Winter 2021 Download Pdf 6 MB

Volunteers saving lives on the water

Quarterly Journal of Marine Rescue NSW | Issue 47, Winter 2021

HOWE’S THAT! First offshore base keeps island’s boaters safer MUDDY MISSION CREWS ON FLOOD FRONTLINE WE SALUTE YOU HONOURS FOR OUR PEOPLE

PLUS: Dramatic overnight rescue | Stay safe on whale highway | Building skill Make every journey safer. Switch to VHF.

VHF Channel 16 is the international distress channel It’s constantly monitored by MRNSW and your calls for help can also be heard by other boats nearby. With better range, quality and help at the push of a button, make today the day you switch from 27MHz to VHF.

Find out more at marinerescuensw.com.au CONTENTS Issue 47 | Winter 2021

Quarterly Journal of Marine Rescue NSW

Cover Image THE HELM NSW Police & Emergency Services Minister David Elliott has opened our first 2 • Commissioner’s report offshore unit, on the stunning Lord Howe Island. The largest vessel in the 4 • Chair’s report MRNSW fleet,Lord Howe 40, has been deployed to the island for operations ON THE RADAR to keep the local and visiting boating community safe. See Page 27. 3 • Awards for crews who put others' safety first Photo: Brad Whittaker. 5 • Skilled volunteers recognised by our nation Thank you to all the volunteers and staff who contributed photos from the 6 • Stakeholders have say in boating safety plan floods and of other MRNSW activities. • Compelling cases win Federal grant funds 7 • State Comms Centre hits opening target • Global technology to 'empower heroes'

Publisher 8 • Four finalists in running for Rotary Awards Marine Rescue NSW 9-13 • MUD MISSION. A special report on the NSW flood crisis 202 Nicholson Parade 14-15 • Exercises build rescue skill and capability Cronulla NSW 2230 16 • Receptionist claims a heart in game of love Editorial & Advertising • Services challenged to save lives in winter Kate Woods 17 • Support helps members build mental fitness Make every Phone: 02 8071 4848 18 • Shiver me timbers! Avoid risk when it's brisk Email: [email protected] 19 • Have a whale of a time with the giants of the sea Design and Layout • How boaters can help entangled wildlife Nicole Brown 20 • Sydney festival to celebrate life on the water • App update advice for Android users journey safer. Printing Ligare Book Printers MAKING WAVES Head office: 138-152 Bonds Road, Riverwood NSW 2210 22-25 Northern Rivers News • Wooli • Ballina • Evans Head Marine Rescue NSW is pleased to acknowledge the invaluable support of our • Brunswick • Point Danger • Iluka Yamba advertisers. Soundings 26-31 Mid North Coast News Switch to VHF. © Copyright Volunteer Marine Rescue New South Wales. Reproduction in • Lord Howe Island • Forster-Tuncurry • Nambucca whole or in part prohibited without permission of the publisher. • Port Macquarie • Crowdy Harrington • Flood clean-up • Coffs Harbour • Trial Bay Marine Rescue NSW encourages the use of Soundings articles on boating 32-34 Hunter/Central Coast News safety. Permission to use and supply of relevant images can be obtained • Central Coast • Newcastle • Tuggerah Lakes from the publisher. • Port Stephens • Lake Macquarie VHF Channel 16 is the 35-39 Greater Sydney News • Botany Port Hacking • Sydney • Broken Bay international distress channel • Cottage Point • Port Jackson • Middle Harbour • Hawkesbury It’s constantly monitored by MRNSW and your calls for help 40-42 Illawarra News • Sussex Inlet • Shellharbour • Port Kembla can also be heard by other boats nearby. With better range, • Ulladulla • Shoalhaven • Jervis Bay MARINE RESCUE NSW 43-45 Monaro News quality and help at the push of a button, make today the day Volunteers saving lives on the water • Tuross • Batemans Bay • Merimbula you switch from 27MHz to VHF. Volunteer Marine Rescue New South Wales • Narooma • Bermagui ABN 98 138 078 092 ART GALLERY PO Box 579 21, 46 • Marine Rescue at work Cronulla NSW 2230 Phone: 02 8071 4848 Fax: 02 9969 5214 IN MEMORIAM & FEEDBACK Email: [email protected] 47-48 • Tributes to valued members Find out more at marinerescuensw.com.au • Letters & correspondence

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 1 THE HELM Official business

From the Commissioner Coordinated flood response demonstrates our capability.

ot so long ago, we optimistically Whether they turned out to help be sure to read our full report, Mud Nspoke of turning a corner and of their own neighbours or people in Mission, starting on Page 9. “the new normal” after the terrors of communities they had never been to Of course, in addition to mounting the Black Summer bushfires and the before, they did not hesitate. Many this out-of-the-ordinary operation, year of the pandemic. were out in the rain, cold and wind we have maintained our core But it seems Mother Nature had at all hours without complaint. services and training commitment. another trick up her sleeve, with The ability to mount a coordinated Our first three Search and Rescue the worst floods NSW has seen in response on this scale was a Exercises for the year provided a Commissioner decades knocking us out of any demonstration of our maturity, challenging and enjoyable test for Stacey Tannos ESM sense of complacency in March. growth and expanding capability. the members of 25 units both on While MRNSW has provided ad Our contribution did not go and off the water. hoc support to emergency response unremarked, with both SES The opening of our first offshore operations in past natural disasters, Commissioner Carlene York and unit on Lord Howe Island and when widespread, life-threatening Police and Emergency Services commissioning of our first ocean- flooding swept down the coastline Minister David Elliott thanking our going vessel was an opportunity and hinterland in March, we people. I add my sincere personal to reflect on our progress and the mounted our first coordinated all- thanks to everyone involved. start of operations at the State of-service operation as part of the I want to particularly acknowledge Communications Centre is another multi-agency response led by the our Alpine Lakes volunteers, Cain critical milestone. NSW State Emergency Service. Hopwood, Phillip Brown and Karina While our volunteers have Our volunteers were straight Hermeston, who travelled to help responded to a number of tragedies, on to the frontline alongside our people far from their small High they have also continued to save emergency services colleagues on Country community. Along with other lives on the water, returning boaters the Mid North Coast and in Western MRNSW vessels, Alpine Lakes 21 to shore and their families. Sydney. was taking part in a multi-agency This edition of Soundings features We were able to deploy out-of- operation in difficult conditions several reports of well-deserved area taskforces to badly impacted to support the SES in evacuating recognition for our people and their communities and the emergency management ability of our staff The response from our people was immediate, and volunteers proved an asset unstinting and gratifying. in the SES Headquarters and regional command centres. The residents from Colo when the boat service as part of our mission. response from our people was appears to have been caught on a The announcement of National immediate, unstinting and gratifying. low-hanging cable over the turbulent Bravery Awards for 15 members of and fast-rising Colo River and MR Port Stephens and the Queen’s capsized. Birthday Honours for our two Two MRNSW volunteers, an SES Emergency Service Medal recipients volunteer and four members of the are a source of great pride for us all. public were on board at the time. The Rotary Emergency Services All escaped and were returned to Community Awards also are coming waiting NSW Ambulance paramedics up and we wish our finalists the best at the operation’s staging point in the August presentations. at Sackville. I am deeply grateful It takes nothing away from our everyone on board was quickly award recipients to reflect that the accounted for and appeared to many unheralded quiet achievers in have suffered only minor abrasions, our ranks also deserve our thanks bruising and shock. I saw the Alpine for their service to their units and Lakes crew the same evening and community. while understandably shaken by Generosity of spirit and dedication their experience, they were resolute to public service is the hallmark of Police and Emergency Services and above all else, thankful no lives our people and each does us proud. Minister David Elliott and Commissioner Stacey Tannos on had been lost. Stacey Tannos ESM board Lord Howe 40. For more on our flood operations, Commissioner

2 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS ON THE RADAR Courage at sea

Awards for crews who put others’ safety first Port Stephens volunteers battled dangerous conditions with bravery and fortitude.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteer A has been awarded the prestigious Star of Courage for saving the lives of two of his crewmates when their rescue vessel was repeatedly knocked down on its side in a harrowing rescue mission in treacherous conditions in 2016. Marine Rescue Port Stephens Coxswain Laurie Nolan will receive the Star of Courage in recognition of his conspicuous courage in the face of great peril as the crew of rescue The crew of Port Stephens 40 are among 15 members of MR Port Stephens recognised for their bravery in a vessel Port Stephens 40 battled 50 series of search and rescue operations in harrowing conditions in January, 2016. knot winds and 5-6m seas to save disabled racing yacht M3. bravery and fortitude, putting the washed overboard from Amante. Fourteen other members of the safety of others before their own to MR Port Stephens volunteers, along unit have been awarded national fulfil our mission of saving lives on with the NSW Police Marine Area Bravery Medals for their service to the water. Command at Nelson Bay, responded the community in the M3 mission “Mr Nolan’s selflessness in saving to a string of emergencies, including and a series of other operations in his fellow crew members from five separate Maydays, as well as wild conditions on January 6 and 7, being entangled and dragged under searching for Mr Lennon. 2016, including responding to five water was the finest demonstration That evening, PS 40 headed out Maydays and searching for a lost of mateship and the Australian in the dark to save M3, which was The Star of Courage. yachtsman. volunteering ethos.” disabled and being blown up the Commissioner Stacey Tannos Mr Nolan was awarded the first coast. After battling the conditions congratulated the volunteers after MRNSW Medal for Valour for the M3 for five hours, the 32-tonne vessel cabin. Realising another member the Australian Bravery Decorations operation. In all, 21 crew members was hit by a wall of water at 2am, was pinned to the deck by his were announced by the Governor- and radio operators received knocking it on to its port side and safety line wrapped around 30m of General in late March. Commissioner’s Commendations throwing the crew on deck off their towline and deck furniture, Mr Nolan “We take great pride in this and Citations for their efforts over feet. As the boat righted itself, a quickly grabbed his knife, severed national recognition of our 15 the two days. second large wave hit. the lifeline and pulled him inside to volunteers. It is entirely fitting that On January 6, 2016, a number Mr Nolan regained his footing safety. When the boat was knocked we, as a community, thank them of racing yachts were caught in and went to the aid of one his down for a third time, the whole for their extraordinary service to our severe weather lashing the Hunter crewmates, who had suffered a crew rallied to save the vessel and community and courage,” he said. coastline. Experienced sailor Mal dislocated shoulder, helping him to successfully navigate the hazardous “They faced danger and risk with Lennon lost his life when he was free his safety line and reach the trip back to base.

