en route. Arriving Logged On 785 local boats and room. We are continuing to work see the praise for our team from to know that people do recognise at Shingle Splitters, LM 11 was another 162 travelling the coastline, hard to raise funds to replace our boater Gaylene Temple on social the time and effort that we put into directed to a nearby point where with our crews responding to 103 existing outdated and cramped base media: “Thank you for your help and helping the boating public and the Sydney Kings MC Mike Goldman presents MR Hawkesbury’s Greg Groppenbacher, Greg Rottinger, Ken the Westpac Rescue Helicopter had incidents. with a new building. professionalism. Your rescue boat public generally,” he said. Edwards, Peter Moore and Mark Dryza with their Unsung Hero award. Photo: Brendan Trembath. spotted the woman struggling in the Our new RediTalk computerised Fittingly, Communications Officer was beside us within half an hour Mr Edwards accepted the award water. radio system was installed in time Peter Shotton was named the unit’s after our call. Being at anchor with with fellow volunteers Mark Dryza, residents with no road access. aid and advanced resuscitation and Qudos Bank Arena just before the The crew found the woman with for the peak season, with more than Member of the Year for 2017. a sad engine and high winds was Greg Groppenbacher, Peter Moore “There’s something like 1,200 we have the latest equipment on our Kings’ final game of the season. her head just above the surface 60 volunteers completing training on Peter puts in countless hours and nerve wracking until you showed and Greg Rottinger. people who have water access only vessels.” After a loud cheer from the crowd, and water flushing over her face. the system over a week. has been responsible for many up taking control. You guys are MR Hawkesbury operates two fast on the entire river,” he said. The Kings’ Master of Ceremonies the volunteers stepped out of the She showed no signs of life but Our members operated our improvements at our radio base. awesome!” response search and rescue vessels “We might well be transporting Mike Goldman presented the spotlight to watch the game with rallied as she was conveyed to radio services from the MRNSW It’s always gratifying to receive Chris Parkinson based at Mooney Mooney. paramedics to a particular location Unsung Hero award - an official their families. The Sydney Kings beat Mr Edwards said MR Hawkesbury or we respond ourselves if required NBL basketball in a display case the New Zealand Breakers 101-86. served both boaters and river because we have all trained in first - to members on court at the Brendan Trembath A season of slow tows and high speed power Cruiser emergency: where there’s smoke there’s not always fire. Harbour crews dished up variety of incidents boater made an urgent call for chop from the north east, NC Ahelp to MR Newcastle when his 30 took the boat under tow to rews at MR Middle Harbour With MH 30 approaching bow- motor failed and the cabin of his Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Cdealt with a smorgasboard of first, a crew member disembarked Markline flybridge cruiser filled with where it remained for three days for incidents, including offshore and with a tow rope, securing it to the smoke two days before New Year. motor repairs. enclosed water tows and a pump yacht, which was then towed to an The 34 foot cruiser, with a man This operation followed a call at out operation, on March 3. emergency buoy in Sailors Bay. and child on board, was travelling 2.25pm on December 9 to assist a In rough seas, MH 30 was called Members have congratulated from Sydney to Port Stephens. 4.5m aluminium open runabout with to assist a vessel stranded 1.5nm volunteer Bill Keleher on the Unit Commander Ron Calman one person on board stranded 5nm off Manly Beach, towing it back to presentation of the first clasp to his and Richard Neville, on board east of Nobby Surf Club. Berrys Bay, before being called to a Long Service Medal, recognising Newcastle 30, responded to the call On arrival, the crew of NC 30 boat taking on water in Shell Cove. 30 years’ committed service to at 11.30am, travelling 11nm east found the propeller had departed The Police Marine Area Command volunteer marine rescue. of Dudley, where the vessel was from the boat’s 50HP outboard Newcastle 30 returns a 34 foot cruiser to safety after its motor failed was on the scene, pumping out Bill joined the Royal Volunteer located with both occupants safe motor. and the cabin filled with smoke 11nm off shore. the vessel. MH 30 took over the Coastal Patrol in 1988, reaching the on board. The vessel was secured and operation, returning the boat safely rank of Divisional Commander of Greater Sydney ROM Glenn Evans congratulates MR Middle and Maritime Services and the Stockton swim and a spectacular With the Westpac Rescue towed without incident to the to its wharf. Botany Bay. Harbour’s Bill Keleher for 30 years’ service. Photo: Brian Roberts. Helicopter standing by, it had been Carrington boat ramp. Newcastle Police Marine Area aerial display. The day was almost over when He transferred to Middle Harbour determined before the rescue crew’s On Australia Day, NC 30, crewed Command to maintain the exclusion After a briefing at the RMS office, a member of the public called to in 2000 to train members on six Other positions Bill has held Bill has also worked with MRNSW arrival that the smoke was from the by Ian Morrow and Terry Reynolds, zone for the Australian Formula the MRNSW vessels both were report a wooden yacht had broken Waveney vessels acquired from the include watch officer, Local Stores Manager Graham Foy to motors, not a fire on board. and a vessel from MR Lemon Tree Powerboat Grand Prix in the vicinity tasked to assist at the swim area. free of its mooring and drifted on to Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Emergency Management Committee service all MRNSW lifejackets for the In fine conditions with a slight Passage supported NSW Roads of The Basin, the Newcastle to Ron Calman a private jetty off Northbridge. England. representative and boat master. past six years.

30 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 31 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News Greater Sydney News

wo vessels from MR Botany rescue operations, including seven he members of MR Terrey Hills The base’s busiest days were TPort Hacking joined a ‘Dunkirk’ in response to life-threatening Thave again successfully handled New Year’s Day and January 2, with flotilla of boats ready to evacuate emergencies.The radio base Logged a record summer workload as they radio operators Logging On 94 and hundreds of visitors trapped by two on 717 vessels with 1,809 people watched over boaters not only on 101 vessels respectively. out-of-control bushfires in the Royal on board and handled 2,069 marine Sydney’s waterways but also further The unit’s responsibility for National Park on Sydney’s southern radio transmissions. north and south along the coastline. managing overnight marine radio outskirts on January 20. The summer was again marked The unit was a hive of activity traffic and vessel monitoring for a Botany 30 and Port Hacking 30 by tragedy on local waters. A full- over December and January, number of our regional MRNSW assembled off Garie Beach with scale search was mounted on the dealing with more than 9,700 bases via the Seahawk and Radio NSW Police Marine Area Command Georges River on December 19 for communications, including marine over Internet systems has led to an and Surf LIfe Saving NSW vessels a man, 23, who had jumped into the radio transmissions, phone calls and elevated level of daily responsibility and an assortment of private boats, water from the Como Bridge and vessels Logging On and Off - an for our members between 5pm and MRNSW crews stand ready to evacuate people trapped by bushfires standing by for a mass rescue of failed to resurface. His body was in the Royal National Park in January. increase of 400 over its previous 6am. holidaymakers off the beach. later recovered. record set last year. This workload is evidence of our Port Kembla 30 also was under BY 30 was deployed to support PH 30 joined the search for the and took part in the New4Old The number of calls for radio operators’ major commitment Another record summer at MR Terrey Hills ... Watch Officer Mel Little the elderly man, who was recovered lifejacket campaign. way north but fortunately, the water the operation, keeping other vessels assistance received by the unit more to the safety of boaters along the keeps an ear on the radios while Helen Manifold (left) and Alison evacuation was not required and the at bay from the scene. from the water by the Botany Bay On Australia Day, BY 30 rescued than doubled from 300 last summer NSW coastline. Glover (right) plot vessel courses. Photo: Pamela Sayers. crews were stood down. None of three men on board a Marine Area Command but could a boat with engine difficulties 9nm to 786 this year, including Mayday Our overnight responsibilities The RFS thanked the MRNSW boat that capsized near Kurnell not be revived. One of the other two offshore. The two boaters had and Pan Pan emergencies and less have particularly driven a rise In all 5,614 telephone calls were Officer courses to our program. crews for their support. on December 29 was wearing a men walked to safety while the third followed all safety advice, Logging urgent calls for help. of 25 per cent in our telephone made or received by the base over Our training team will be The unit extended its vessel lifejacket. A 73-year-old drowned was winched out by helicopter. On, carrying a VHF marine radio, Sydney Harbour again proved traffic as bases call in to hand over the summer season. responsible for delivering lectures and radio operations over the and his son and another man were Crews again supported the major wearing lifejackets and displaying a incredibly busy with an abundance responsibility to Terrey Hills at the We are continuing to support and operational sessions for both peak season, conducting 72 forced to swim on to rocks. summer events on Sydney Harbour V sheet to signal their distress. of recreational boating traffic over end of the day before then resuming our members through our programs. We look forward to a Christmas, New Year, Australia Day their local radio operations first thing refreshed training activities, adding productive year. and the rest of the season. the next morning. professional development and Watch Denis Comber Noel commits 55 years to serving community Diverse career stretches from thin blue line to Marine Rescue blues. Port Jackson high profile at big three events arine Rescue Botany Port the Criminal Investigation Branch Crews mount extra harbour patrols to watch over boating public. MHacking Radio Base Manager and the Vice, Armed Hold Up and Noel Parkinson has been recognised Regional Crime squads. embers of MR Port Jackson In all, our crews were tasked for 55 years’ service to the He then became Detective Mensured that MRNSW was a to respond to 17 incidents in community. Sergeant in Charge at Cronulla high-profile presence on Sydney December, 20 in January and nine Commissioner Stacey Tannos and Relieving Detective Inspector Harbour during the busiest five in February. presented Noel with the fourth clasp at Kogarah. He was promoted to weeks of the year. These included two yachts that to the National Medal, officially commissioned officer, serving as Our members again played key sank, one offshore with two people acknowledging his commitment, at a Commander, Security Management roles in maintaining exclusion zones on board, who were retrieved by a unit ceremony in December. Branch, at the Sydney Police Centre and providing operational support passing vessel. Born in Maclean on the Clarence until his retirement in September for the major harbour events - the The other, in February, was River on the NSW North Coast, Noel 1997, after 40 years and 11 days’ start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht 100m north of Clarke Island on the started his volunteering career at the service to the NSW community, race on Boxing Day, the New Year’s harbour. Skipper Tony Hill heard a Commissioner Stacey Tannos presents Noel Parkinson with the age of 14 as a member of Yamba including 33 years within the fourth clasp to the National Medal recognising 55 years’ service. Eve fireworks and Australia Day call from the Lady Hopeton heritage Surf Club. criminal investigation area. activities - as well as watching over launch advising a vessel had sunk Safety patrol ... Port Jackson 30 crosses the harbour during the He joined the NSW Police Force Noel was one of many volunteers held numerous positions, including Noel now continues to support the increased number of boaters out during a Saturday yacht race. The support operation for the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. as a cadet in 1957 and was sworn who helped make the Sydney roster officer, Flotilla Commander the unit as the Radio Base Manager enjoying long days on the water. two crew members were safely in as a Probationary Constable on Olympics such a success in 2000 and more recently, MR Port Hacking and once again as roster support About 25 of our members gave collected by the race control boat. opportunity to partner with crews after the midnight fireworks. his 19th birthday in 1960. before he joined the Port Hacking Unit Commander. Noel has always officer. even more of their time than usual All passengers on board both from other units for the New Year’s The unit is looking forward to His first posting was at Flotilla of the Australian Volunteer been a source of information and During NSW Seniors Week in to provide an additional five days of yachts had been wearing lifejackets. Eve event, maintaining the fireworks moving into our new base at the Marrickville and in a diverse career, Coast Guard Association in 2001. continues to provide training and 2012, Noel was recognised with duty on the water to ensure boaters We have been taking part in exclusion zone west of the Harbour refurbished Birkenhead Point Marina he went on to be stationed at With a commercial coxswain guidance to many members, taking an award for his outstanding stayed safe. This proved prudent valuable search and rescue training Bridge. in May and receiving our new 7.5m Wollongong, Murwillumbah, Walgett qualification, Noel’s experience on further studies to become one of achievement in community service. planning, with our crews responding with our colleagues from MR Middle Our crew was only called to assist Naiad vessel later in the year. and Newtown before moving into was quickly put to use and he has the unit’s Trainers and Assessors. Glenn Evans to up to 10 incidents on some days. Harbour and it was also a great one vessel, towing it to West Ryde Greg Urand