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SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 3 THE HELM Official business

From the Chair Plan sets our course to deliver vision for a better future.

he official opening of our first He has assembled a talented and Board and staff provide the essential Toffshore rescue unit on Lord experienced volunteer workforce infrastructure and support our Howe Island, coupled with the who share his vision to make volunteer units require to operate commissioning of the largest vessel boating safer for the island’s many but our organisation would not exist in our fleet, was a true celebration local and visiting people of the sea. without the skill and commitment of a community’s commitment to Marine Rescue NSW shares of more than 3,000 individuals with harnessing its strength and abilities their vision and is pleased to a belief in making a difference. to care for its own and deliver its work together with the island’s Working in partnership, we continue vision for a better, safer future. volunteers, investing $1.4 million to deliver immense benefits for We were fortunate to be able in the resources, infrastructure the boating public and the wider Chair to welcome NSW Police and and facilities they require for their community. James Glissan AM ESM QC Emergency Services Minister David mission to save lives on their This is without argument the Elliott, Member for Port Macquarie spectacular waters. We could leading volunteer marine rescue Leslie Williams, NSW Police only achieve this with the support service in this nation but we cannot Commissioner Michael Fuller and of the State Government and rest on our laurels. We must remain members of the Lord Howe Island Commissioner Fuller, who was keen determined, continue to strive for Board to the new unit’s base, set to see for himself the refurbishment excellence and be ambitious in in one of the finest locations it is of the former Police vessel Fearless, our goals to achieve even greater possible to imagine, and aboard the 16m Lord Howe 40. We must remain determined, continue to strive The most important guests by for excellence and be ambitious in our goals. the picturesque lagoon that day, however, were not those in suits now operating in our livery as LH 40. service and capability. We must and braid but Unit Commander Jim All this support would have chart a clear and defined course to McFadyen and his colleagues in amounted to nought without the our destination and each contribute, blue. Jim’s family has a long history dedication to serving others of the no matter our role, responsibilities on Lord Howe. After 24 years in 35 members of our newest unit. I or duties. the NSW Police Force Marine Area thank each of them for their work to This course is taking the shape of Command, he left the mainland make their vision a reality. a new strategic plan, currently being for island life and has met the Our newest unit is, in a way, a developed to steer our progress and challenge to make a difference. microcosm of our organisation. The deliver on our vision over the coming three years. While the process is, by necessity, being driven from Headquarters, members must - and will - be able to have their say. For this reason, a survey seeking our members’ views and feedback is being circulated. I ask each of you to respond frankly and constructively. While it is not possible to incorporate 3,000-plus different viewpoints in a plan to drive an organisation, our volunteers’ experience and input will be in the DNA of this document. I look forward to the challenges and achievements ahead as we all, like the members of MR Lord Howe Island, work together to deliver on our vision for a better, safer, stronger future. Pride of the fleet ... MR Lord Howe Island Unit Commander Jim McFadyen, Chair Jim Glissan and NSW Police Commissioner Michael Safe sailing Fuller at the helm of our first ocean-going vessel, Lord Howe 40. Jim Glissan ON THE RADAR Honouring our people

Skilled volunteers recognised by our nation Medal recipients have shown resilience and unrivalled dedication: Minister.

wo senior Marine Rescue NSW water and has also contributed to who had been honoured on the Tvolunteers have been recognised their unit by stepping up to shoulder Queen’s Birthday had demonstrated in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday additional responsibilities. resilience, bravery and an unrivalled Honours for their commitment to “Our organisation would not exist dedication to keeping their community service and saving lives without our dedicated volunteers. communities safe on the water. “Each of them deserves our “Each one has made a significant Marine Rescue Shoalhaven gratitude and these awards are our contribution to their organisation,” vessel Master Michael Boadle and chance to say thank you not just to Mr Elliott said. Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit our ESM recipients but to all their “These men and women Commander Anthony Younglove colleagues as well.” have served throughout some were awarded the Emergency The Commissioner said Mike of our State’s most challenging Services Medal. and Tony embodied the versatility of emergencies and have gone above Commissioner Stacey Tannos MRNSW volunteers in helping the and beyond the call of duty. congratulated the pair. community whenever and wherever “Although they don’t serve for The Emergency Services Medal. “These awards have been called upon, including during the the hope of awards, each one is bestowed on behalf of our nation March floods and Black Summer a well-deserving recipient and it to thank Mike and Tony for their bushfires, as well as on the water. is important we recognise their by members of the emergency service, leadership, operational Police and Emergency Services contributions.” services. expertise and commitment to Minister David Elliott said every The ESM was introduced to A total of 44 MRNSW personnel serving our community,” he said. single one of the police and the Australian honours in 1999 to have been awarded the ESM since “Each has saved lives on the emergency services personnel recognise distinguished service 2000.

ony Younglove has served his His emergency management has professionalism and works Tcommunity with distinction for ensured the unit’s members work collaboratively with other MRNSW more than a decade as a volunteer collaboratively to support other units across the Central Coast member of MR Tuggerah Lakes, emergency services. region to support their training and including the past six years as Unit He oversaw the unit’s support for operational activities. Commander. the 2020 Black Summer firefighting Mr Younglove has provided As the unit’s only qualified operation, keeping its two rescue exemplary leadership throughout Coxswain, Mr Younglove has led vessels on operational standby, his tenure as Unit Commander, numerous rescue missions across ready to transport and evacuate developing a newly-formed unit into a waterways system covering more those in harm’s way and assist RFS a highly-responsive and effective than 80sq/km, saving people caught brigades on the Hawkesbury River. emergency service with strong in life-endangering emergencies, In his roles as a Trainer, Assessor volunteer spirit and commitment, including six dragonboat racers and mentor, he has developed ensuring its ongoing capability and Tony Younglove. suffering hypothermia. the highest levels of volunteer viability.

oining MR Shoalhaven in 2009, Operation Manager for a decade, volunteers and also assisted MR JMike Boadle has consistently ensuring crews have safe and Sussex Inlet, Port Kembla and exhibited an exceptional volunteer reliable vessels for their life-saving Ulladulla. He is currently leading a work ethic, strong commitment and work. His management of the unit’s working group planning to replace outstanding professionalism. fleet is characterised by innovative the unit’s small, outdated radio Mr Boadle has spent almost management and development, base with a modern emergency 2,500 hours on vessel operations, implementing new systems, management centre. taking part in 325 rescue operations procedures and techniques. Mr Boadle has been awarded two – close to half of all missions He provides a valuable technical Commissioner’s Citations for his launched by the unit – and recently resource for the Illawarra Region actions to save lives on the water joined the MRNSW flood support and as a Trainer and recognised in and around the Shoalhaven, operations in western Sydney. Subject Matter Expert, he has been most recently for saving a couple A vessel Master and Coxswain, a role model and mentor for several suffering from carbon monoxide Mike Boadle. Mr Boadle has been the Vessels “generations” of MR Shoalhaven poisoning on a cruiser in 2020.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 5 ON THE RADAR Collaboration

Stakeholders have say in boating safety plan Marine Rescue works with State Government on waterway strategies.

arine Rescue NSW is helping focused on the future of boating Mto steer the future of boating safety. The event was hosted by safety on our state’s waterways. the Centre for Maritime Safety as This year marks the conclusion an integral part of formulating MSP of the State Government’s first four- 2026. year Maritime Safety Plan, which set More than 60 stakeholders joined the strategic direction in maritime the workshop in person or online, safety from 2017 to 2021, with a as Centre personnel shared updates new plan now under development. on boating fatality and serious injury The objective of the inaugural trends, recapped key findings from plan was to continue the downward latest research and shared draft trend in the drowning fatality rate countermeasures and actions for the and to further reduce the rate of next MSP. MRNSW Director Operations Andrew Cribb attends a workshop as fatalities and serious injuries by 30 The draft countermeasures centre part of the development of the NSW Maritime Safety Plan 2026. per cent by the end of 2021. on emerging strategic themes: With Transport for NSW working saving lives on our waterways, “The countermeasures workshop so it was great to work side-by- on the development of the second safer boating through technology was a great opportunity to discuss side with the Centre for Maritime Maritime Safety Plan (MSP), and safer waterway access and current maritime safety issues and Safety, along with a range of other MRNSW Deputy Commissioner infrastructure. provide input on areas for future organisations and groups, to ensure Alex Barrell and Director Operations Participants debated the options focus,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell we’re developing a plan that results Andrew Cribb recently attended the being presented before voting to said. “Boating safety is central to in safer and more enjoyable trips for Countermeasures Workshop, which indicate support for key measures. the work of both organisations all waterway users.”

Compelling cases win Federal grant funds

ive MRNSW units have been Fawarded more than $65,000 in funding under the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities grants program. MR Sydney has secured $10,247 for 10 laptops for its training activities, incident management and other radio room IT applications, along with a storage cabinet to keep Two units have received grants for Rescue Water Craft. the items secure. MR Lemon Tree Passage has received a grant of $8,500 that will Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips help the unit to save money in future presented members of MR Ulladulla by installing solar panels on its base. with $10,000 for an emergency The members of MR Brunswick generator on June 10. have been training on Headquarters- Grants and Sponsorship Manager supplied Rescue Water Craft Mat Smith congratulated the units in recent months. The unit has for developing compelling cases received $18,000 towards the cost outlining their need for new and of a new RWC. upgraded equipment. Further south, the Lake “This funding will help the units Macquarie unit also received to boost their rescue operations and $18,405 for a new RWC. support their volunteers,” he said.

6 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS ON THE RADAR Development

State Comms Centre hits opening target Sydney unit anticipates dramatic improvements at new radio location.

he new high-tech State Headquarters staff and supplier TCommunications Centre in teams had worked hard to have the Sydney’s northern suburbs began centre ready for the move. operations in mid-June, marking The relocation was scheduled for a major advance in MRNSW a week day to avoid any disruption emergency response coordination. to busier weekend operations. The Belrose centre had been UC King said the challenges of planned to ‘go live’ ahead of the connecting an array of complex Greater Sydney Regional Search and new technology had been further Rescue Exercise on June 26. complicated by poor weather The goal was met when MR delaying the installation of Sydney switched its radio operations communication links for the centre’s over from its Terrey Hills base on radios, phones and internet. Friday, June 18. The radio room incorporates The first functions in the new an impressive video wall, new facility, an introduction evening for Frequentis communications and new members and two public radio purpose-developed operator Marine Rescue Sydney Unit Commander Matt King and Deputy courses, were held in early June. workstations. The video array Sandy Howard test the State Communications Centre video wall. Unit Commander Matt King said provides radio operators and watch it was a great feeling to already be officers on duty with enhanced “While there are always State Communications Centre will able to use the new facilities for situational awareness, displaying challenges with any new significant be a dramatic improvement over our meetings and training. Seahawk, the MRNSW status board, project, the rewards and operational current system,” UC King said. He said unit members, AIS, charts and news feeds. benefits delivered through the new Pamela Sayers

Global technology to ‘empower heroes’ New mission-critical dispatch system to enhance rescue response.