32 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 33 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News Greater Sydney News

Flotilla assembles for ‘Dunkirk’ evacuation Terrey Hills notches up new summer record Beach escape plan for visitors trapped by bushfire in Royal National Park. Workload jumps as central base monitors Sydney and regional boaters. wo vessels from MR Botany rescue operations, including seven he members of MR Terrey Hills The base’s busiest days were TPort Hacking joined a ‘Dunkirk’ in response to life-threatening Thave again successfully handled New Year’s Day and January 2, with flotilla of boats ready to evacuate emergencies.The radio base Logged a record summer workload as they radio operators Logging On 94 and hundreds of visitors trapped by two on 717 vessels with 1,809 people watched over boaters not only on 101 vessels respectively. out-of-control bushfires in the Royal on board and handled 2,069 marine Sydney’s waterways but also further The unit’s responsibility for National Park on Sydney’s southern radio transmissions. north and south along the coastline. managing overnight marine radio outskirts on January 20. The summer was again marked The unit was a hive of activity traffic and vessel monitoring for a Botany 30 and Port Hacking 30 by tragedy on local waters. A full- over December and January, number of our regional MRNSW assembled off Garie Beach with scale search was mounted on the dealing with more than 9,700 bases via the Seahawk and Radio NSW Police Marine Area Command Georges River on December 19 for communications, including marine over Internet systems has led to an and Surf LIfe Saving NSW vessels a man, 23, who had jumped into the radio transmissions, phone calls and elevated level of daily responsibility and an assortment of private boats, water from the Como Bridge and vessels Logging On and Off - an for our members between 5pm and MRNSW crews stand ready to evacuate people trapped by bushfires standing by for a mass rescue of failed to resurface. His body was in the Royal National Park in January. increase of 400 over its previous 6am. holidaymakers off the beach. later recovered. record set last year. This workload is evidence of our Port Kembla 30 also was under BY 30 was deployed to support PH 30 joined the search for the and took part in the New4Old The number of calls for radio operators’ major commitment Another record summer at MR Terrey Hills ... Watch Officer Mel Little the elderly man, who was recovered lifejacket campaign. way north but fortunately, the water the operation, keeping other vessels assistance received by the unit more to the safety of boaters along the keeps an ear on the radios while Helen Manifold (left) and Alison evacuation was not required and the at bay from the scene. from the water by the Botany Bay On Australia Day, BY 30 rescued than doubled from 300 last summer NSW coastline. Glover (right) plot vessel courses. Photo: Pamela Sayers. crews were stood down. None of three men on board a Marine Area Command but could a boat with engine difficulties 9nm to 786 this year, including Mayday Our overnight responsibilities The RFS thanked the MRNSW boat that capsized near Kurnell not be revived. One of the other two offshore. The two boaters had and Pan Pan emergencies and less have particularly driven a rise In all 5,614 telephone calls were Officer courses to our program. crews for their support. on December 29 was wearing a men walked to safety while the third followed all safety advice, Logging urgent calls for help. of 25 per cent in our telephone made or received by the base over Our training team will be The unit extended its vessel lifejacket. A 73-year-old drowned was winched out by helicopter. On, carrying a VHF marine radio, Sydney Harbour again proved traffic as bases call in to hand over the summer season. responsible for delivering lectures and radio operations over the and his son and another man were Crews again supported the major wearing lifejackets and displaying a incredibly busy with an abundance responsibility to Terrey Hills at the We are continuing to support and operational sessions for both peak season, conducting 72 forced to swim on to rocks. summer events on Sydney Harbour V sheet to signal their distress. of recreational boating traffic over end of the day before then resuming our members through our programs. We look forward to a Christmas, New Year, Australia Day their local radio operations first thing refreshed training activities, adding productive year. and the rest of the season. the next morning. professional development and Watch Denis Comber Noel commits 55 years to serving community Diverse career stretches from thin blue line to Marine Rescue blues. Port Jackson high profile at big three events arine Rescue Botany Port the Criminal Investigation Branch Crews mount extra harbour patrols to watch over boating public. MHacking Radio Base Manager and the Vice, Armed Hold Up and Noel Parkinson has been recognised Regional Crime squads. embers of MR Port Jackson In all, our crews were tasked for 55 years’ service to the He then became Detective Mensured that MRNSW was a to respond to 17 incidents in community. Sergeant in Charge at Cronulla high-profile presence on Sydney December, 20 in January and nine Commissioner Stacey Tannos and Relieving Detective Inspector Harbour during the busiest five in February. presented Noel with the fourth clasp at Kogarah. He was promoted to weeks of the year. These included two yachts that to the National Medal, officially commissioned officer, serving as Our members again played key sank, one offshore with two people acknowledging his commitment, at a Commander, Security Management roles in maintaining exclusion zones on board, who were retrieved by a unit ceremony in December. Branch, at the Sydney Police Centre and providing operational support passing vessel. Born in Maclean on the Clarence until his retirement in September for the major harbour events - the The other, in February, was River on the NSW North Coast, Noel 1997, after 40 years and 11 days’ start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht 100m north of Clarke Island on the started his volunteering career at the service to the NSW community, race on Boxing Day, the New Year’s harbour. Skipper Tony Hill heard a Commissioner Stacey Tannos presents Noel Parkinson with the age of 14 as a member of Yamba including 33 years within the fourth clasp to the National Medal recognising 55 years’ service. Eve fireworks and Australia Day call from the Lady Hopeton heritage Surf Club. criminal investigation area. activities - as well as watching over launch advising a vessel had sunk Safety patrol ... Port Jackson 30 crosses the harbour during the He joined the NSW Police Force Noel was one of many volunteers held numerous positions, including Noel now continues to support the increased number of boaters out during a Saturday yacht race. The support operation for the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. as a cadet in 1957 and was sworn who helped make the Sydney roster officer, Flotilla Commander the unit as the Radio Base Manager enjoying long days on the water. two crew members were safely in as a Probationary Constable on Olympics such a success in 2000 and more recently, MR Port Hacking and once again as roster support About 25 of our members gave collected by the race control boat. opportunity to partner with crews after the midnight fireworks. his 19th birthday in 1960. before he joined the Port Hacking Unit Commander. Noel has always officer. even more of their time than usual All passengers on board both from other units for the New Year’s The unit is looking forward to His first posting was at Flotilla of the Australian Volunteer been a source of information and During NSW Seniors Week in to provide an additional five days of yachts had been wearing lifejackets. Eve event, maintaining the fireworks moving into our new base at the Marrickville and in a diverse career, Coast Guard Association in 2001. continues to provide training and 2012, Noel was recognised with duty on the water to ensure boaters We have been taking part in exclusion zone west of the Harbour refurbished Birkenhead Point Marina he went on to be stationed at With a commercial coxswain guidance to many members, taking an award for his outstanding stayed safe. This proved prudent valuable search and rescue training Bridge. in May and receiving our new 7.5m Wollongong, Murwillumbah, Walgett qualification, Noel’s experience on further studies to become one of achievement in community service. planning, with our crews responding with our colleagues from MR Middle Our crew was only called to assist Naiad vessel later in the year. and Newtown before moving into was quickly put to use and he has the unit’s Trainers and Assessors. Glenn Evans to up to 10 incidents on some days. Harbour and it was also a great one vessel, towing it to West Ryde Greg Urand

32 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 33 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News Illawarra News

concerted effort to provide respond to a series of emergencies 25-year-old man drowned when A extra volunteer training support over summer with great Ahe slipped and fell into the water has resulted in 13 members of professionalism. while walking to a rock fishing spot MR Broken Bay upgrading their On New Year’s Eve, Broken Bay on the coast at Little Beecroft Head qualifications in recent months. 20 immediately responded to a near Currarong on January 7. Unit Commander Vic Lawrence Mayday call for all vessels in the MR Shoalhaven was alerted to identified the need to provide vicinity of Jerusalem Bay near a report of a person in the water additional support for members as the Hawkesbury River to render at 9.40am. Shoalhaven 20, with they advanced through the Marine assistance to a seaplane that had Mario Savoca, Graham Rickard and Rescue ratings, providing for a crashed in the water. Steve Hutchison on board, made strong and resilient unit. UC Lawrence, Hugo Zauber, Peter best speed to the site with SA 30 The 13 members have achieved Whitelaw and Andrew Palma were following about 10 minutes later. the ratings of Master, Coxswain, among the first on the scene. By this time, three men were in Leading Crew and Crew. Other incidents included a report the water as the unconscious man’s “This will give Broken Bay greater that was received from the NSW companions had grabbed an angel flexibility for all operations within its Police Marine Area Command life ring and jumped in to help him. Shoalhaven 30 disappears behind a large, lumpy swell during training exercises with the CHC Rescue five watch command,” Mr Lawrence base at Church Point advising that SA 20 located the three men, Helicopter from the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Albatross. Photo: Danielle Carter. Some of the newly qualified MR Broken Bay members ... Damian said. they required the evacuation of a Fehon (Master), Ted Talbot (Crew), Tertius Bezuidenhout (Crew), taking all on board with some Members keen to progress to fisherman from The Basin in Ku- Stuart Sperduti (Coxswain), Duncan Watts (Crew), Peter Whitelaw difficulty. The crew immediately to SA 20 to assist with the CPR. This undoubtedly saved the lives of Garth Buchanan, Cliff Kenney and their next rating receive positive ring-gai Chase National Park. (Crew) and Martin Clemesha (Crew). began CPR on the unconscious man continued until the vessel reached the two men, both of whom were Loretta Walton, who performed encouragement by way of additional The man’s finger had almost in the difficult sea conditions with the Crookhaven Heads wharf, where weak and in serious difficulty. The professionally. This was one of 15 training, led by Training Officer been severed by a moray eel. aid to the fisherman’s hand. boat ramp, from where he was the deck awash. The other two men a NSW Ambulance was waiting, but operation showed good teamwork responses by the unit in December Keren Muir-McCarey and key unit BB 20 was dispatched and by the After a quick and full handover transported to Mona Vale Hospital. were conscious but suffering shock the man was unable to be revived. with the crew of SA 30, Mike and January, with the Pilot House members, that meshes with the time it arrived on scene a National briefing was completed, the crew Our enquiries later received a and hypothermia. The other two men were transported Boadle, Brian Earsman and Rob handling 1,646 radio calls and defined MRNSW training modules. Parks and Wildlife Service officer of BB 20 evacuated the patient to a reassuring response: ‘eels alright’. On the return journey, an officer to Shoalhaven Hospital. Rego, relaying information to Logging On 732 boats. This has seen our members had applied bandages and other first waiting NSW Ambulance at Bayview Chris Guy was transferred from a Police boat The quick response of SA 20 the Pilot House radio operators, Bill Carter

Calm response earns Commander’s Citation Men cling to upturned boat for hours in dark

team from MR Cottage Point Extending its operations to cover our men were pulled from the alarm, they stayed with the vessel A was patrolling in Broken Bay Mondays and Fridays, the unit Fwater after clinging to their boat and awaited daylight to signal for about 2pm on February 17 when assisted 60 vessels over summer. for hours when it capsized in the help. an urgent radio call came through Seven were offshore, including a early morning darkness off the Lake On top of the almost daily vessel from a 39 foot yacht that had lost its tinny 1nm off Barrenjoey that had Illawarra bar on January 13. assists for mechanical failures engine and was being buffeted, out run out of two-stroke oil. CP 31 A member of the public called MR and flat batteries that MR Port of control, in rough seas. purchased four litres of oil and Port Kembla’s Hill 60 to report the Kembla crews took in their stride Cottage Point 31 located the delivered it to the stranded vessel. upturned boat off the bar at 6am. at the start of the year, this was an vessel and quickly determined the Six jet skis were helped after A full-scale emergency response excellent example of interagency Mission control ... MR Port Kembla member Joan Krzysik at the couple on board needed help to get suffering mechanical problems or resulted in two men being winched cooperation between NSW Police NSW Police Marine Area Command on Australia Day with MAC the yacht back under control before running out of fuel. aboard a NSW Ambulance Helicopter Marine Area Command, MRNSW Commander Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings. a tow could be undertaken. Five medical assists included MR Cottage Point member Marcus Collignon at the helm of a and the other two being pulled from and NSW Ambulance, resulting in an In a lumpy swell, Marcus an operation to evacuate a woman disabled yacht with owner Lynda Young. the water by Port Kembla 20 and incredibly positive outcome, given with vessels from MRNSW, NSW subsequently washed up with no Collignon transferred on board in who broke her ankle in Ku-ring-gai conveyed to waiting paramedics at the conditions. Maritime and the Police MAC one on board. With the search one safe leap. After quickly furling National Park on January 6. the emergency services working came to the rescue of the people the Reddall Reserve boat ramp with This rescue was closely followed descending on Garie Beach to assist turning up nothing, crews were the foresail and connecting the CP 30 picked up NSW Ambulance together. and their dog. CP 31 arrived on minor injuries. MR Shellharbour was by MRNSW assets being activated in the event of a mass evacuation stood down close to midnight. tow line, Marcus took charge of paramedics en route to West Head CP 31 was despatched at speed the scene as Police Marine Area called in to assist in the recovery of when an out of control bushfire by water but thankfully, this was not Early the next day, the boat’s the yacht, reassuring its crew Beach. A Surf Life Saving jet ski on January 22 in response to an Command and NSW Maritime the boat, which was still afloat. prevented hundreds of people being required. owner advised police it had been and ensuring a safe transit and then transferred the woman from urgent call to MR Central Coast extinguished the fire. Our crew then It emerged that the group had able to leave the Royal National Park A few days later, crews scoured stolen a few nights earlier and with mooring with ease. Marcus has the shore to the rescue vessel for reporting a 9m flybridge cruiser on towed the damaged vessel back to been in the water for more than four north of Wollongong. South Beach with the Ambulance no one reported missing, the search been awarded a Unit Commander’s transportation. With MR Broken Bay fire with two people in the water Brisbane Water for repair. hours after their boat capsized early PK 30 was under way to join helicopter and local police after was called off. Citation for his calm assistance. also assisting, it was good to see near Lion Island. A passing boat Paul Millar in the morning. Unable to raise the an almost Dunkirk-looking scene, a vessel was found drifting and Tom Dragutinovich

34 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 35 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News Illawarra News

‘Professional’ rating for Broken Bay members Rock fisher slips and drowns on South Coast Unit boosts training support for volunteers keen to upgrade qualifications. Shoalhaven crew’s quick response saves two men who leapt in to rescue mate. concerted effort to provide respond to a series of emergencies 25-year-old man drowned when Aextra volunteer training support over summer with great Ahe slipped and fell into the water has resulted in 13 members of professionalism. while walking to a rock fishing spot MR Broken Bay upgrading their On New Year’s Eve, Broken Bay on the coast at Little Beecroft Head qualifications in recent months. 20 immediately responded to a near Currarong on January 7. Unit Commander Vic Lawrence Mayday call for all vessels in the MR Shoalhaven was alerted to identified the need to provide vicinity of Jerusalem Bay near a report of a person in the water additional support for members as the Hawkesbury River to render at 9.40am. Shoalhaven 20, with they advanced through the Marine assistance to a seaplane that had Mario Savoca, Graham Rickard and Rescue ratings, providing for a crashed in the water. Steve Hutchison on board, made strong and resilient unit. UC Lawrence, Hugo Zauber, Peter best speed to the site with SA 30 The 13 members have achieved Whitelaw and Andrew Palma were following about 10 minutes later. the ratings of Master, Coxswain, among the first on the scene. By this time, three men were in Leading Crew and Crew. Other incidents included a report the water as the unconscious man’s “This will give Broken Bay greater that was received from the NSW companions had grabbed an angel flexibility for all operations within its Police Marine Area Command life ring and jumped in to help him. Shoalhaven 30 disappears behind a large, lumpy swell during training exercises with the CHC Rescue five watch command,” Mr Lawrence base at Church Point advising that SA 20 located the three men, Helicopter from the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Albatross. Photo: Danielle Carter. Some of the newly qualified MR Broken Bay members ... Damian said. they required the evacuation of a Fehon (Master), Ted Talbot (Crew), Tertius Bezuidenhout (Crew), taking all on board with some Members keen to progress to fisherman from The Basin in Ku- Stuart Sperduti (Coxswain), Duncan Watts (Crew), Peter Whitelaw difficulty. The crew immediately to SA 20 to assist with the CPR. This undoubtedly saved the lives of Garth Buchanan, Cliff Kenney and their next rating receive positive ring-gai Chase National Park. (Crew) and Martin Clemesha (Crew). began CPR on the unconscious man continued until the vessel reached the two men, both of whom were Loretta Walton, who performed encouragement by way of additional The man’s finger had almost in the difficult sea conditions with the Crookhaven Heads wharf, where weak and in serious difficulty. The professionally. This was one of 15 training, led by Training Officer been severed by a moray eel. aid to the fisherman’s hand. boat ramp, from where he was the deck awash. The other two men a NSW Ambulance was waiting, but operation showed good teamwork responses by the unit in December Keren Muir-McCarey and key unit BB 20 was dispatched and by the After a quick and full handover transported to Mona Vale Hospital. were conscious but suffering shock the man was unable to be revived. with the crew of SA 30, Mike and January, with the Pilot House members, that meshes with the time it arrived on scene a National briefing was completed, the crew Our enquiries later received a and hypothermia. The other two men were transported Boadle, Brian Earsman and Rob handling 1,646 radio calls and defined MRNSW training modules. Parks and Wildlife Service officer of BB 20 evacuated the patient to a reassuring response: ‘eels alright’. On the return journey, an officer to Shoalhaven Hospital. Rego, relaying information to Logging On 732 boats. This has seen our members had applied bandages and other first waiting NSW Ambulance at Bayview Chris Guy was transferred from a Police boat The quick response of SA 20 the Pilot House radio operators, Bill Carter

Calm response earns Commander’s Citation Men cling to upturned boat for hours in dark team from MR Cottage Point Extending its operations to cover our men were pulled from the alarm, they stayed with the vessel Awas patrolling in Broken Bay Mondays and Fridays, the unit Fwater after clinging to their boat and awaited daylight to signal for about 2pm on February 17 when assisted 60 vessels over summer. for hours when it capsized in the help. an urgent radio call came through Seven were offshore, including a early morning darkness off the Lake On top of the almost daily vessel from a 39 foot yacht that had lost its tinny 1nm off Barrenjoey that had Illawarra bar on January 13. assists for mechanical failures engine and was being buffeted, out run out of two-stroke oil. CP 31 A member of the public called MR and flat batteries that MR Port of control, in rough seas. purchased four litres of oil and Port Kembla’s Hill 60 to report the Kembla crews took in their stride Cottage Point 31 located the delivered it to the stranded vessel. upturned boat off the bar at 6am. at the start of the year, this was an vessel and quickly determined the Six jet skis were helped after A full-scale emergency response excellent example of interagency Mission control ... MR Port Kembla member Joan Krzysik at the couple on board needed help to get resulted in two men being winched cooperation between NSW Police suffering mechanical problems or NSW Police Marine Area Command on Australia Day with MAC the yacht back under control before running out of fuel. aboard a NSW Ambulance Helicopter Marine Area Command, MRNSW Commander Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings. a tow could be undertaken. Five medical assists included MR Cottage Point member Marcus Collignon at the helm of a and the other two being pulled from and NSW Ambulance, resulting in an In a lumpy swell, Marcus an operation to evacuate a woman disabled yacht with owner Lynda Young. the water by Port Kembla 20 and incredibly positive outcome, given with vessels from MRNSW, NSW subsequently washed up with no Collignon transferred on board in who broke her ankle in Ku-ring-gai conveyed to waiting paramedics at the conditions. Maritime and the Police MAC one on board. With the search one safe leap. After quickly furling National Park on January 6. the emergency services working came to the rescue of the people the Reddall Reserve boat ramp with This rescue was closely followed descending on Garie Beach to assist turning up nothing, crews were the foresail and connecting the CP 30 picked up NSW Ambulance together. and their dog. CP 31 arrived on minor injuries. MR Shellharbour was by MRNSW assets being activated in the event of a mass evacuation stood down close to midnight. tow line, Marcus took charge of paramedics en route to West Head CP 31 was despatched at speed the scene as Police Marine Area called in to assist in the recovery of when an out of control bushfire by water but thankfully, this was not Early the next day, the boat’s the yacht, reassuring its crew Beach. A Surf Life Saving jet ski on January 22 in response to an Command and NSW Maritime the boat, which was still afloat. prevented hundreds of people being required. owner advised police it had been and ensuring a safe transit and then transferred the woman from urgent call to MR Central Coast extinguished the fire. Our crew then It emerged that the group had able to leave the Royal National Park A few days later, crews scoured stolen a few nights earlier and with mooring with ease. Marcus has the shore to the rescue vessel for reporting a 9m flybridge cruiser on towed the damaged vessel back to been in the water for more than four north of Wollongong. South Beach with the Ambulance no one reported missing, the search been awarded a Unit Commander’s transportation. With MR Broken Bay fire with two people in the water Brisbane Water for repair. hours after their boat capsized early PK 30 was under way to join helicopter and local police after was called off. Citation for his calm assistance. also assisting, it was good to see near Lion Island. A passing boat Paul Millar in the morning. Unable to raise the an almost Dunkirk-looking scene, a vessel was found drifting and Tom Dragutinovich