eading communications State Communications Centre at Ltechnology used in mission- Belrose and the MR Botany Port critical control centres worldwide Hacking radio base. has been selected as the new “It will allow operators to maintain marine radio call taking and situational awareness and effectively dispatch system for MRNSW. manage complex and busy periods Director Operations Andrew using a single, intuitive console, Cribb said Frequentis technology enabling them to access and had been selected to enhance communicate critical information Marine Rescue’s emergency quickly and easily,” Mr Cribb said. communications and response. The technology was trialled at the “By choosing this solution, we will MR Terrey Hills base over summer, ensure Australia’s leading volunteer with its volunteers heavily involved in New Frequentis dispatch technology is critical to operations of the MRNSW State Communications Centre at Belrose. marine rescue team has the most the development of the product. up-to-date equipment to handle “Frequentis has also developed emergencies and feel confident that some additional functionalities to Frequentis Head of Maritime give valuable feedback and their they have crucial information at their cater for our specific needs,” he Australasia Ruth Trojan said the requirements to be further assessed. fingertips,” he said. said. company understood safety-critical “This close collaboration with all Frequentis technology is currently Mr Cribb said the system industries and “the role technology stakeholders allowed finetuning of used by Sydney Trains, at the provided a range of additional plays in empowering Australia’s the highly configurable system to Rescue Coordination Centre in features, including an audio delay heroes out on the water”. ensure Marine Rescue’s needs and Canberra and in air traffic control. function to reduce echo from She said the solution had been the essential radio communications The new dispatch system is multiple radios relaying a single call, introduced in a training environment to help vessels in distress could be initially being installed in the new mapping and radio display coverage. to enable radio operators to delivered,” Ms Trojan said.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 7 ON THE RADAR Our people

Four finalists in running for Rotary awards Recognition for people who give their all to keep us safe: Commissioner.

he MRNSW finalists in the 2021 TRotary Emergency Services Community Awards were named in a ceremony at NSW Parliament House on June 16. Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott announced the MUD MISSION finalists from the seven emergency services recognised in the annual awards. The four MRNSW finalists are Alison Cameron-Brown from MR NSW Governor Margaret Beazley with representatives of Rotary and the emergency services at the Port Macquarie, Alex Fenwick from launch of this year’s Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards. Photo: Brad Whittaker. MR Port Jackson, Neville Hamilton from MR Evans Head and Pat Welch The awards recognise Service announced at an event on August “Over the past two years, through from MR Shoalhaven. Together, they Beyond Self by members of 14. bushfires and floods, our volunteers have given almost 50 years’ service. MRNSW, the NSW Rural Fire Commissioner Stacey Tannos have worked alongside their Mr Welch was named as a finalist Service, State Emergency Service, congratulated the MRNSW finalists colleagues from other services to in the Shoalhaven Emergency Volunteer Rescue Association, NSW for the well-earned recognition. assist and protect the community. It Services Community Awards. Ambulance, Fire + Rescue NSW and “These awards are a chance to is pleasing to have this opportunity Thirteen MRNSW members were Surf Life Saving NSW. applaud members of our emergency to acknowledge the people who give nominated for the awards this year. The overall winners will be services community,” he said. their all to keep us safe.”

8 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MUD MISSION Marine Rescue NSW volunteers swapped blue water operations for the muddy frontline of the NSW flood crisis in March, navigating around streetlights and rooftops and down swollen, debris-filled waterways to reach people in need. Working alongside their emergency services colleagues, they were at the heart of the response to the worst flooding to strike the state in decades. Main photo: David Murn.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 9 FLOOD CRISIS Special report

Volunteers quick to join flood crisis response Mass support operation demonstrates our expanding capability, versatility.

arine Rescue NSW was on Mthe frontline of the mammoth emergency response to the March flood crisis, helping communities from the Mid North Coast to Western Sydney swamped by the worst flooding to strike the state in decades. In its first large-scale, coordinated flood support operation, MRNSW provided on-water, logistical and incident management personnel and resources to the multi-agency response led by the NSW State Emergency Service. Demonstrating the service’s expanding capability and versatility, crews swapped their blue water Street light to starboard! MRNSW crew members navigate carefully around a power pole peeking operations to navigate down muddy through deep flood water on the Hawkesbury River near the Sackville Ferry. Photo: Brad Whittaker. flooded streets, over parks and fields and across swollen, debris-filled Merimbula, Batemans Bay, Ulladulla, 94, from their isolated farms to their vessels and a fuel trailer from the waterways along the coastline and Port Macquarie and Lake Macquarie families. Norah Head, Central Coast, Port hinterland from Port Macquarie to had demonstrated their emergency An out-of-area deployment was Kembla, Shoalhaven, Sussex Inlet, Colo, west of Sydney. management expertise in Incident assembled with volunteers from Alpine Lakes, Merimbula, Tuross Director Operations Andrew Control and Emergency Operations MR Ulladulla, Tuggerah Lakes and and Batemans Bay units had joined Cribb, who was based at the SES Centres and a Cottage Point Broken Bay heading north to Taree members of Botany Port Hacking in State Headquarters for the response volunteer had joined operations at to operate on the Manning River. a deployment to Western Sydney. operation, applauded the service’s Sydney’s Public Information Inquiry Over four days, the crews, with The Hawkesbury, Cottage Point and volunteers for their community Centre to ensure the community three smaller boats, evacuated Broken Bay units were already on spirit and willingness to step into a was well-informed. residents, including a pregnant standby. new environment to support their Others had ensured frontline woman and a veteran Olympic Commissioner Stacey Tannos met emergency services colleagues and crews were well fed and rostered swimmer, carried out welfare checks the taskforce members in Sydney help people in need. duties covered, while yet others of people whose homes were and later inspected flooded facilities. “We were pleased to be able got to work on the clean up of their surrounded by a sea of brown water “All of our people, both volunteers to deploy our assets and trained own flooded facilities, with the and supported local council staff. and staff, gave 100 per cent, no personel to assist in an operation of Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, By March 22, a regional taskforce matter their role,” he said. “They all this scale, with such large areas of Nambucca and Tuggerah Lakes of more than 30 volunteers, seven deserve our heartfelt thanks.” the state flooded,” he said. bases all inundated. “Our volunteers played a The flood crisis began on the valuable role, evacuating people Mid North Coast, with crews from from floodwaters, isolated houses, MR Port Macquarie, Camden Haven caravan parks and in one instance, and Crowdy Harrington joining half-way up a tree. evacuation operations from March “They carried out welfare checks 19. and resupply missions, they filled Members of MR Port Macquarie sandbags and they transported local filled shifts around the clock for six government staff to inspect and days straight, working with other repair public infrastructure needed emergency services to rescue for community health and transport. residents, including a six-month- “Our people quickly adapted to old baby, from flooded homes and new operations in difficult conditions caravans. In contrast, a crew from to help those worse off.” MR Crowdy Harrington evacuated Paw patrol ... a greyhound and its owner are evacuated to safety by He said members from two elderly women, aged 83 and the crew of Port Macquarie 20. This was one of 22 pooches rescued.

10 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS FLOOD CRISIS Special report

Golden girl a ray of sunshine in the tempest Taree taskforce evacuates Olympian, mum-to-be and two men up a tree.

arine Rescue NSW vessels and transport local government Mhave the power to reach staff to inspect critical wastewater the scene of an emergency FAST infrastructure. but one person evacuated by our When they headed out on board volunteers at the height of the flood UL 10 to evacuate one elderly emergency quipped she could woman trapped by the rising river probably swim faster than the while attending a funeral, they rescue boat was travelling on the discovered to their surprise that their swollen Manning River. passenger was Olympic Gold and Volunteers from MR Broken Bay, Silver medallist Lorraine Crapp. Ulladulla and Tuggerah Lakes were Lorraine was the first woman to deployed to provide out-of-area break the five-minute barrier in the

support to emergency operations on 400m freestyle. Veteran Olympian Lorraine Crapp was in fine fettle as the MRNSW the Manning at Taree South. UC Arteaga said the golden girl Taree taskforce evacuated her to safety. MR Ulladulla Unit Commander had been in fine spirits, joking that Dave Hall, Deputy David Lindley and she could swim faster than the boat. Phil Anthony left the South Coast in Lorraine wasn’t the only person the small hours of Saturday, March helped to safety by the MRNSW 20, to rendezvous with MR Broken team. A pregnant woman was Bay Commander Jimmy Arteaga, ferried to a waiting NSW Ambulance Deputy Andrew Majewski, Gavin and as the Broken Bay crew were Jarvis and Matt Colahan and MR making their way down the flooded Tuggerah Lakes members Steve Manning, they caught sight of two Corbett and Craig Roberts. After men wedged in trees on the far reaching their staging point, they river bank. With the water levels on spent an afternoon filling sandbags the river high up the trees, the men Convoy ... MR Tuggerah Lakes, Ulladulla and Broken Bay crews with the SES. were frantically waving for help. rendezvous on their way to join flood operations at Taree. With UC Hall acting as MRNSW The pair had been making their Liaison Officer at the Taree council way along the river in a kayak, UC Arteaga said the pair had “They’re lucky we caught them depot, the crews formed a discrete without lifejackets, to deliver food been unable to make their way out of the corner of our eye,” he taskforce and were tasked to and supplies to one of their elderly against the swirling current and said. BB 20 transported the pair evacuate residents from harm’s mothers, who had not wanted to dragged into the trees in “the middle to deliver their supplies to a very way, undertake welfare checks leave her isolated home. of nowhere”. grateful mum.

Flood debris creates risks for safe boating

ebris washing down waterways debris, including garden sheds, 44 Dand out to sea continued to pose gallon drums, fridges, furniture and a hazard to boaters weeks after the other household items. floodwaters had receded. Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell A NSW Environment Protection said the risks were exacerbated by Authority operation to clear refuse lost or displaced navigation aids from riverbanks on the Mid North and channel markers, as well as Coast and Northern Rivers was floodwaters surging down rivers and still under way in mid-June, with across coastal bars. assistance from three local MRNSW “With chemicals, deceased stock units. and wildlife and other pollutants Marine Rescue issued warnings washed into waterways, boaters also in the wake of the flooding, advising needed to exercise extra caution A crew from MR Iluka Yamba took this yacht under tow after murky boaters to keep a careful watch for to avoid the risk of being thrown floodwater surging down the Clarence River prevented it from crossing dangerous submerged and floating overboard,” he said. the bar at Yamba, pushing it back out to sea.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 11 FLOOD CRISIS Special report

Unit base swamped as river breaks its banks Major works needed to repair damaged Camden Haven equipment, wharf.

hen the most severe floods Win years swept through the Camden Haven area in March, the Marine Rescue base was not spared. Sitting right on the Camden Haven River, the unit’s ground floor was quickly inundated, along with homes and businesses in North Haven, Dunbogan, Kendall and other low-lying areas around the river. While many of its volunteers suffered damage to their properties and vehicles or were cut off by floodwaters, this did not prevent the unit rallying to assist community One-and-a-half metres of muddy floodwater sweep through the Marine Rescue Camden Haven base, members in need of help. damaging and destroying equipment, fittings and furniture. Unit Commander Neville Adams said the unit had moved its 4x4 The pair were tasked to medi- damage included ruined wall linings, “Several of our local caravan towing vehicle and small vessel, vac a pregnant woman from the amenities and equipment, including parks like Brigadoon, Dunbogan Camden Haven 10, a 4.2m Zodiac, Diamond Waters caravan park but a launch winch for vessel CH 30, and Diamond Waters suffered major out of the shed and to a member’s on arrival, found she had made her lifejackets, uniforms, cupboards, damage and losses.” home above the flood level. way safely to hospital. a fridge, stove and the bathroom. UC Adam said after a working “This proved the correct decision Two people were evacuated from The unit’s wharf and slip rails also bee by members to clean and repair as this small vessel was extremely the nearby Dunbogan caravan park. will need to be replaced after being what they could, the unit was slowly useful in enabling us to conduct Commissioner Stacey Tannos and damaged by debris. getting things back on track. several rescues to evacuate people Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell UC Adams said the floods had “The radio room is fully from harm’s way,” he said. visited the base in April to inspecct brought hardship to many people, operational again but it will take “But with several members facing the damage caused by the 1.5m causing major damage to homes, quite some time yet to have all their own flooding or with roads cut of muddy floodwater that swept motor vehicles and personal items. assets replaced or repaired and off, we only had two crew available, through the facility. “The area will take months, if not back into full service,” he said. John Evans and Ken Rutledge.” When the waters receded, the longer, to recover,” he said. Ken Rutledge

Regional taskforce rallies to the frontline and

olunteers from regional areas of crew on Tuross 20 supporting SES “We supported a smaller SES “Both had the electric buzz of Vthe state rallied to join a Marine operations. Initially tasked to the SES boat as the ‘mother ship’ while they professional and focused dynamic Rescue taskforce to support flood Blacktown unit, where they helped doorknocked local residents, all the activities. MRNSW obviously had a operations in Western Sydney. out filling sandbags, the crew soon while getting used to the unfamiliar water related role with the floods, Units with smaller vessels that found themselves in the thick of it flood environment. whereas our volunteers were active could be towed hit the highways to on the swollen Hawkesbury River at “We learned a lot from working in the evacuation centres for the join their Sydney colleagues. Sackville. with the SES and other agencies and fires. In both, we were consulted as Along with the boats and a fuel “We quickly discovered that in a took home a few lessons to apply to to our capability and capacity and trailer, members from MR Norah flood, ramps and moorings are what the next deployment.” we stepped up without hesitation. Head, Central Coast, Port Kembla, you can find at the time,” he said. MR Merimbula Unit Commander “Neither event required us Shoalhaven, Sussex Inlet, Tuross, “At one point we had to reverse Sonia Teston was one of three to undertake activities for which Merimbula, Batemans Bay and half a kilometre down a narrow volunteers tasked overnight to the we train, however, the mindset Alpine Lakes were deployed to the road to the Sackville Ferry terminal Sydney Metropolitan Incident Control of our volunteers is such that we frontline and incident management. to launch and ended up tying up to Centre, comparing flood control couldn’t do anything but help. You MR Tuross Training Officer a telegraph pole right up near the to her experience in a bushfire can’t be anything but proud of our Blaise Madden was one of the light, so deep was the water. Emergency Operations Centre. volunteers,” she said.

12 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS FLOOD CRISIS Special report

Team works around clock to help community Port Macquarie members evacuate more than 100 people from danger.

n pelting rain and on rapidly rising Iwater courses, volunteers from MR Port Macquarie worked around the clock for six days straight to help members of their community in danger and devastated by the region’s flood crisis. Crews filled shifts across 24 hours, working side-by-side with personnel from the State Emergency Service, NSW Police, Surf Life Saving and other emergency services. Between March 19 and 25, they performed 32 rescues, relocating Muck and mud ... the crew of Port Macquarie 30 make their way carefully down the swollen Hastings River more than 100 people in cold, wet on a safety patrol, keeping a look out for debris and hazards that needed to be removed from the waterway. and windy conditions. About 60 crew members were Over the next five days, members boat shed was taken out when the including the shed’s main doors and on rotation across every 24 hours, transported more people from Settlement Point ferry cable snapped winch, were forced out of operation. supported by a stream of their caravan parks along the river and and then transport council engineers The unit worked closely with other colleagues and kindly members steered over flooded roads and to repair the ferry infrastructure. emergency services in a coordinated of the public providing morale- paddocks to reach isolated families. Floating and submerged trees, logs, operation. boosting sustenance. Deputy Unit Along the way, 22 dogs, three hay bales and hundreds of livestock Our unit was even able to provide Commander Graham Gibbs was cats and one lucky flying fox hitched in and around the river made for a NSW Police with a spare blade for based in the local Emergency a ride to safety on board PM 20. treacherous and also distressing their flood boat prop when none Operations Centre. The members’ ready access to environment. could be found in the state, enabling On the first night of the downpour, the water also enabled them to save Meanwhile, other members were them to remain fully operational. as the Hastings River broke its yachts in trouble on their moorings; working to move what equipment It was an extraordinary effort by banks and flooded through the unit’s help with a seaplane dislodged from they could from the muddy water all involved, again demonstrating boat base, crews responded to calls its berth; relocate vessels and move swamping the unit’s boat shed. our team’s commitment to our to evacuate residents from flooded houseboats to deeper water; assist Numerous items were lost or community. homes and the tops of caravans. a local boat hire business whose damaged and many key assets, Michelle Rayner

incident control in sodden Western Sydney

MR Tuross Training Officer Blaise Madden was one of the regional MR Merimbula’s Stewart Dietrich and UC Sonia Teston, Batemans taskforce of volunteers deployed to support SES flood operations, here Bay UC Richard Blundell, Development Officer Sophie Galvin and in the thick of it on the swollen Hawkesbury River at Sackville. ROM Glenn Evans at the Sydney Metro Incident Control Centre.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 13 2021 SAREX Professional development

Exercises build rescue skill and capability to Specialists join forces in offshore searches and new desktop program.

ore than 200 volunteers were a major component of the Mfrom 25 MRNSW units have organisation’s professional training honed their search and rescue program for its members. skills and gained valuable incident “Our volunteers are trained to management experience in three the highest standards for their roles regional exercises over the past two and the on-water experience they months. gain from a SAREX helps keep them Search and Rescue Exercises rescue-ready around the clock,” have been staged at Bermagui, he said. “These joint exercises are Forster-Tuncurry and Yamba in staged along the coastline each year the first three events of the 2021 to build marine search and rescue regional training series, with the skills and cooperation between Sydney SAREX to round out the agencies to ensure we can all calendar in late June. operate seamlessly. Safe! The crew on board MR Wooli vessel Wooli 30 rescue a ‘victim’ The exercises gave volunteers “This is essential to ensure that from a life raft in choppy conditions off Yamba. Photo: Josh Stangl. the opportunity to work together we have the best possible chance and with their colleagues from other of finding and rescuing someone in Australian Maritime Safety opportunity to learn more about the emergency services both on the the water as soon as possible in an Authority, Westpac Lifesaver Rescue responsibilities and capabilities of water and on desktop exercises on emergency, when time is always of Helicopter and Surf Life Saving NSW our rescue partners, who explain shore. the essence.” took part in all three events. their roles and take part in a MRNSW Deputy Commissioner Personnel from the NSW Police This year’s search exercises Question and Answer session.” Alex Barrell said the exercises Force Marine Area Command, were based on a scenario involving Media training was introduced for a search for multiple victims of a the first time this year. large-scale aircraft emergency. Units taking part in the Monaro Director of Operations Andrew SAREX were: Batemans Bay, Cribb said the on-shore exercise Bermagui, Eden, Merimbula, program had been re-shaped to Moama, Narooma and Tuross. provide volunteers with experience MR Camden Haven, Crowdy in communications, logistics, Harrington, Forster-Tuncurry, incident management and Lemon Tree Passage, Nambucca, navigation. Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Port “The desktop exercise, staged Stephens and Trial Bay assembled at the same time as the on-water for the Mid North Coast/Hunter activities, provides our members event. with an introduction to the various MR Ballina, Brunswick, Cape roles that are involved in the Byron, Coffs Harbour, Evans Head, successful management of any Iluka Yamba, Point Danger, Wooli Dreaming of that new: major emergency,” he said. and Woolgoolga joined the Northern Jetty, Floating, Pontoon “Our people also have the Rivers exercise. or Marina Pen We are in your area and able to provide a free no obligation quote!

Tel: 02 8091 1534 www.cm-consulting.com.au Plotting ... MR Forster-Tuncurry members Dennis Travers and Michael Portelli check the charts in the unit’s radio base ahead of the SAREX.

14 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS 2021 SAREX Professional development ensure seamless response to emergencies

The class of Forster ‘21 ... more than 70 volunteers from nine units took part in the Mid North Coast SAREX in May, along with members of the NSW Police Marine Area Command, Surf Life Saving NSW, AMSA and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter. Photo: Brad Whittaker.

MR Brunswick RWC duo Gabriel Back from the sea ... Northern Rivers SAREX participants and rescue vessels from MR Wooli, Iluka Yamba, Wuyts and Robert Winter. Ballina and Evans Head at the completion of the search exercise off Yamba. Photo: Jonathon Wilcock.

A NSW Police ‘victim’ sets off a flare to direct searchers to his Line-up ... Peter Brown, Bernie Ryan, Glenn Felkin, Volker Aebischer position offshore in the Monaro exercise. Photo: NSW Police. and Babs Stephens during the day two debrief at Bermagui.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 15 ON THE RADAR Partners

Receptionist claims a heart in game of love Wedding bells for Dragons fan who met her match watching the footy.

he St George Dragons may not year on their anniversary - and it Thave won a premiership for more was there on their fourth anniversary than a decade but they led MRNSW that Allan proposed. Receptionist and Office Manager Steph and Allan married on Stephanie Bruno to claim a heart. Sunday, March 14, at Athol Hall in When the team was scheduled Mosman. Torrential rain led to a to play on a Monday night in July, quick change of plans to hold their 2015, lifelong fan Steph wanted to ceremony indoors. watch the match but didn’t have “The Saturday was hot and sunny, Foxtel at home so headed for her Monday was beautiful but on the gym to watch it there. day it poured from sun up to sun She asked personal trainer Allan down. It was meant to be,” she said. Newton to switch the channel to the The honeymooners got away for game and the two got talking. a short break “glamping” at Turon Allan left soon after on a rugby Gates west of the Blue Mountains. league tour to Canada. “Horse riding, relaxing, no internet “He was away for three weeks or phone reception, which didn’t and we texted every day. When he matter since I lost my phone in an got back, we had our first date at Uber the night of the wedding,” a bar in Newtown and we haven’t Steph said. been apart since,” Steph said. They plan a longer trip to Europe Rain on their wedding day ... MRNSW Receptionist and Office The pair returns to the bar each once COVID bans are lifted. Manager Stephanie Bruno-Newton and her husband Allan.