34 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 35 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Illawarra News Illawarra News

hree fishermen were lucky fishing equipment, he could have large P&O cruise ship made Tto escape when their small been trapped,” he said. “It’s a good Aan unscheduled stop in Jervis runabout sank off Warden Head on reminder to always wear lifejackets Bay in mid-January to medevac a January 27. while on boats.” member of crew to shore. A local dive boat alerted the MR Ulladulla 30 was dispatched Jervis Bay 40 was standing ready Ulladulla radio base that the boat to tow the sunken boat back to to transfer the patient from the was sinking fast, with two people in Ulladulla Harbour as it had become ship to a waiting ambulance. The the water and a third struggling to a significant navigational hazard. enormous vessel was soon on its get out of the vessel’s cabin. This was one of nine incidents to way on its passage further afield. The experienced divers retrieved which the unit responded between Our crews and rescue boats have the trio and remained in constant late December and January 25. been undertaking winch training

contact with the unit’s radio base Three boats were towed to safety Three fisherman were rescued when their small runabout sank off with the local Navy-contracted while duty skipper, Unit Commander after suffering engine and/or Warden Head in late January. CHC rescue helicopter. This Dave Hall, and crew headed to the steering failure and another three aircraft experience proved handy scene on board Ulladulla 20. re-started using our battery pack towing a similar vessel and assisting Logged On by phone and 53 via the in December when the Westpac Ready, set ... MR Jervis Bay Unit Commander Kevin Hill at the derby starting line. Photo: Jeff Choat. The fishermen, who had not been and shadowed back to harbour. Our MR Sussex Inlet. MarineRescue app. Lifesaver 23 helicopter was tasked wearing lifejackets, were safe and crews helped another two boats Mr Hall said the vessel enabled Mr Hall said after a number by AMSA to investigate an EPIRB We saw an increase in the Lots of locals and holidaymakers centres of population in Jervis Bay, no medical assistance was required. through the harbour entry, including crews to respond quickly to of incidents involving recently activation. The helicopter located a number of jet skis needing help over enjoyed 500 rubber ducks being reducing response times to critical Mr Hall said it was very fortunate one trailing a broken mast and a incidents on the area’s smaller purchased vessels, the unit had small dinghy and provided directions summer. It is hard to say whether coaxed and cajoled along the incidents. the dive vessel had been nearby, smaller sailboat that had failed to waterways both day and night. provided information on initial boat to JB 40 to recover two family this was due to poor preparation, course. Premier’s Department funding, with the fishing boat sinking rapidly navigate the entry in rough seas It attracted interest from boaters checks to its Radio Club members. members who had abandoned their novice operators or simply the Thanks to all who took part, a grant and planning services from due to a hole near the motor. under sail and needed to be towed on Lake Conjola and Burrill Mr Hall and Deputy Unit 50 foot vessel after it struck an increased numbers on the water. We including local businesses, in our Shoalhaven Council, unit fundraising He said one of the men had away from the breakwater wall. Lake pleased by its capability in Commander David Lindley attended underwater object and sank in less encourage jet ski riders to Log On. most successful Derby to date. and generous donations of expertise almost been trapped in the vessel as The unit has enhanced its navigating the shallow inlets and the Lake Conjola Long Neck Run than two minutes. The survivors, Our annual Duck Derby The $50,000 upgrade of from civil engineer Greg Westlake he had gone back to try to retrieve capability with the arrival of a new waterways in the region. presentation, at which all the members of the MR Jervis Bay fundraising extravaganza was Admiralty Wharf in Currambene and architect Kevin McMahon were the lifejackets on board. small rescue vessel, UL 10. Our radio operators took 745 proceeds of this annual cycling Radio Club, were grateful to all held on Australia Day in perfect Creek at Huskisson has enabled vital to helping complete this project. “He was able to swim out of the The Zodiac Milpro, powered by a radio calls in January, including event and raffle were generously involved in their rescue. conditions at Moona Moona Creek. JB 20 to be berthed close to the Jeff Choat cabin; he was very lucky. It was Suzuki outboard motor, was called to Logging On 464 boats with 884 donated to our unit. messy, there were a lot of ropes and three incidents in January, including people on board. Another 43 boats Raine O’Keeffe Skill, caution needed in hazardous conditions Kioloa to navigate 2018 with new equipment wo operations in mid-January after a number of attempts, however Thighlighted the hazardous the sail sheets - the lines used to major equipment update on involved in community events and conditions boaters can face in the control the sail - were cleated tight. Aboard its rescue vessel will see fundraising, including the annual inshore waters around Sussex Inlet. This enabled the sail to catch MR Kioloa well placed to navigate a Kioloa Fair and our unit raffle. While December proved to be the wind and the trimaran to race safe course through 2018. Thank you to all those who quieter than expected, January away, hampering the safe execution The unit is planning to replace spared time away from their family provided challenges for boaters and of the tow operation. The sail was the navigation system on board celebrations to assist in these tested the skills of MR Sussex Inlet eventually lowered and the vessel Kioloa 20, bringing it into line with endeavours and also to the local and rescue crews. towed to Island Point Road ramp. the Raymarine installations on other visiting members of the community On January 12, Sussex 10 Late on January 19, Sussex 10 vessels in the MRNSW fleet. who bought tickets in the raffle responded to a report of an responded to a call for help from The system modernisation will to support our unit. First prize, a overturned trimaran in St Georges a vessel with six people on board Glenn Matthews, on board Sussex 10, watches over a line to a sailor increase vessel inter-operabilty selection of solar-powered camping Basin. The vessel’s mast was stuck stuck on the sand bar just inside the standing on top of his overturned trimaran. Photo: Aaron Hayward. between units as crew members will equipment, was won by one of our on the bottom, with the high wind river entrance opposite Croppers be familiar with the equipment on unit’s local Radio Club members. MR Kioloa member Lee Kennedy demonstrates his flare during a unit and choppy conditions making it resort. The vessel was towed in Basin, usually in the afternoon. sensible boat handling when board various rescue craft. The unit Logged On 144 vessels training session. difficult to right the vessel. darkness to a private mooring east Extreme and unusual tidal entering or leaving this part of the The summer holiday season over the past three months. The crew exercised cautious and of Island Point Road boat landing. conditions and the shallow, rocky- Sussex Inlet River. proved a busy period for our We also have been focused on Stuart Massey instructed several Other local emergency services skillful manoeuvring to safely handle These incidents highlighted the bottom waters stretching 200m Sailors also are reminded to flip volunteers. building members’ skills, holding volunteers in the safe and effective were alerted to prevent the event lines in the difficult conditions. hazards to small vessels and larger from the river entrance require the sail sheets clear of the cleats in In addition to their radio base a marine flare training session late use of both daylight (smoke) and triggering false rescue alarms. The trimaran was towed to sail boats from the high winds and prudent assessment of the prevailng the event of a capsize. duties, members were actively last year. Regional Training Manager night (bright light) flares. Graeme Beavis deeper water and flipped upright rough chop prevalent in St Georges conditions, careful planning and Les Pataky

36 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 37 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Illawarra News Illawarra News

Fishermen without lifejackets lucky to escape Jervis Bay ducks out for day’s fundraising fun New Ulladulla boat ideally suited to work on small, shallow waterways. Crews handle all craft large and small, from cruise ship to jet skis. hree fishermen were lucky fishing equipment, he could have large P&O cruise ship made Tto escape when their small been trapped,” he said. “It’s a good A an unscheduled stop in Jervis runabout sank off Warden Head on reminder to always wear lifejackets Bay in mid-January to medevac a January 27. while on boats.” member of crew to shore. A local dive boat alerted the MR Ulladulla 30 was dispatched Jervis Bay 40 was standing ready Ulladulla radio base that the boat to tow the sunken boat back to to transfer the patient from the was sinking fast, with two people in Ulladulla Harbour as it had become ship to a waiting ambulance. The the water and a third struggling to a significant navigational hazard. enormous vessel was soon on its get out of the vessel’s cabin. This was one of nine incidents to way on its passage further afield. The experienced divers retrieved which the unit responded between Our crews and rescue boats have the trio and remained in constant late December and January 25. been undertaking winch training contact with the unit’s radio base Three boats were towed to safety Three fisherman were rescued when their small runabout sank off with the local Navy-contracted while duty skipper, Unit Commander after suffering engine and/or Warden Head in late January. CHC rescue helicopter. This Dave Hall, and crew headed to the steering failure and another three aircraft experience proved handy scene on board Ulladulla 20. re-started using our battery pack towing a similar vessel and assisting Logged On by phone and 53 via the in December when the Westpac Ready, set ... MR Jervis Bay Unit Commander Kevin Hill at the derby starting line. Photo: Jeff Choat. The fishermen, who had not been and shadowed back to harbour. Our MR Sussex Inlet. MarineRescue app. Lifesaver 23 helicopter was tasked wearing lifejackets, were safe and crews helped another two boats Mr Hall said the vessel enabled Mr Hall said after a number by AMSA to investigate an EPIRB We saw an increase in the Lots of locals and holidaymakers centres of population in Jervis Bay, no medical assistance was required. through the harbour entry, including crews to respond quickly to of incidents involving recently activation. The helicopter located a number of jet skis needing help over enjoyed 500 rubber ducks being reducing response times to critical Mr Hall said it was very fortunate one trailing a broken mast and a incidents on the area’s smaller purchased vessels, the unit had small dinghy and provided directions summer. It is hard to say whether coaxed and cajoled along the incidents. the dive vessel had been nearby, smaller sailboat that had failed to waterways both day and night. provided information on initial boat to JB 40 to recover two family this was due to poor preparation, course. Premier’s Department funding, with the fishing boat sinking rapidly navigate the entry in rough seas It attracted interest from boaters checks to its Radio Club members. members who had abandoned their novice operators or simply the Thanks to all who took part, a grant and planning services from due to a hole near the motor. under sail and needed to be towed on Lake Conjola and Burrill Mr Hall and Deputy Unit 50 foot vessel after it struck an increased numbers on the water. We including local businesses, in our Shoalhaven Council, unit fundraising He said one of the men had away from the breakwater wall. Lake pleased by its capability in Commander David Lindley attended underwater object and sank in less encourage jet ski riders to Log On. most successful Derby to date. and generous donations of expertise almost been trapped in the vessel as The unit has enhanced its navigating the shallow inlets and the Lake Conjola Long Neck Run than two minutes. The survivors, Our annual Duck Derby The $50,000 upgrade of from civil engineer Greg Westlake he had gone back to try to retrieve capability with the arrival of a new waterways in the region. presentation, at which all the members of the MR Jervis Bay fundraising extravaganza was Admiralty Wharf in Currambene and architect Kevin McMahon were the lifejackets on board. small rescue vessel, UL 10. Our radio operators took 745 proceeds of this annual cycling Radio Club, were grateful to all held on Australia Day in perfect Creek at Huskisson has enabled vital to helping complete this project. “He was able to swim out of the The Zodiac Milpro, powered by a radio calls in January, including event and raffle were generously involved in their rescue. conditions at Moona Moona Creek. JB 20 to be berthed close to the Jeff Choat cabin; he was very lucky. It was Suzuki outboard motor, was called to Logging On 464 boats with 884 donated to our unit. messy, there were a lot of ropes and three incidents in January, including people on board. Another 43 boats Raine O’Keeffe Skill, caution needed in hazardous conditions Kioloa to navigate 2018 with new equipment wo operations in mid-January after a number of attempts, however Thighlighted the hazardous the sail sheets - the lines used to major equipment update on involved in community events and conditions boaters can face in the control the sail - were cleated tight. Aboard its rescue vessel will see fundraising, including the annual inshore waters around Sussex Inlet. This enabled the sail to catch MR Kioloa well placed to navigate a Kioloa Fair and our unit raffle. While December proved to be the wind and the trimaran to race safe course through 2018. Thank you to all those who quieter than expected, January away, hampering the safe execution The unit is planning to replace spared time away from their family provided challenges for boaters and of the tow operation. The sail was the navigation system on board celebrations to assist in these tested the skills of MR Sussex Inlet eventually lowered and the vessel Kioloa 20, bringing it into line with endeavours and also to the local and rescue crews. towed to Island Point Road ramp. the Raymarine installations on other visiting members of the community On January 12, Sussex 10 Late on January 19, Sussex 10 vessels in the MRNSW fleet. who bought tickets in the raffle responded to a report of an responded to a call for help from The system modernisation will to support our unit. First prize, a overturned trimaran in St Georges a vessel with six people on board Glenn Matthews, on board Sussex 10, watches over a line to a sailor increase vessel inter-operabilty selection of solar-powered camping Basin. The vessel’s mast was stuck stuck on the sand bar just inside the standing on top of his overturned trimaran. Photo: Aaron Hayward. between units as crew members will equipment, was won by one of our on the bottom, with the high wind river entrance opposite Croppers be familiar with the equipment on unit’s local Radio Club members. MR Kioloa member Lee Kennedy demonstrates his flare during a unit and choppy conditions making it resort. The vessel was towed in Basin, usually in the afternoon. sensible boat handling when board various rescue craft. The unit Logged On 144 vessels training session. difficult to right the vessel. darkness to a private mooring east Extreme and unusual tidal entering or leaving this part of the The summer holiday season over the past three months. The crew exercised cautious and of Island Point Road boat landing. conditions and the shallow, rocky- Sussex Inlet River. proved a busy period for our We also have been focused on Stuart Massey instructed several Other local emergency services skillful manoeuvring to safely handle These incidents highlighted the bottom waters stretching 200m Sailors also are reminded to flip volunteers. building members’ skills, holding volunteers in the safe and effective were alerted to prevent the event lines in the difficult conditions. hazards to small vessels and larger from the river entrance require the sail sheets clear of the cleats in In addition to their radio base a marine flare training session late use of both daylight (smoke) and triggering false rescue alarms. The trimaran was towed to sail boats from the high winds and prudent assessment of the prevailng the event of a capsize. duties, members were actively last year. Regional Training Manager night (bright light) flares. Graeme Beavis deeper water and flipped upright rough chop prevalent in St Georges conditions, careful planning and Les Pataky

36 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 37 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Monaro News Monaro News

espite a lightning strike on tasked with the rescue operation, arine Rescue Tuross was Dour main communications taking the yacht in tow to Lakes Mwell placed to respond to installation on Mt Imlay the week Entrance on the Victorian coastline. emergencies on the risky Moruya before Christmas, MR Eden was at On January 14, Deputy Unit bar over the peak Christmas period, peak readiness for the 72nd Sydney Commander Peter Horne picked pre-positioning its 6.8m Naiad to Hobart Yacht Race, playing a up an indistinct Mayday call from a primary rescue vessel, Tuross 20, at pivotal role in the rescue of two race yacht returning from Hobart. Moruya for rapid deployment. floundering race yachts. The yacht, Hollywood Boulevard, This capability planning proved While the lightning took out was north east of Flinders Island effective, with crews towing six the repeater channel, the main and taking on water after apparently vessels across the bar and into the emergency channel, VHF Ch 16, hitting a sunfish and causing serious Moruya River to Preddey’s wharf. was not affected and all stops were damage to the rudder. The unit also played a co- pulled out by MRNSW Headquarters MAC was alerted and the yacht ordinating role in the search for a and Karera Communications to crew requested to activate their woman missing from Coila Beach on The crew of Tuross 20 rafts up a small runabout to tow it to safety on the Moruya River on January 18. repair the damage on the remote EPIRB, pinpointing their position. A A crowd gathers to watch Hollywood Boulevard being lifted from December 14. the water at Eden after issuing a Mayday call on its return journey mountain-top facility before the race search and recovery operation was from the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. With a Development Application The installation of DCN radios on the Tuross bar. We are continuing going well and we are well into profit start on Boxing Day. rapidly activated by the Australian submitted to Eurobodalla Council for TU 20 and in our base has improved to head out on patrol or a training territory. On December 27, when most of Maritime Safety Authority, resulting Bay, rolling over and throwing all on MR Eden and MAC crews worked a permanent berth on the Moruya our communication abilities, while exercise every Saturday. Most Following the great success of the race fleet had already passed in the helicopter recovery of all on board into the water. together to respond to several other River, the unit hopes to have TU 20 the completion of the wharf upgrade often, this involves TU 20 out of our Market Day on the October long Eden, Watch Officer John Steele board. The yacht was left drifting The skipper’s call for help was minor incidents. on an AirBerth in the river, ready for at the base also has reduced the the Moruya River and in the area of weekend, we are trialling another on received a Pan Pan call from and although it took on a lot of picked up by other vessels in the Mainly caused by high winds and a quick bar response, by Christmas. time and effort needed to launch our Broulee Island and Tuross, while the Easter Monday. German entrant, Rockall, reporting water, was later recovered by a vicinity and relayed to MR Eden. big seas, these included sinking and Increasing membership from smaller vessels, TU 12, a 4m RHIB, other vessels work on the lake. Our Australia Day Breakfast was serious rudder problems. The yacht Tasmanian trawler in the area and All five people were pulled from drifting yachts and engine failures. Moruya ensures our ongoing viability and Rescue Water Craft, TU 13. Our raffle for a fishing kayak will a valuable promotion for MRNSW was well south of Gabo Island when brought to Eden, from where it was the water by other vessels on the Boaters should always call for and means that TU 20 has crew The delivery of a new vessel to be drawn on Easter Monday. Ticket and fundraiser, with our chefs selling the call was received on both our trucked to Nowra for repairs. scene. help on the designated emergency/ close at hand for a swift response to replace TU 12 will increase our sales, every Thursday in Moruya and 200 egg and bacon rolls on the day. remote Channel 16 transmitters at Again in January, a runabout In a busy summer with patchy calling channel, VHF Ch 16 or any incident in this area. capability on Tuross Lake and over Saturday at the Moruya Markets, are Blaise Madden Timbillica and Mt Imlay. The Eden with five people on board got into weather and many days of 27MHz Ch 88. Police Marine Area Command was difficulties off North Head, Twofold unsuitable boating conditions, John McKinnon Operators face realistic training challenge Lightning strikes boat in Batemans Bay storm Churning conditions on Narooma bar test professional skills. Additional training on agenda to meet demands of increased membership. hallenging conditions on the and effectively to save lives on the CNarooma bar created a realistic water.” moored vessel struck by visitors. Our Sunday markets training scenario for Rescue Water The February participants were A lightning during a storm and a are attracting more stall holders Craft Operators from two Monaro MR Tuross Unit Commander and rash of broken down boats marked and visitors, with our food tent in Region units on February 17. Training Officer Blaise Madden and a busy start to 2018 for crews from particular going from strength to RWC Operators from the Narooma RWC Operators Mark MR Batemans Bay. strength. The great crew makes for Narooma and Tuross units Mitchell, Alison Philip, Peter Quick Three vessels, including a jet a fun day, even at its busiest. assembled for the professional and Ben Woolnough and trainee ski, were stranded upstream on Unfortunately, a couple of days development day at MR Narooma David Swilks. With four RWCs at the Clyde River and another five have had to be cancelled due to rain with Regional Training Manager their disposal, they were given the boats needed to be towed due to and strong winds. Stuart Massey and MRNSW Assisant chance to work on the breaking bar mechanical problems. With a pleasing increase in Director of Training and Education and in the surf zone. The unit was tasked to check the membership and, therefore, Chris Butler. Practical and theoretical sessions boat hit by lightning for damage and trainees, the unit’s training group Members of MR Batemans Bay on the grill at the Sunday markets. Mr Butler said it was important covered Standard Operating to determine if any people were on has drawn up a revised monthly that MRNSW members trained in a Procedures, safety, marine drills and RWC operators from MR Narooma and Tuross practice patient pick- board. The vessel was found to be calendar to provide essential coxswain and radio operator ratings. in the base following the flood variety of conditions. surf training. The surf work involved ups in messy conditions on the Narooma bar. intact with no passengers. on-water training such as drills Well done to those who were caused by a broken pipe in mid- “Our crews are called on to negotiating waves and patient pick- On the fundraising front, our and seamanship. This program will successful in reaching their ratings November. respond in various weather and sea ups in a solid 2m swell. vessel Narooma 30, said it had MR Narooma Training Officer Julia Saturday cash bingo at Tomakin complement the ongoing classroom over the past six months, helping Thankfully, the damage was not conditions from benign to difficult. Mr Massey said the day proved to been a great experience for all Mayo-Ramsay and all involved for Sports and Social Club continues training for members working to maintain our marine rescue skills. as bad as first feared. “They need to train accordingly be a test of skills for everyone. participants to gain confidence making the day a success. to be well attended by locals and achieve their crew, leading crew, New carpet is due to be installed Liz Rankin to ensure they can respond safely Mr Butler, on board support and learn new skills. He thanked Stuart Massey