Services challenged to save lives in winter

Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin donates to the Emergency Services Blood Challenge, with Lifeblood’s Jackson and ROM Glenn Evans on hand.

arine Rescue NSW personnel More than 1,000 donations are Mare being encouraged to roll up needed across Australia every week MARINE RESCUE TV their sleeves this winter. and each donation can save up to With demand for blood increasing three lives. Volunteers saving lives on the water in the colder months, our volunteers The Emergency Services Blood and staff are again taking part in the Challenge is one of the state’s annual Emergency Services Blood biggest blood drives. For details, visit Challenge to donate much needed https://www.donateblood.com.au/ blood and plasma. lifeblood-teams/emergency-services

16 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS ON THE RADAR Care for our people

Support helps members build mental fitness Families welcome to join in smorgasbord of enjoyable wellness activities.

arine Rescue NSW members Mcan now take advantage of a new service to support their wellbeing and help build their mental fitness – and they can do it while enjoying a range of activities with their families and emergency services colleagues. Under a new Memorandum of Understanding, Fortem Australia, a not-for-profit organisation established to help support emergency first responders and national security personnel, is providing the additional support to Members of MR Botany Port Hacking, Geoffrey McDonald, Jesse Rowley, Grahame Aulbury and Bronwyn our membership. Daniels at the Fortem Australia family fun day on May 15. Commissioner Stacey Tannos and Fortem’s General Manager of MRNSW personnel and their families activities such as bushwalks, gym Service Delivery, Darrin Lincoln, dealt with day in and day out. classes, lawn bowls, surfing lessons, lauded the new partnership as “We support members and their barbecue classes, craft activities offering tremendous benefits to families. Sometimes families get and ten pin bowling. MRNSW volunteers, staff members forgotten in the overall struggle of Volunteers from MR Port and their families. what members do. It’s important Macquarie have already taken Commissioner Tannos said that families are treated equally, if part in activities including surfing Fortem provided an opportunity for not better,” he said. and paintball challenges through frontline workers in the emergency “We look forward to delivering a the program and members of MR services and other areas to deal with whole lot of services that we provide Botany Port Hacking took part in a their wellbeing and mental health. to members across NSW.” family fun day at Appin on May 15. ”It’s an issue that’s becoming Fortem uses research and Online activities also are offered, more and more prevalent right best practice to develop activities, such as a monthly trivia competition across Australia and right across community engagement and that has linked personnel serving The MRNSW Rescue Water the world. It’s great to see an psychological support services to not only around Australia but also Craft proved a drawcard at the family fun day. organisation that has grabbed assist participants’ mental health others farther afield, such as Federal this issue and is actually doing and wellbeing. Police officers in Papua New Guinea something about it,” he said. MRNSW members and their and Timor and the International important – it’s informal chats and Mr Lincoln said Fortem families will now be able to choose Court of Justice in The Hague. bonding that helps.” understood the trials and tribulations from a smorgasbord of wellness All activities are free to members Events can be organised and their families. specifically for members of one Joining in is easy – simply book agency but more commonly are online at https://fortemaustralia.org. open to a range of participants from au/calendar/ and add that you are different services. from Marine Rescue NSW. Some events are only for families “Family is anyone you share and others combine members and a fridge with – it might be your families. husband or wife and your kids. Fortem also offers a range of Maybe you live with your parents counselling and psychological or maybe it’s your flatmate who’s support services free of charge to your sounding board. They’re all members. These can be accessed welcome,” Mr Lincoln said. on 1300 338 594 or psychology@ “We don’t care what rank, fortemaustralia.org.au. This is in uniform or security clearance you addition to Marine Rescue NSW’s Fortem Australia General Manager of Service Delivery Darrin Lincoln and Commissioner Stacey Tannos sign a new agreement to provide have. It’s about people talking to existing Critical Incident Support wellness services to MRNSW volunteers. each other while they’re there that’s Service.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 17 WINTER ON THE WATER Dangerous chill

Shiver me timbers! Avoid risk when it’s brisk Falling overboard will place you at threat of life-endangering hypothermia.

ith winter now upon us, about 30 minutes to develop. Signs Wboaters need to be mindful include: of the need to take extra safety • Intense shivering in the early precautions when heading out. stages as the body tries to If you fall into cold water, cold maintain its core temperature. shock can set in very quickly, placing • Slurred speech and confusion. you at risk of hypothermia - and that • Slowing pulse as blood flow to the can quickly become life-threatening. hands, feet and skin slows. While the volunteers from our • Dilated pupils. High Country unit, MR Alpine • No shivering in the later stages. Lakes, are familiar with the dangers • Eventually, a hypothermic person of hypothermia, boaters on the will lose consciousness. Fleet Officer Sean Jewiss demonstrates how to prevent heat loss coastline, especially on the South Follow these tips to stay safe: from your core if you fall into cold water. Photo: Brad Whittaker. Coast, need to be just as wary of • Always wear a lifejacket. If you fall water below 15 degrees Celcius. overboard, it will help you manage • Try to get back on board or get reduce body heat loss. Hypothermia happens when your the initial cold shock, conserve as much of your body out of the • If you are by yourself, draw your body temperature drops below 35 energy and give you time to get water as you can. Only swim for knees to your chest, wrap your degrees Celcius. back to your boat or for a rescue shore if it is very close. arms around your knees and As soon as you enter the water, vessel to arrive. • If you can’t get back on board, clasp your hands together so your body begins to cool but the • Check the weather and dress for stay with the boat and huddle with you’re in a tucked position to full effects of hypothermia can take the conditions. anyone else who is in the water to prevent heat loss.

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18 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS WINTER ON THE WATER A tail to tell

Have a whale of a time with giants of the sea Keep your distance from animals on the east coast migration highway.

hale watching season is now Wwell under way, with the giants of the sea on their annual migration north along the NSW coastline. Boaters will be heading out in droves until the end of the season in December, hoping to get a glimpse of a whale or better still, a full-blown breaching, jumping, tail-slapping performance. From June to August, the whales will be heading north to Queensland’s warmer climate and waters to breed and calve before then heading back south to Antarctica to feed between August and December. Boaters out to watch whales must Do not disturb ... boaters must stay 100 metres from a whale and triple that distance if it has a calf with it. remember the rules in place for their Photo: Brad Whittaker. own safety and that of the whales and other marine mammals they Jet skis must stay 300m away Do not approach whales from down and let the whale swim past may encounter. at all times. Between 100m and behind or wait in front of them you before moving away when it is In a boat, whether powered or 300m, you are required to travel at for their approach. If a whale safe to do so. non-powered (such as a surfboard, a constant slow speed and leave approaches your vessel, do not As a pod of whales may attract surf ski or paddleboard), stay at negligible wake. As you manoeuvre, move suddenly. fellow onlookers, watch out for other least 100 metres away and 300m if watch the whales carefully to avoid To protect yourself, your boat and boaters and keep a safe distance to there is a calf present. disturbing or colliding with them. the whale, slow your motors right avoid collisions.

How boaters can help entangled wildlife

hat should boaters do if they she said. “That is the best job that Wspot a whale entangled in you can possibly do, especially if fishing lines, nets or other debris you’re in a boat. during migration season? “That way, we can find you and Marine Rescue TV spoke to an we can then find the entangled experienced whale disentanglement whale. Please don’t try and team from the NSW National Parks disentangle it yourself. This is a very and Wildlife Service to find out. distressed animal.” Natasha Funke, from the Greater MRNSW crews commonly work Sydney Branch of NPWS, said the with NPWS and ORCCA personnel to first thing boaters should do if they help free trapped whales. spotted a whale in distress was to “I have the privilege to be notify NPWS or ORCCA. able to work with Marine Rescue She said the NPWS had a highly volunteers,” Ms Funke said. “They’re experienced team that would head there helping support us as the NPWS whale disentanglement team, John Lambert, Natasha Funke out, working with other agencies, to parent vessel, helping look after and Luke McSweeney, on Sydney Harbour. Photo: Brian Roberts. try to disentangle a whale caught in myself and my team and I really crab pots, shark nets or other fishing appreciate all of them who do come If you see a whale or dolphin that Learn more about safe boating detritus. out to give up their time to help is sick, injured or caught in netting around whales on Episode 8 of “It’s really impprtant that you us out there on the water in this or other debris, call the ORRCA Marine Rescue TV on the MRNSW keep an eye on that animal for us,” important operation.” rescue hotline on 9415 3333. website or YouTube.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 19 IN THE DIARY Talking safety

Sydney festival to celebrate life on the water International Boat Show reshaped as local event while borders remain closed.

he local boating industry is Tturning over the motors again after COVID-19 scuttled last year’s Sydney International Boat Show. With the nation’s borders still closed to the world, the show has been remodelled for COVID-safe times as the 2021 Sydney Festival of Boating - and Marine Rescue NSW has the event firmly on our calendar. The Festival will be held from July 29 to August 1 at the International Convention Centre, with the newest and finest on show on the Cockle Talking boating safety ... Cottage Point 30, open to visitors at the 2019 Sydney International Boat Show. Bay marina - including the first 12m Naiad in the MRNSW fleet, Botany in 2022. MRNSW will be joining hand to talk all things boating lifejackets and making the switch Hacking 30. our partners, Transport for NSW, safety with patrons, encouraging from their older 27MHz marine radio The event is the initiative of the the NSW Police Force Marine Area boaters to ‘help us help you’ by to the newer, safer VHF technology. Boating Industry Association, which Command and Surf Life Saving NSW Logging On and Logging Off with MRNSW volunteers will soon be is already planning for the return of in the Festival’s safety zone. MRNSW whenever they’re on the notified on how they can sign on to the Sydney International Boat Show Our volunteers will be on water, ensuring they always wear join the MRNSW contingent.

App update advice for Android users

he MarineRescue App continues and re-create any profiles you have Tto grow in popularity with previously set up. boaters, who appreciate the safety As Radio Club members’ vessel benefits if offers. details are already stored in our Almost 30 per cent of the boaters database, when they log in to the who Log On to enable our volunteers app using their Marine Rescue- to track their voyage until their safe supplied Radio Club call sign and return do so using the app. vessel registration, their profiles will A number of enhancements and automatically re-populate. fixes have recently been introduced In the short term, both the old to improve the app user experience. and new versions of the app will be Boaters who use the iPhone app visible on the Play Store. are encouraged to update to the Although new users will not be latest version, which is now available able to download the older version, on the Apple App Store. existing Android users will still be Issues replacing the current able to use the version already Android app in the Play Store mean downloaded in their device until they the existing version cannot simply have set up the new version. This be updated. Instead, a new version will be the case while the old version has been uploaded to the Play Store. is still visible on the Play Store. If you are using the Android If you have any questions version of the app, you need to about this process, please email delete the existing version on your [email protected] for device, download the new version tech support.