38 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 39 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Monaro News Monaro News

Eden tuned in to Hobart yacht emergencies Tuross crews in right place at right time Distress calls trigger major response operations to save sailors at sea. Rescue vessel stationed for rapid response to incidents on risky bar. espite a lightning strike on tasked with the rescue operation, arine Rescue Tuross was Dour main communications taking the yacht in tow to Lakes Mwell placed to respond to installation on Mt Imlay the week Entrance on the Victorian coastline. emergencies on the risky Moruya before Christmas, MR Eden was at On January 14, Deputy Unit bar over the peak Christmas period, peak readiness for the 72nd Sydney Commander Peter Horne picked pre-positioning its 6.8m Naiad to Hobart Yacht Race, playing a up an indistinct Mayday call from a primary rescue vessel, Tuross 20, at pivotal role in the rescue of two race yacht returning from Hobart. Moruya for rapid deployment. floundering race yachts. The yacht, Hollywood Boulevard, This capability planning proved While the lightning took out was north east of Flinders Island effective, with crews towing six the repeater channel, the main and taking on water after apparently vessels across the bar and into the emergency channel, VHF Ch 16, hitting a sunfish and causing serious Moruya River to Preddey’s wharf. was not affected and all stops were damage to the rudder. The unit also played a co- pulled out by MRNSW Headquarters MAC was alerted and the yacht ordinating role in the search for a and Karera Communications to crew requested to activate their woman missing from Coila Beach on The crew of Tuross 20 rafts up a small runabout to tow it to safety on the Moruya River on January 18. repair the damage on the remote EPIRB, pinpointing their position. A A crowd gathers to watch Hollywood Boulevard being lifted from December 14. the water at Eden after issuing a Mayday call on its return journey mountain-top facility before the race search and recovery operation was from the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. With a Development Application The installation of DCN radios on the Tuross bar. We are continuing going well and we are well into profit start on Boxing Day. rapidly activated by the Australian submitted to Eurobodalla Council for TU 20 and in our base has improved to head out on patrol or a training territory. On December 27, when most of Maritime Safety Authority, resulting Bay, rolling over and throwing all on MR Eden and MAC crews worked a permanent berth on the Moruya our communication abilities, while exercise every Saturday. Most Following the great success of the race fleet had already passed in the helicopter recovery of all on board into the water. together to respond to several other River, the unit hopes to have TU 20 the completion of the wharf upgrade often, this involves TU 20 out of our Market Day on the October long Eden, Watch Officer John Steele board. The yacht was left drifting The skipper’s call for help was minor incidents. on an AirBerth in the river, ready for at the base also has reduced the the Moruya River and in the area of weekend, we are trialling another on received a Pan Pan call from and although it took on a lot of picked up by other vessels in the Mainly caused by high winds and a quick bar response, by Christmas. time and effort needed to launch our Broulee Island and Tuross, while the Easter Monday. German entrant, Rockall, reporting water, was later recovered by a vicinity and relayed to MR Eden. big seas, these included sinking and Increasing membership from smaller vessels, TU 12, a 4m RHIB, other vessels work on the lake. Our Australia Day Breakfast was serious rudder problems. The yacht Tasmanian trawler in the area and All five people were pulled from drifting yachts and engine failures. Moruya ensures our ongoing viability and Rescue Water Craft, TU 13. Our raffle for a fishing kayak will a valuable promotion for MRNSW was well south of Gabo Island when brought to Eden, from where it was the water by other vessels on the Boaters should always call for and means that TU 20 has crew The delivery of a new vessel to be drawn on Easter Monday. Ticket and fundraiser, with our chefs selling the call was received on both our trucked to Nowra for repairs. scene. help on the designated emergency/ close at hand for a swift response to replace TU 12 will increase our sales, every Thursday in Moruya and 200 egg and bacon rolls on the day. remote Channel 16 transmitters at Again in January, a runabout In a busy summer with patchy calling channel, VHF Ch 16 or any incident in this area. capability on Tuross Lake and over Saturday at the Moruya Markets, are Blaise Madden Timbillica and Mt Imlay. The Eden with five people on board got into weather and many days of 27MHz Ch 88. Police Marine Area Command was difficulties off North Head, Twofold unsuitable boating conditions, John McKinnon Operators face realistic training challenge Lightning strikes boat in Batemans Bay storm Churning conditions on Narooma bar test professional skills. Additional training on agenda to meet demands of increased membership. hallenging conditions on the and effectively to save lives on the CNarooma bar created a realistic water.” moored vessel struck by visitors. Our Sunday markets training scenario for Rescue Water The February participants were Alightning during a storm and a are attracting more stall holders Craft Operators from two Monaro MR Tuross Unit Commander and rash of broken down boats marked and visitors, with our food tent in Region units on February 17. Training Officer Blaise Madden and a busy start to 2018 for crews from particular going from strength to RWC Operators from the Narooma RWC Operators Mark MR Batemans Bay. strength. The great crew makes for Narooma and Tuross units Mitchell, Alison Philip, Peter Quick Three vessels, including a jet a fun day, even at its busiest. assembled for the professional and Ben Woolnough and trainee ski, were stranded upstream on Unfortunately, a couple of days development day at MR Narooma David Swilks. With four RWCs at the Clyde River and another five have had to be cancelled due to rain with Regional Training Manager their disposal, they were given the boats needed to be towed due to and strong winds. Stuart Massey and MRNSW Assisant chance to work on the breaking bar mechanical problems. With a pleasing increase in Director of Training and Education and in the surf zone. The unit was tasked to check the membership and, therefore, Chris Butler. Practical and theoretical sessions boat hit by lightning for damage and trainees, the unit’s training group Members of MR Batemans Bay on the grill at the Sunday markets. Mr Butler said it was important covered Standard Operating to determine if any people were on has drawn up a revised monthly that MRNSW members trained in a Procedures, safety, marine drills and RWC operators from MR Narooma and Tuross practice patient pick- board. The vessel was found to be calendar to provide essential coxswain and radio operator ratings. in the base following the flood variety of conditions. surf training. The surf work involved ups in messy conditions on the Narooma bar. intact with no passengers. on-water training such as drills Well done to those who were caused by a broken pipe in mid- “Our crews are called on to negotiating waves and patient pick- On the fundraising front, our and seamanship. This program will successful in reaching their ratings November. respond in various weather and sea ups in a solid 2m swell. vessel Narooma 30, said it had MR Narooma Training Officer Julia Saturday cash bingo at Tomakin complement the ongoing classroom over the past six months, helping Thankfully, the damage was not conditions from benign to difficult. Mr Massey said the day proved to been a great experience for all Mayo-Ramsay and all involved for Sports and Social Club continues training for members working to maintain our marine rescue skills. as bad as first feared. “They need to train accordingly be a test of skills for everyone. participants to gain confidence making the day a success. to be well attended by locals and achieve their crew, leading crew, New carpet is due to be installed Liz Rankin to ensure they can respond safely Mr Butler, on board support and learn new skills. He thanked Stuart Massey

38 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 39 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Monaro News Monaro News

fter ensuring a major mid-life he newest addition to the Arefit of their rescue vessel was TMRNSW fleet was put through completed in time for summer, its paces ahead of its March 17 members of MR Merimbula decided commissioning as it watched over to float their way to the end of the competitors in a major high country Sapphire Coast holiday season. triathon. The refit ofMerimbula 30, at a The new $272,000 Ocean cost of $126,000, included two new Cylinder Alpine Lakes 21, along outboard motors and a new suite with AL 20, provided a safety net of Raymarine electronics, marine for swimmers and paddlers on Lake radios, battery management system Jindabyne for the 12th Sri Chimnoy and digital switching. Multi-Sport Classic, a 12-leg all day Foam filled sponsons replaced adventure for solo athletes and relay the previous air-filled models and teams over a challenging water and the facelift was completed with new land course on Sunday, March 4. livery. The MR Alpine Lakes crews The new Alpine Lakes 21 with crew members who provided a safety watch on Lake Jindabyne for Unit Commander Bill Blakeman Buoyant on Merimbula Lake ... members of MR Merimbula set to join the Australia Day Float. steered our two vessels away from competitors in the 12th Sri Chimnoy adventure event. said he was extremely happy with the Jindabyne boat ramp at 6am to the refurbishment, with the boat presence on the water through our and skill in surf boat manoeuvring. lifejackets to take to the water. reach the starting point at Kalkite. following lost kayakers back to and kayak legs and ensure they event to the Lake Jindabyne area. better than ever for its ongoing participation in three key summer MB 30 and NSW Police boat Four of the team inflated their The dim early morning light gave the Curiosity Rocks and then heading were pointed in the right direction if The commissioning ceremony operations. events, starting with our role as a Falcon then acted as safety vessels lifejackets and leisurely bobbed crew of AL 21 a great opportunity back to the boat ramp. they went off course. for the new vessel will be held in Unsuitable boating weather over support vessel in the George Bass for the Tathra Wharf to Waves Swim. around, accompanied by the newest, to test the vessel’s navigation It was a fairly uneventful day with The unit has been involved conjunction with the official opening summer saw the number of vessels Surf Race. Billed as the longest, Each year, Merimbula Lake is impressive addition to the MR aids, infra-red camera and other great weather in the mountains and with the Sri Chimnoy since Unit of the unit’s first facility, a $140,000 Logged On down on previous years, toughest surf boat race in the world, the setting for an amazing visual Merimbula fleet: our kayak towing equipment to aid night operations. on the lake. Our main job was to Commander Les Threlfo spoke with boat shed on the shore of Lake at 444 boats to late February. On the this seven-day endurance event spectacular, the Australia Day Float. an inflatable, which did our new and The changeover crews finished keep an eye on stragglers if they the organisers about 12 years ago Jindabyne. water, crews were called to assist starts at Batemans Bay and ends A flotilla of people and various improved MB 30 proud. the day about 6.30pm after were having difficulties in the swim to encourage them to bring the Karin Davies five vessels suffering various power in Eden, along 190km of the best floating vessels and devices Amid much laughter and and steering failures and requiring a coastline in Australia. enter the water at the bridge and commentary about the size of our tow or escort across the bar. With neighbouring MR Bermagui boardwalk to float down to Spencer rescue boat, people appreciated In February, MB 30 joined a providing the support vessel for the Park with the outgoing tide. that we were out there on and in Bermagui supports marathon surf boat race search for a missing swimmer Wanda Surf Life Saving Club for the Our members this year decided it the water and available to help who was seen to dive from the first leg of the race,MB 30 then would be a great promotion for the if needed. Fortunately, the only Challenging tows and ocean search prove valuable learning experiences. Merimbula Jetty but not resurface. took over, working with the Wanda unit if we joined in the festivities, assistance we ended up giving was rews from MR Bermagui Due partly to bad weather, the Searchers were stood down after team on the Tathra to Pambula and with Stewart Dietrich, Richie Bartus, a spare oar to a couple who were Cjoined their colleagues from number of call-outs was relatively police located the person safe and Merimbula to Eden legs. Wayne Flaherty, Fay and Tom going nowhere fast under their own neighbouring MRNSW units and low before Christmas. After the well. Our crew were impressed with Cousin and Elle Millsteed happily hand power. other services in the search for a festive season, crews were tasked The unit was a high-profile the participants’ abilities, stamina donning full MRNSW uniform and Bill Blakeman & Fay Cousin woman thought to be missing in the to tow a large yacht and heavy ocean off the entrace to Coila Lake cruiser to shore. Both vessels were on December 14. quite difficult to raft up and berth, Bermagui 30 and vessels from providing new crew with practice in Writer seeks help with sea rescue history MR Narooma and Batemans Bay these procedures. erimbula resident Rosie Young Dawes sank 12nm offshore. Australian Medal for his invention RVCP. Copies of newspaper cuttings, worked with the Westpac Life BG 30 also supported Mis seeking help with a history of Rosie said this appeared to be in the mid-1980s of the Precision articles in the RVCP’s Beam Saver Rescue Helicopter and Surf participants on the local leg of the saving lives at sea on the Far South the first rescue conducted from Aerial Delivery System, which Ends magazine, photographs and Life Saving over two days on the 174km marathon George Bass Coast. Merimbula. Years later, in the early allowed aircraft to drop supplies and other memorabilia from the early operation, while MR Tuross provided ocean surf boat race when the BG 30 and surf boat crews on the start line of the George Bass Rosie, whose husband Ted is 1970s, Merimbula resident Stan equipment safely to people at sea. 1980s to early 2000s relating to land support. The seach was a supply boat for the Cronulla-based ocean surf boat race on Horseshoe Bay, Bermagui. a coxswain with MR Merimbula, Delle Vergin saw a need to save The establishment of the local the Merimbula flotilla would be valuable learning experience for Wanda Surf Life Saving Club team is researching the history of sea lives using his own craft and started Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in the extremely helpful. non-crew observers but ended broke down. Our role was to follow the large amount of traffic, including and reverse the towing loop. It is rescue on local waters, starting an embryonic rescue service. 1980s and the transition to MRNSW Should you have any information without locating the woman. behind the Wanda boat, then pull up supply boats and surf boats. Master estimated that this loop has towed during World War II when a local In 1992, former Flight Facilities in 2009 saw significant changes in and wish to assist Rosie with her An influx of summer visitors saw in front so a replacement crew could Steve Angelo and crew were glad to more than $5 million worth of police sergeant and oyster farmer Australia Merimbula Airport procedures. research, she can be contacted a large number of boaters heading jump out, then circle back to pick up be on BG 30 rather than rowing. vessels. Congratulations to Olivia mounted a rescue operation, saving Manager, Laurie Gruzman QC, Rosie is seeking any information via email at rosieyoung@ozemail. out on the water but few incidents to the replaced crew. The crew took the opportunity Ford on achieving her Crew rating. many lives, after the SS William was awarded the Prince Philip on the formation of the Merimbula com.au trouble the Bermagui rescue crews. This was quite challenging, given to ‘end-on-end’ the tow rope Denise Page

40 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 41 MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Monaro News Monaro News

Merimbula boat better than ever after refit New vessel watches over high country classic Volunteers float away as the sun sets on the Sapphire Coast holiday season. Volunteers ready for dual celebration on shore of Lake Jindabyne. fter ensuring a major mid-life he newest addition to the Arefit of their rescue vessel was TMRNSW fleet was put through completed in time for summer, its paces ahead of its March 17 members of MR Merimbula decided commissioning as it watched over to float their way to the end of the competitors in a major high country Sapphire Coast holiday season. triathon. The refit ofMerimbula 30, at a The new $272,000 Ocean cost of $126,000, included two new Cylinder Alpine Lakes 21, along outboard motors and a new suite with AL 20, provided a safety net of Raymarine electronics, marine for swimmers and paddlers on Lake radios, battery management system Jindabyne for the 12th Sri Chimnoy and digital switching. Multi-Sport Classic, a 12-leg all day Foam filled sponsons replaced adventure for solo athletes and relay the previous air-filled models and teams over a challenging water and the facelift was completed with new land course on Sunday, March 4. livery. The MR Alpine Lakes crews The new Alpine Lakes 21 with crew members who provided a safety watch on Lake Jindabyne for Unit Commander Bill Blakeman Buoyant on Merimbula Lake ... members of MR Merimbula set to join the Australia Day Float. steered our two vessels away from competitors in the 12th Sri Chimnoy adventure event. said he was extremely happy with the Jindabyne boat ramp at 6am to the refurbishment, with the boat presence on the water through our and skill in surf boat manoeuvring. lifejackets to take to the water. reach the starting point at Kalkite. following lost kayakers back to and kayak legs and ensure they event to the Lake Jindabyne area. better than ever for its ongoing participation in three key summer MB 30 and NSW Police boat Four of the team inflated their The dim early morning light gave the Curiosity Rocks and then heading were pointed in the right direction if The commissioning ceremony operations. events, starting with our role as a Falcon then acted as safety vessels lifejackets and leisurely bobbed crew of AL 21 a great opportunity back to the boat ramp. they went off course. for the new vessel will be held in Unsuitable boating weather over support vessel in the George Bass for the Tathra Wharf to Waves Swim. around, accompanied by the newest, to test the vessel’s navigation It was a fairly uneventful day with The unit has been involved conjunction with the official opening summer saw the number of vessels Surf Race. Billed as the longest, Each year, Merimbula Lake is impressive addition to the MR aids, infra-red camera and other great weather in the mountains and with the Sri Chimnoy since Unit of the unit’s first facility, a $140,000 Logged On down on previous years, toughest surf boat race in the world, the setting for an amazing visual Merimbula fleet: our kayak towing equipment to aid night operations. on the lake. Our main job was to Commander Les Threlfo spoke with boat shed on the shore of Lake at 444 boats to late February. On the this seven-day endurance event spectacular, the Australia Day Float. an inflatable, which did our new and The changeover crews finished keep an eye on stragglers if they the organisers about 12 years ago Jindabyne. water, crews were called to assist starts at Batemans Bay and ends A flotilla of people and various improved MB 30 proud. the day about 6.30pm after were having difficulties in the swim to encourage them to bring the Karin Davies five vessels suffering various power in Eden, along 190km of the best floating vessels and devices Amid much laughter and and steering failures and requiring a coastline in Australia. enter the water at the bridge and commentary about the size of our tow or escort across the bar. With neighbouring MR Bermagui boardwalk to float down to Spencer rescue boat, people appreciated In February, MB 30 joined a providing the support vessel for the Park with the outgoing tide. that we were out there on and in Bermagui supports marathon surf boat race search for a missing swimmer Wanda Surf Life Saving Club for the Our members this year decided it the water and available to help who was seen to dive from the first leg of the race,MB 30 then would be a great promotion for the if needed. Fortunately, the only Challenging tows and ocean search prove valuable learning experiences. Merimbula Jetty but not resurface. took over, working with the Wanda unit if we joined in the festivities, assistance we ended up giving was rews from MR Bermagui Due partly to bad weather, the Searchers were stood down after team on the Tathra to Pambula and with Stewart Dietrich, Richie Bartus, a spare oar to a couple who were Cjoined their colleagues from number of call-outs was relatively police located the person safe and Merimbula to Eden legs. Wayne Flaherty, Fay and Tom going nowhere fast under their own neighbouring MRNSW units and low before Christmas. After the well. Our crew were impressed with Cousin and Elle Millsteed happily hand power. other services in the search for a festive season, crews were tasked The unit was a high-profile the participants’ abilities, stamina donning full MRNSW uniform and Bill Blakeman & Fay Cousin woman thought to be missing in the to tow a large yacht and heavy ocean off the entrace to Coila Lake cruiser to shore. Both vessels were on December 14. quite difficult to raft up and berth, Bermagui 30 and vessels from providing new crew with practice in Writer seeks help with sea rescue history MR Narooma and Batemans Bay these procedures. erimbula resident Rosie Young Dawes sank 12nm offshore. Australian Medal for his invention RVCP. Copies of newspaper cuttings, worked with the Westpac Life BG 30 also supported Mis seeking help with a history of Rosie said this appeared to be in the mid-1980s of the Precision articles in the RVCP’s Beam Saver Rescue Helicopter and Surf participants on the local leg of the saving lives at sea on the Far South the first rescue conducted from Aerial Delivery System, which Ends magazine, photographs and Life Saving over two days on the 174km marathon George Bass Coast. Merimbula. Years later, in the early allowed aircraft to drop supplies and other memorabilia from the early operation, while MR Tuross provided ocean surf boat race when the BG 30 and surf boat crews on the start line of the George Bass Rosie, whose husband Ted is 1970s, Merimbula resident Stan equipment safely to people at sea. 1980s to early 2000s relating to land support. The seach was a supply boat for the Cronulla-based ocean surf boat race on Horseshoe Bay, Bermagui. a coxswain with MR Merimbula, Delle Vergin saw a need to save The establishment of the local the Merimbula flotilla would be valuable learning experience for Wanda Surf Life Saving Club team is researching the history of sea lives using his own craft and started Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in the extremely helpful. non-crew observers but ended broke down. Our role was to follow the large amount of traffic, including and reverse the towing loop. It is rescue on local waters, starting an embryonic rescue service. 1980s and the transition to MRNSW Should you have any information without locating the woman. behind the Wanda boat, then pull up supply boats and surf boats. Master estimated that this loop has towed during World War II when a local In 1992, former Flight Facilities in 2009 saw significant changes in and wish to assist Rosie with her An influx of summer visitors saw in front so a replacement crew could Steve Angelo and crew were glad to more than $5 million worth of police sergeant and oyster farmer Australia Merimbula Airport procedures. research, she can be contacted a large number of boaters heading jump out, then circle back to pick up be on BG 30 rather than rowing. vessels. Congratulations to Olivia mounted a rescue operation, saving Manager, Laurie Gruzman QC, Rosie is seeking any information via email at rosieyoung@ozemail. out on the water but few incidents to the replaced crew. The crew took the opportunity Ford on achieving her Crew rating. many lives, after the SS William was awarded the Prince Philip on the formation of the Merimbula com.au trouble the Bermagui rescue crews. This was quite challenging, given to ‘end-on-end’ the tow rope Denise Page

40 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 41 PICTURE GALLERY IN MEMORIAM Engaging with the community Tributes to valued members

What we’ve been up to Joan travelled far to become unit treasurer

oan Beynon’s love of travel Communications Station in Exmouth I could be useful. What I could say Jbrought her around the world when man landed on the moon. is: As a member, if you think you from her English homeland to “It was good, they gave us a day are too old, you are never too old. eventually settle in Ballina. off,’’ she later recalled. Members are always there to back As a young woman, she had Joan and Raymond left WA and you up,” she once said. worked in London during the Blitz travelled around Australia before In her later years, Joan’s fellow and well remembered running for settling in Ballina, where Joan joined MNRSW members Di and Norm shelter when the air raid sirens the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Lannoy saw to all her needs. sounded. She also worked as a in 1991, becoming unit treasurer Following her passing, Joan’s member of the Land Army. and transferring to the new MRNSW. ashes were scattered from the unit’s Joan’s love of travel inspired As well as her treasurer’s duties, rescue vessel Ballina 30 off Lennox her and her husband Raymond Joan also was a radio operator and Head on January 19, in accordance to migrate to Western Australia. ran a standby base for many years. with her wishes. Joan was working at the Naval “I never thought that in my 60s Joan Hurley A young Joan Beynon.