20 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS ART GALLERY Our story in pictures

Marine Rescue at work

Calm before the chop ... the sun sets over glassy waters in Yamba Marina the evening before the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast SAREX in June. Five MRNSW vessels, including Wooli 30 (above), a NSW Police boat and MRNSW and Surf Life Saving Rescue Water Craft headed out from the staging point soon after dawn the next morning into a sizable swell, successfully locating their search targets.

Test drive ... MR Point Danger’s Courtney Greenslade puts 12m Flood thanks ... NSW Governor Margaret Beazley meets MR Port Naiad Botany Hacking 30 through its paces off Port Hacking, ahead Macquarie volunteers Natalie Welsh, Alison Cameron-Brown, Chris of the delivery of the same model superboat to the border unit. Condon and Dave Bigeni, who joined local flood support operations.

Welcome to Woolgoolga ... Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin and Briefed and ready to go ... MR Lemon Tree Passage members Chris Regional Operations Manager Randall Gawne with Darryl Hamilton, Dando, Daryl Jurd, Greg Fletcher and Chris Zammit prepare for the Shirley Teague, David Forge, Brian Taylor and Mitch Harvey. Mid North Coast/Hunter Central Coast SAREX in May.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 21 MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Life lost as four boats roll on high-risk bars Wooli team rescues three men from open waters, offers welfare to survivors.

arine Rescue Wooli crews have by Jackie Taffs, provided survivor Mresponded to a run of life- welfare. threatening emergencies, with four Dry clothes are easy but it is not recent roll-overs on local bars. just the boat that is lost. Gone to Three boats have capsized on the bottom are people’s car keys the Wooli entrance and one further and mobile phones, they’re a long north on the Sandon, with three men way from home and Wooli has very also ending up in the water when limited services. their vessel flooded and capsized Two of the capsized vessels wide of Arrawarra Headland. were swept out of the surf zone, A persistent easterly swell has becoming navigation hazards before increased the bar crossing risk, being recovered by Wooli 30. The especially when combined with an other, stranded on the beach, was ebb tide. temporarily secured by our members The boaters in the three Wooli as it presented a danger to the MR Wooli crew member Michael Hammond prepares to throw a life incidents, all of whom were wearing public but required earthmoving ring to three men thrown in the water when their boat capsized. lifejackets, were swept around the equipment for its removal. end of the north wall into the surf Sandon’s rocky shoreline offers The crew of Wooli 30 had already scene in 30 bumpy minutes. The zone to land safely on the beach in no such soft landing and its isolation completed one operation early on crew located the trio, all wearing front of the unit’s radio base, which means a lengthier response from Easter Saturday when a runabout lifejackets, clinging to the upturned became the recovery centre for the either MR Wooli or Iluka Yamba. The capsized off Arrawarra Headland, hull. In choppy conditions, they were welfare of the survivors. rescue helicopter out of Lismore had 12nm to our south. A strong wind brought safely to the rescue boat Once checked by NSW the best response time on May 7, warning had been issued but one by one with accurate throws of Ambulance and the Wooli First arriving to attend to a survivor with WI 30 made good progress into the life ring. Responders, our members, led minor injuries and one deceased. a moderate sea, reaching the Richard Taffs

Famed sailor dies in capsize at Ballina Sydney-Hobart veteran renowned for saving shipwrecked teenagers.

enowned Australian sailor Peter yacht rolled. The 17-year-old pulled RWarner died when his yacht Mr Warner on to Lighthouse Beach, capsized on the Ballina bar on April where they were attended by NSW 13, throwing the 90-year-old and a Ambulance paramedics and Police. teenager on board into the water. The yacht, which was pushed along Mr Warner won three Sydney the southern breakwall by the swell, to Hobarts in the 1960s but was was secured by an MR Ballina crew best known for rescuing a group on Ballina 30 and Surf Life Saving of shipwrecked Tongan teenagers once it was in a safer location. who had been stranded on a remote The unit joined a training exercise island for more than a year and with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue presumed dead. Helicopter in March, staging training He was sailing his fishing boat runs on the Richmond River after past the Tongan Island of ‘Ata in scanning for flood debris. 1966 when he saw burned patches We continued to reach out to our Ballina 30 secures Peter Warner’s yacht after it capsized on the bar, of grass on the side of the island. local community, handing out water claiming the celebrated sailor’s life. Six schoolboys had run away from to walkers against domestic violence school, stolen a fishing boat and to mark 100 years of Rotary. On program while running our popular Campbell. The unit has 15 radio landed on the uninhabited island Anzac Day, members laid wreaths Breakfast @ the Beach BBQ. operators and seven vessel crew after eight days stranded at sea. at the local cenotaph and flagpole Congratulations to newly in training, with another three new MR Ballina was quick to respond outside the base and in early May, accredited watch officer Trevor volunteers in the ranks. to the emergency when Mr Warner’s we hosted the Weekend Today Stabb and radio operator Paul Kath Begley

22 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Evans Head crews keen to get on board New vessel arrives home after first test in Yamba search exercise.

ne of the newest rescue vessels Oin the fleet has arrived at its home port of Evans Head. MR Evans Head members enthusiastically welcomed Evans Head 31 after it took part in the Regional Search and Rescue Exercise at Yamba in early June. Our crew are now looking forward to training on board and familiarising themselves with the 10m Naiad, a replacement for our catamaran. Off the water, the unit hosted a first aid course, led by Training Officer Kira Hartland, for 13 members of the Evans Head, Well pleased ... Fleet Officer Sean Jewiss with MR Evans Head members Brad Burgess, Bill Bates and Ian Wooli, Ballina, Brunswick and Iluka Murray at the end of their induction on the unit’s new vessel at Yamba Marina. Yamba units on May 1 and 2. With COVID ruling out the involvement supplied us with extra mannequins. After joining the unit in 2016, Ian Crew and Coxswain. He and his wife of any human “patients”, the State Radio operator and crew member completed his Radio Operator and Donna manage the unit’s rosters Emergency Service and Evans Ian Murray has been presented wth Crew assessments within a year, and grants. Head Casino Surf Life Saving kindly his five-year long service pin. before then qualifying as Leading Bill Bates Marine Communication Specialists VHF/ UHF/ HF Marine radios Satellite and WiFi equipment Navigation and GPS EPIRBS and Safety Beacons Antennas and Entertainment

With over 35 years’ experience in marine radio and communications Karera have the expertise to provide you with the right marine solution every time. With four locations along the NSW Coast we have service and installation teams available NSW wide. If you need sales advice, repairs or experienced installers then give our expert team a call. 1300 425 905 [email protected] www.karera.com.au Proud supporters of Marine Rescue

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 23 MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Brunswick River paddlers raise $33,000 World-class entrants, dragon boats, families enjoy perfect day on water.

near-record field assembled in Aperfect conditions for this year’s Mullum2Bruns Paddle on May 23. More than 1,130 paddlers - the second highest number in the event’s 11 year history - made their way from Mullumbimby 10km down the Brunswick River to Brunswick Heads. The field included international class paddlers, dragon boats and surf boats, along with many families having a great day out on the water. Twenty-nine members of MR Ready, set, paddle ... more than 1,130 entrants assemble among the crowd at the starting line for this Brunswick took part, along with year’s Mullum2Bruns Paddle at Heritage Park on May 23. two each from MR Ballina and MR Point Danger. Crews provided a and Surf Life Saving Club craft. course at Terrace Park. the Brunswick Surf Lifesaving Club safety watch on the river on board The unit also ensured competitors The event raised about $33,000, and the Brunswick Heads Visitor Brunswick 30 and the unit’s two were well fed, with its barbecue to be shared among the three Centre. Rescue Water Craft, Ballina 20 and proving popular at the end of the organising agencies, MR Brunswick, Jonathon Wilcock

Point Danger looks to next big project Replacement vessel set to patrol border waters by year’s end.

fter completing the relocation off due to poor light, without any Aof our radio operations and gift sign of a missing board or person. shop to our Duranbah Beach base, A leisurely late afternoon’s MR Point Danger is now focusing on sailing took a turn for the worse for our next major project, the delivery two men whose small catamaran of our new 12m Naiad vessel. broached just off Snapper Rocks, Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell throwing both into the water. A and Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin nearby jet ski rider saw the event visited the unit in April to discuss unfold, recovering the men and the replacement for Point Danger 30 taking them ashore. later this year. The crew of PD 30 was tasked Two of the unit’s Coxswains, to recover the drifting cat. In the Courtney Greenslade and Glen meantime, a commercial fishing Hatton, visited Sydney in late May to vessel, now with the skipper of the test the capabilities of the first 12m catamaran on board, arrived and Naiad superboat in the fleet, MR attempted to recover the stricken Botany Port Hacking’s vessel BH 30. boat. The unit’s crews have responded Finding the fishing vessel in the to about 25 emergencies in recent process of securing the cat and weeks, including a search into preparing to take it home, PD 30 the twilight for a Stand Up Paddle stood by to provide any further help Coxswain Glen Hatton watches as a fishing boat tries to assist a Boarder feared missing off Kingscliff needed. After two failed attempts catamaran to safety before Point Danger 30 took both under tow. in mid-April. PD 30 responded about to cross the bar, the catamaran 4pm after a member of the public became waterlogged and dislodged safest way to bring both boats River. Once safely in the river, the reported seeing the board but then its mast and a hydraulic steering across the bar was to raft the boats were returned to local ramps losing sight of the craft in the rough failure disabled the fishing boat. catamaran to the fishing vessel and and all crew returned to shore. conditions. The search was called PD 30 went to the rescue. The tow them slowly into the Tweed Philip Pickering

24 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Boaters saved in dramatic offshore mission Skipper falls overboard trying to cut loose rigging from dismasted catamaran.