Honorary member served his country well

Air and sea spectacular ... passengers crossing Sydney Harbour on board the ferry Narrabeen are treated to a demonstration of emergency ong-serving member of MR for MR Ulladulla, Bill was awarded was posted to the United Kingdom, services skill and precision as the crews of Middle Harbour 30 and a Toll Air helicopter practice aerial winching procedures over summer. Ulladulla Bill Samuel passed honorary membership of the unit in where he was attached to a Royal Photo: Brian Roberts. L away in December, aged 94. February 2017. Air Force unit as air crew on a Bill had given 27 years’ service Accomplished at cricket and golf, Lancaster Bomber. His aircraft was to the unit after first joining the then he would be out fishing whenever he credited with the sinking of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in was able and rarely came back with last German U Boat before the war 1990. nothing. Bill also gave freely of his ended. Up until the time ill health and time to other organisations such as Through his military service other problems forced him to Rotary and the local bridge club and and volunteer work, Bill served stand down from radio duties, Bill was an honorary auditor of the Mid his country well and will be sadly was a regular Radio Operator. An South Coast Legacy Group. missed by those at Ulladulla who accountant, Bill gave his time to During Wold War II, Bill trained had the pleasure of knowing him. train our late treasurer Rex Pymble as air crew (Radio Operator Rear His ashes were spread near his for his role. Gunner) under the Imperial Air favourite fishing spot in late January. As a mark of respect for his work Training Scheme in Canada and Keven Marshall Bill Samuel.

Racing on the Murray ... MR Moama UC Ken Bambling, DUC Roy We’re gonna need a bigger boat ... Fay and Tom Cousin board the Maiden and Monaro Regional Operations Manager Glenn Sullivan Merimbula unit’s smallest vessel for the Australia Day Float, while ready to meet crowds at the Southern 80 water ski race. Wayne Flaherty and Stewart Dietrich bob in their lifejackets. David’s sailing experience an asset to unit

arine Rescue Broken Bay master as to what course to steer on board would jokingly bow in his Mhas recently lost one of its so as to make the least impact honour. experienced boating members. on these sailors while passing at MR Broken Bay members turned David Cornish brought to the unit a safe distance and reaching our out at David’s funeral to support his years of accumulated sail and power destination without too much delay. wife Libby, daughter Briony, family boating experience and as such was Relying on his years of sail racing and friends as they celebrated his a highly valued asset. experience, David would suggest a life, which involved an extensive Often when making way through heading which initially would defy Commonwealth Bank senior Pittwater we would be confronted logic but it often would happen that management career in risk and by a multitude of sailing boats, from the racing craft would mysteriously asset review. Our vessels, Broken large ocean racers and historic go about in front of our vessel, Bay 30 and BB 20, along with other ‘Couta boats to sail boards and tiny leaving a clear passage on which to boats, formed a guard of honour club dinghies, all intent on gaining proceed. as the family scattered his ashes David Cornish. the best position in the tightly fought His reputation for pulling off these on Pittwater, one of his favourite Catch of the day ... MR Port Kembla DUC Geoff Fitzgerald meets Rescue ready ... MR Narooma and Tuross members, Regional keen young anglers Jasper and Harvey after gratefully accepting a Training Manager Stuart Massey and Assistant Director Education weekend regattas. masterful manoeuvres was well boating locations and the scene of unpredictable sailors. $1,000 donation for the unit from the Balgownie Fishing Club. and Training Chris Butler at an RWC professional development day. David would be consulted by the known and after each instance, all some of his insights into the ways of Happy sailing, David Cornish.

42 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 43 PICTURE GALLERY IN MEMORIAM Engaging with the community Tributes to valued members

What we’ve been up to Joan travelled far to become unit treasurer

Honorary member served his country well

42 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 43 IN MEMORIAM FEEDBACK Tributes to valued members Letters and correspondence

Duo brought strong Thanks to Evans Head boating skills to Bay ‘team of champions’ Guards of honour farewell Ken, Doug. Services work to rescue injured sailor. passing through the grades to Dear Members of Marine Rescue Evans Head become a coxswain. I am writing to pass on my sincerest thanks to you, the amazing, dedicated His forte was splicing in all its team of volunteers who undertook my rescue off Evans Head and delivery forms and over a long period many to the Lismore Hospital on Sunday, November 12. We motored out of the trainees (and older hands) benefited entrance at Ballina a little after 5.30am and although the entrance was rough, from his practical sessions. His once through it we had smooth seas. Around 7am I noticed a halyard was knowledge of the Batemans Bay loose and ventured on to the deck to tidy it up. On my return I slipped and fell operational area, local place names, - a resounding crack and I was instantly in intense pain. It seems that my foot bays and beaches was legendary, had become trapped in the boat’s lifelines whilst I slid along the deck. proving beneficial in many medical Fortunately, my companion Rob was able to move me to a safer spot in the Ken Farrant. emergencies and other incidents. cockpit and radio Marine Rescue. I understand the call was taken at Evans Ken also had watchkeeper Head by Michael (Shoham) who set in motion the range of communications arine Rescue Batemans Bay qualifications and ran our standby needed to mobilise and dispatch the Marine Rescue team. The radio Mis mourning the loss of Doug after hours operation at South communications throughout the period we were waiting to be rescued were Wilson and Ken Farrant, who Durras. It would be remiss not to very reassuring and enabled us to remain calm knowing that help was on the between them tallied up some 40 also acknowledge Ken’s contribution way. In a little less than an hour, Kira (Hartland) skippered the rescue boat years of membership. to our fundraising. He will long be alongside ours and boarded. She quickly identified that transferring me on to Doug, who joined the Royal remembered for his efforts over the rescue boat was not feasible and so we continued the journey towards Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 1998, Christmas holidays, selling tickets Evans Head where the local paramedics would be waiting at the medical jetty. came from a strong boating and acting as an outstanding Kira stayed on board our boat to guide us over the bar at low tide. We were background, quickly moving to ambassador for MRNSW. Doug and very thankful to have an experienced local on board with the knowledge of coxswain level. Ken were farewelled by members how to approach it. He was involved in the response forming guards of honour at their We were soon tied up at the jetty and the paramedic team, ably led by to many incidents both day and funeral services. Pam, came aboard, identifying that it was not my ankle but both my fibula and night and his ability to think clearly Mick Kelly tibia that were broken and that moving me was going to cause considerable and objectively under pressure was pain. The fire services were called to help with my extrication. I was moved highly valued by his fellow crew on to a spinal board and the fire services brought an additional cradle on members. Doug also served as a board to transport the spinal board more securely. I was very lucky to have watchkeeper on Thursday late shifts, been rescued by the highly compassionate and ever-so-efficient emergency helping numerous radio trainees services teams from Evans Head. to understand the fundamental On 20 November, I underwent six hours of surgery at Lismore where plates importance of radio operations. and pins were inserted into my leg. Once again, thank you all for your very Looking back, it would seem that special efforts on 12 November. You are a team of champions! Not only did Ken was always about. Coming to you conduct a very slick rescue but you offered us every possible kindness Batemans Bay from the Sydney during the event. RVCP in 1990, Ken also had a Jeremy Du Ve strong background in boating, Doug Wilson.

Richard a valued member respected by all

ichard Cleverdon served in the radio operator qualifications before Radio operator John Hawkins, RRoyal Canadian Navy before transferring to MR Newcastle in who joined the unit in 2016, was changing careers to became 2011. Unit Commander Ron Calman rescued from the surf at Dixon Park a teacher and later moving to said Richard had been a valued Beach on January 11. He was seen Australia. member respected by all. floating face-down about 20m from He joined the Royal Volunteer He said he had carried out his the shore and was in cardiac arrest Coastal Patrol at Lake Macquarie responsibilities as unit statistics as he was pulled from the water. He in 2001, gaining meteorology, officer with all the professionalism a remained in a critical condition until navigation, safe boating, first aid and Unit Commander could hope for. his death on January 13. Richard Cleverdon.

44 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS WATER THE “ON “ON THE WATER Safer boating at your fingertips WATER THE “ON S S S.O. S.O. NOTHING NOTHING S.O.S S S S.O. S.O. NOTHING MARINE MARINE SOS FASTER IS IS FASTER SOS MARINE MARINE MARINE MARINE SOS FASTER IS RESCUE-READY EQUIPMENT YOU MAY NOT LIVE WITHOUT LIVE NOT MAY YOU EQUIPMENT RESCUE-READY DISASTER" THAN THAN DISASTER" RESCUE-READY EQUIPMENT YOU MAY NOT LIVE WITHOUT WITHOUT LIVE NOT MAY YOU EQUIPMENT RESCUE-READY DISASTER" THAN BEARING LOAD WATERFRONT WATERFRONT LOAD BEARING BEARING LOAD WATERFRONT DAN BUOY DAN VEST EQUIPMENT VEST JACKET LIFE LIFE JACKET VEST EQUIPMENT VEST DAN BUOY BUOY DAN VEST EQUIPMENT VEST JACKET LIFE “When time is of the essence the the essence the of is time “When designs our about serious are We provide jackets Life Waterfront S.O.S S.O.S Waterfront Life jackets provide We are serious about our designs “When time is of the essence the the essence the of is time “When designs our about serious are We provide jackets Life Waterfront S.O.S is the answer” the is Buoy Dan SOS working the improve to approach new a a new approach to improve the working SOS Dan Buoy is the answer” answer” the is Buoy Dan SOS working the improve to approach new a Philip Thompson Philip professionals marine of capabilities capabilities of marine professionals Philip Thompson Thompson Philip professionals marine of capabilities America’s Cup America’s America’s Cup Cup America’s MARINE RESCUE NSW Challenger Skipper Challenger Challenger Skipper Skipper Challenger Download the FREE MarineRescue App!

Quarterly Journal of Marine Rescue NSW | Issue 34, Autumn 2018

SUMMER HEROES Our crews launch 1,000 rescue missions Games fever Gold medal volunteers Dropping in! SIMPLY Highwire training SUPERIOR™

NEW RealVision™ 3D Sonar and AXIOM Multifunction Displays

Images for illustrative purpose only PLUS: Tragedy on fatal shore | Seaplane down | Tuned in to race emergencies

210 x 297 AXIOM Sonar 2 (UK).indd 1 08/03/2017 10:31