arine Rescue Iuka Yamba Mvolunteers rescued a woman who fell overboard from a dismasted catamaran in the darkness far offshore north-east of Yamba during a challenging overnight rescue mission in mid-June. The female skipper, one of two people on the catamaran, was attempting to cut loose rigging trailing in the water when she fell overboard. The rescue crew, who were already on scene to rescue the disabled boat, swiftly pulled her from the water and took her safely on board rescue vessel Iluka Yamba 30. The damage to this catamaran, which lost its mast about 12nm north-east of Yamba, was clear in daylight. Skipper Cherryle Stone later The crew of Iluka Yamba 30 returned it to the safety of the Clarence River. Photos: Marg Deguara. commented on the MRNSW Facebook page: “I was transferring with Ross Howard also providing the tow line from the port to the communications support. starboard hull prior to the tow The crew who headed out in the commencing and stepped through a dark on board IY 30 were skipper broken trampoline. Frank Bond, Bob Adams, Margaret “I was wearing a lifejacket and Deguara, Joe Dimauro and Gail tether and my partner was able to Scobie. slip the tether over a cleat until the The crew located the catamaran Marine Rescue vessel manoeuvred in the pitch dark, arriving on scene back to the bows of my boat at by 12.40am and taking the vessel which point my partner released the under tow to start the long voyage tether and I made it the couple of back to shore. metres to the rescue vessel holding When the skipper fell overboard, onto the tow line. IY 30 quickly doubled back to rescue “The Marine Rescue crew her before resuming the journey to are extraordinarily professional, safety. Marg Deguara, Frank Bond and Bob Adams reunited with the two competent and compassionate. The crew successfully navigated boaters they rescued in a dramatic overnight mission. We in the boating community the tow across the Clarence bar are so fortunate we have such just before dawn at 4.45am and accomplished people to call on in an placed the catamaran safely on a Search and Rescue Exercise to emergency.” river mooring at Whiting Beach at fine-tune the skills they need to save The volunteers launched the mission’s end by 5.30am. lives in operations just like this one,” mission to rescue the 12-15 metre And after working throughout the he said. catamaran 12nm north-east of night, the crew were soon up and “This mission demonstrates the Yamba after the skipper called for back on the water again to ensure value of our professional training, help just before 10.30pm on June the boaters did not need more help. our world-class vessels and Mission end as dawn breaks. 11, reporting that the boat had lost Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell communications network and the its mast, which was hanging over said the successful rescue mission skill and courage of our volunteers. heard their call for help and did not the side, and the two crew on board was the result of professional “This emergency, so far offshore were attempting to cut it loose. teamwork by volunteers at MR Iluka and in the pitch black of night, could hesitate to respond. The call was answered by MR Yamba and Sydney. have had a very different outcome. “Congratulations to the members Sydney overnight radio operator “Just the weekend before, more “The two people on board the of both our Iluka Yamba and Sydney Pamela Sayers via the MRNSW than 50 of our volunteers had catamaran are safely back on units for a job well done in the dead coastal marine radio network, assembled at Yamba for a major shore thanks to our volunteers, who of night.”

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 25 THE WORLD’S HARDEST WORKING RHIBS

Trusted by rescue organisations, government agencies and RESCUE PILOT BOATS maritime professionals around the world, Naiads are proven PATROL DEFENCE in all conditions for their safety, strength and supreme ride. TOURISM SUPERYACHT TENDERS There is nothing else quite like a Naiad. DIVING RECREATIONAL TO FIND OUT MORE PHONE +61 2 6646 2421 | WWW.YWE.COM.AU

205105 Naiad YWE Full Page Advert.indd 1 27/11/20 2:29 PM MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News

First offshore unit a $1.4m safety investment THE WORLD’S HARDEST New dedicated rescue service for Lord Howe Island boating paradise. tanding in the late afternoon Sshadows of the ancient pines lining the Lord Howe Island WORKING RHIBS waterfront, NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott marked two major milestones in the development of Marine Rescue NSW on June 4. Mr Elliott officially opened the service’s first offshore rescue unit and commissioned Lord Howe 40, the largest vessel in the fleet. The new unit - the island’s first dedicated marine rescue service - is a $1.4 million investment in the island’s recreational boaters and commercial operators, along with the many sailors who stop over on Lord Howe each year. Top deck ... Emergency Services Minister David Elliott, Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams, Chair Jim Mr Elliott was joined by Port Gllissan, Commissioner Stacey Tannos, Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell and Police Commissioner Macquarie MP Leslie Williams, Michael Fuller join volunteers for the commissioning of Lord Howe 40. Photos: Brad Whittaker. MRNSW Chair Jim Glissan, Commissioner Stacey Tannos and was another example of Marine Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell, Rescue’s support for the NSW NSW Police Commissioner Michael boat building industry, “directly Fuller, members of the Lord Howe contributing to skilled employment in Island Board and volunteers from our regional areas”. the new unit for the dual celebration. MRNSW took ownership of the “Lord Howe Island is a boating, 16m boat, named Fearless, from fishing and water sports paradise. NSW Police in February, 2020. Its The Berejiklian Government is proud $655,000 refurbishment included to support the volunteers from this a full mechanical overhaul, new newest Marine Rescue unit,” Mr navigation and communications Elliott said. “We made a commitment systems, new internal fit out, repairs to establish this vital rescue service to hull and structural corrosion and on the island and it was made new paint and livery. possible through the Government’s Commissioner Tannos thanked Lord Howe 40 (Fearless) is the first ocean-going rescue vessel in the $37.6 million investment in MRNSW the State Government and boating MRNSW fleet and at 16 metres, the largest. from 2019.” community for their ongoing The unit’s $408,000 waterfront financial support. Trusted by rescue organisations, government agencies and RESCUE PILOT BOATS base includes a radio room, Unit “Last year our members launched maritime professionals around the world, Naiads are proven PATROL DEFENCE Commander’s office, change room more than 2,500 rescue missions. in all conditions for their safety, strength and supreme ride. TOURISM SUPERYACHT TENDERS and storage for rescue equipment, We could not do this without this There is nothing else quite like a Naiad. DIVING RECREATIONAL including an inflatable boat to reach vital financial support, which has LH 40. now enabled us to build a new TO FIND OUT MORE PHONE +61 2 6646 2421 | WWW.YWE.COM.AU Ms Williams said a community base, install essential marine radio as reliant on the water as Lord infrastructure and refurbish and Howe needed and deserved its own deploy our first ocean-going rescue dedicated marine search and rescue vessel here to Lord Howe Island.” service. Radio infrastructure, including a She said the refurbishment of satellite link to the mainland, was LH 40, a retired NSW Police vessel, installed on Intermediate Mountain Commissioner Stacey Tannos congratulates MR Lord Howe Island at Birdon Marine in Port Macquarie in 2020 at a cost of $320,000. Unit Commander Jim McFadyen at the opening of the new unit.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 27

205105 Naiad YWE Full Page Advert.indd 1 27/11/20 2:29 PM MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News

Searchers locate lost CSIRO device on rocks Forster-Tuncurry proud to host fellow volunteers for regional exercise.

hile MR Forster-Tuncurry’s We are continuing to put a major Woperational tempo has slowed effort into training, with 11 new somewhat for the cooler months, members undertaking radio operator local tourism continues to be strong, training, along with four boat crew. keeping our volunteers busier than On a recent training exercise, the expected at this time of year. crew of Forster 30 was asked to The Mid North Coast floods search for a missing CSIRO mooring caused heartbreaking damage to that had broken loose and stopped our local communities and saw transmitting. waterways closed due to danger These moorings contain from debris washing downstream. expensive equipment used to The debris lasted for some monitor the speed and temperature weeks, requiring extra navigational of the East Australian Current. Gold standard chefs ... MR Forster-Tuncurry members Margie Foster vigilance. Instruments attached at various and Paul Northrop on board the unit’s mobile kitchen with Deputy Safety was further compromised depths, from just below the surface Commissioner Alex Barrell. by many crucial navigation markers to the bottom, measure the current being dislodged. speed, temperature and salinity of spotted debris washed up on rocks Marine Area Command, Surf Life Our base received numerous the water. in a remote area, with National Saving and AMSA. We would like reports of markers washed up in all These measurements provide Parks and Wildlife Service personnel to thank all participants and the sorts of places. Thanks to all who improved understanding of the climbing down and confirming organisers for putting on such a assisted in reporting and removing current’s influences on climate, the items were indeed part of the great learning opportunity. these displaced items and to the leading to more reliable forecasts mooring. We were extra proud to have our teams from MR Ulladulla, Broken for eastern Australia and coastal The unit was proud to host the mobile kitchen nominated as gold Bay and Tuggerah Lakes, who communities and improved Mid North Coast/Hunter SAREX, standard by Deputy Commissioner travelled north to support local SES management of east coast fisheries. attended by members and vessels Alex Barrell, who climbed on board. flood relief and rescue operations. Vigilant eyes on board FO 30 from eight surrounding bases, Police Michael Portelli

Nambucca’s boat afloat without leaving shed Metre of water through vessel bay puts new dry storage on unit’s radar.

he MR Nambucca boat shed Commissioner Stacey Tannos and Twas one of the thousands of Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell properties on the Mid North Coast inspected the damage during a visit inundated in the March floods. to the region in April. Members who headed to the The unit is continuing to focus base to place our vessel, Nambucca on training, completing members’ 20, on its trailer to travel south to six-monthly updates and introducing help other MRNSW units with flood monthly first aid drills under the support operations found more than guidance of Training Systems Officer a metre of water in the boat bay. Matt Campbell, who is sharing his This meant the radar unit on the Army first aid experience.

canopy was pressing against the Unit members who attended the Blue skies for Commissioner Stacey Tannos and Regional Operations roof, preventing us from getting the Mid North Coast Search and Rescue Manager Randall Gawne, who met members of MR Nambucca in the boat under the roller door to launch. Exercise returned enthusiastic and wake of the March floods. Thanks to a generous offer keen to implement what they had from a member, we will be able to learned. Our rescue jet ski, just back members needed for our most Both birds were still able to fly accommodate NH 20 in dry storage from repairs, received a full and challenging search and rescue so eluded our two rescue jet ski in the event of a future flood. successful workout. operation in recent months, helping operators trying to herd them into The unit is continuing to pursue Despite the valuable experience WIRES and a local vet trying to darting range for the vet. We remain operations for a permanent dry base they gained, the SAREX may capture two pelicans entangled in ready to help again if needed. for our main rescue asset. not have provided the skills our fishing line and hooks. Gary Nichols

28 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News

Crew steps back in time for adventure at sea Port Macquarie volunteers follow in convict settlers’ wake on tall ship voyage.

welve volunteers from MR Port TMacquarie swapped outboards and radar for wind power and celestial navigation during a five-day adventure at sea in April. The members sailed from Sydney to Port Macquarie on board the tall ship Coral Trekker as part of the bicentenary of the city’s European settlement. The 23m square-rigged ship followed the same route that the Lady Nelson sailed 200 years ago to establish Port Macquarie as a penal colony. The 12 volunteers spent a day of familiarisation on Sydney Harbour before the Trekker made her way out of the Heads, stopping over at Land Ahoy! The Coral Trekker on approach to Port Macquarie, with 12 volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie on board for the voyage from Sydney. Broken Bay, Refuge Bay and Port Stephens - where the volunteers visited their colleagues at MR Port Macquarie and spending such a Stephens while waiting out some long time at sea and the challenges poor weather - before arriving home of that as well, kind of takes you to a warm welcome. back to the early days of Australia in The unit’s Port Macquarie 30 a way,” she said. provided a traditional water salute Unit Commander Greg Davies and its other vessels escorted the said the experience was about tall ship up the Hastings River before seamanship and teamwork. a crowd of spectators lining the “It’s not just about sailing - it’s southern breakwall and riverfront. about living together and working The journey was a timely together,” he said. opportunity to provide a once-in-a- He said after a tough time for lifetime experience to some of the the local community with the unit’s volunteers who had worked bushfires, pandemic and floods, tirelessly during the March flood the unit’s members were delighted crisis. to be part of the city’s bicentennial A bird’s eye view of the crew in blue from the tall ship’s rigging. They took the chance to gain new celebrations. sea skills, such as climbing rigging “This will both help to lift the and hauling in sails, significantly spirits of the community as well as different from their usual duties on providing a unique experience for a rapid response vessel powered by our hard working volunteers.” outboard engines. The Coral Trekker was at Port Working on rotating shifts of four Macquarie until April 20 before hours on and eight off, they also departing for Coffs Harbour with completed chores such as checking another two unit members aboard. bilges, swabbing the decks and The ship is scheduled to again conducting man overboard and fire sail from Sydney to Port Macquarie drills. later in the year, with another 12 Skipper Natalie Welsh told the members on board, followed by Port Macquarie News the experience another dozen for the return voyage had been “totally amazing”. south. Members undertook a day’s familiarisation on Sydney Harbour “The voyage from Sydney to Port Michelle Rayner before the homeward voyage.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 29 MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News

Elderly evacuees keep rescuers entertained Crowdy navigates through floods to ferry isolated residents to safety.

hen severe flooding cut Worsley given the honour of laying a Wroad access to the small wreath at the Harrington ceremony. twin townships of Crowdy Head The fourth annual Rattletrap and Harrington in March, the local event on Crowdy Beach on May 8 MRNSW volunteers were quick to marked the resumption of our major overcome the obstacles to help fundraising. Members organised a stranded residents. barbecue and raffle for the event, With many people unable to run by the Drag-ens Hot Rod Club, reach safe ground, MR Crowdy which drew 2,000-3,000 people Harrington deployed its small to watch the old jalopies and motor vessel, Crowdy 20, to rescue locals bikes race on the beach at low tide. from farms along the Manning and Just as the day was winding Landsdowne rivers. down, the radio base received a

These included two women, aged call for help, which saw two of our Shake, rattle and roll ... MR Crowdy Harrington kept the crowds well 83 and 94 years, isolated alone on crew exchange aprons for lifejackets fed and kickstarted its fundraising activities at this year’s Rattletrap. their farms. and race to recover a 40ft steel hull Both were delightful company cruiser stranded 5nm offshore. his 10-year Long Service Medal and pick up and we currently have six and entertained us with their stories We are seeing a gradual increase Susan Worsley her five-year pin. new members completing their while being ferried to their family in the number of call-outs as boaties Warm congratulations to both observation shifts and about to start members. are again able to venture out on our and also to our latest crew member training, two as radio operators and Many of our members marked local waterways. Mark Heffernan, who sailed - or four as crew, including the first two Anzac Day at services in both Mid North Coast Regional more precisely, motored - through female crew members we have had Harrington and Taree, with the unit’s Operations Manager Randall Gawne his assessment after four frustrating in several years. Great to see! Training Systems Officer Susan has presented Chris Burdett with postponements. Unfortunately, we also must Thanks go to MR Forster- report the sad passing of two valued Tuncurry’s Peter Mouwen for volunteers as we farewell Alan conducting Mark’s assessment. Malcolm and Colin Higgins. Both are Recruitment also has started to greatly missed.

Units help clean up

n the week leading up to the June MR Iluka Yamba, Nambucca and Ilong weekend, volunteers from Port Macquarie transported EPA three units supported the NSW Shoreline Supervisors around the Environment Protection Authority in waterways to liaise and supervise flood recovery clean-up works. with contractors removing rubbish. The EPA was removing MR Port Macquarie Unit debris from along the banks Commander Greg Davies said it was of the Hastings, Bellinger and a great way for the volunteers to Clarence rivers. Volunteers from support their local communities.

30 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News

Stranded boats find safe refuge in harbour Gourmet lunch helps counter COVID isolation for Coffs volunteers.

he skipper of a 10 metre yacht Tcaught in a southerly squall south-east of Coffs Harbour called for help when the boat’s engine suffered a severe mechanical failure. The crew of Coffs 30 headed into the unfavourable conditions just after 7.30am on May 22 to rescue the two people on board the yacht. MR Coffs Harbour skipper Andrew Innes and crew Graham Taylor and Ken McNeil took the yacht under tow to safe refuge, placing it on a courtesy mooring in the harbour by 10.30am. The unit responded to 18 The crew of Coffs 30 headed out when this 10m yacht’s engine failed in the middle of a southerly squall incidents over the eight weeks off Coffs Harbour. Photo: Graham Taylor. from the end of March, including overdue boaters who forgot to Log had crashed into a yacht. route with Coffs 30. Bernie Tight, Off, vessels at risk of washing on to Crew members taking part were David Oliver and Ken McNeil safely the breakwall and mechanical and Mitch Harvey, Brian Taylor, Tony returned the boaters to their launch battery failures. Pepperell, Shirley Teague, Maxine point at Coffs Harbour. Members have continued training Cowie and Steve Aspey. To help overcome the increased and operating with their colleagues Earlier the same week, the units isolation caused by COVID-19, unit from neighbouring MR Woolgoolga. had joined forces to rescue two member Shirley Teague initiated An Anzac Day training exercise people stranded on an 8m boat a lunch for members at the Coffs for members of both units on board broken down east of North West base. With assistance from Diane Coffs 30 ended up in two rescue Solitary Island, 19nm north of Coffs Strachan and cooks Graham Taylor operations. Harbour and 5nm east of Arrawarra, and his niece, the social event First, a five-metre tinny with fuel where MR Woolgoolga is based. was a huge success, with almost issues was located and brought Woolgoolga 30 headed out with 30 people attending to enjoy the safely back to shore, closely Mitch Harvey, Josh Stangl and Josh company and gourmet delights, Graham Taylor and Shirley Teague at a lunch to help MR followed by a tasking to secure a Landow on board, to take the boat including salmon frittata, quiche and Coffs Harbour members combat drifting 12m steel fishing boat that under tow before rendezvousing en lemon tart. COVID-19 isolation.

Applause for six decades of commitment Ten Trial Bay volunteers recognised for long and diligent service.

t was smiles all around when 10 Mills, Craig Lockwood, Lesley Rae, Imembers of MR Trial Bay were John Rae and Steve Jackett for recognised for their diligent service. chalking up five years and Rob Hose Eight members were awarded and Jon Cragg, who have served their five-year long service pins and their community for a decade. another two were recognised with After COVID-19 forced the their 10-year medals. cancellation of last year’s Anzac Members gathered to applaud Day commemorations, the Trial Bay their colleagues for their unit joined other local organisations commitment and celebrate with in this year’s parade at South West cake. Rocks. Nine unit members took part Congratulations to Jenny Edser, in the march. Sixty years in blue .... Trial Bay members Jenny Edser, Peter Peter Holyfield, Robyn O’Brien, Julie Loraine Rider Holyfield, Rob Hose, Jon Cragg, Robyn O’Brien and Julie Mills.

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

Early morning mission to locate ill sailor Central Coast crew searches for disabled yacht in rough conditions.

hen an ailing solo sailor on Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter. Wa 26 foot yacht becalmed in Despite enduring a back injury, rough conditions 5nm east of Norah bruising and a migraine, the skipper, Head called for help, a crew from who was below deck, wanted to stay MR Central Coast headed offshore on board his yacht. in the cold darkness before dawn. A Water Police vessel from The crew of Central Coast 30 was Broken Bay was deployed to tow the tasked at 3am on May 16 after the yacht back to Terrigal Haven. yacht’s skipper reported to the unit’s The skipper was taken ashore radio base that his sail had blown to a waiting NSW Ambulance and out and his outboard engine was not transported to hospital for treatment. handling the conditions in 3m seas More than two months after the and a 30km south-east wind. March storms and floods, Central The on-duty radio operator Coast crews are continuing to find advised the boater to deploy his debris in Brisbane Water. drogue as CC 30 headed to the Unfortunately, some boaters have yacht’s last known position. been caught out by hazards sitting With the crew unable to locate just under the surface. The crew of Central Coast 21 prepares to return to base as the sun the vessel at the position provided, On Wednesday, May 26, a boater sets on another day on duty. Photo: Janette Pinnington. the skipper was asked to activate on a small runabout called the radio his EPIRB, guiding CC 30 to the boat room to report that he had hit a log A crew on Central Coast 21 was Members have been keenly by 6am, along with the Westpac and damaged his prop. training nearby and quickly diverted focused on their training activities, to tow the stricken boat from Hardys with a number of newer volunteers Bay to the Blackwall ramp. successfully attaining their Crew Another boater reported a pile of ratings, including most recently logs sitting in Iron Ladders. Megan Loaney. The unit has launched a new Quite a few not-so-new members meat and seafood tray raffle at the also have completed their Leading Ettalong Hotel. After the success of Crew assessments. the first raffle on May 22, this will Our Rescue Water Craft Operators now be a weekly event on Friday were put through their six-monthly afternoons. Thanks to volunteer marine drills on May 15, reporting Andrew McKellar, who works at the that even before winter, it was much Ettalong and helped secure this warmer in than out of the water. fundraising opportunity for the unit. Mitch Giles

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Broken Bay Water Police return a disabled 26 foot yacht to Terrigal Haven, where the skipper was taken ashore and transferred to a waiting NSW Ambulance. Photo: NSW Police.

32 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News

Newcastle steps on gas to reach ill crewman Rescue vessel dwarfed by massive LPG tanker in medivac operation.

medical emergency on board A an enormous LPG tanker off the Hunter coastline sparked a David and Goliath operation for a crew from MR Newcastle on a hectic Sunday morning in April. The unit’s radio base had been busy Logging On 35 competitors taking part in a Newcastle to Port Stephens yacht race when radio operator Dianne Hammond took a call for the unit to medivac an ill crewman from the tanker Wincanton, anchored 3nm offshore south of Newcastle, in a 2m swell. The crew member, from Peru, An ill crew member suffering cardiac problems scrambled down the boarding ladder of this 120m LPG was suffering chest pains and his tanker to board Newcastle 30 for transfer to shore and a waiting ambulance. condition had deteriorated overnight. This was the second MRNSW board rescue vessel Newcastle 30. meet them. As the swell rose, he 7.45am, a cannon was fired from medivac in just over 12 hours, with At 120 metres, the tanker is 12 was able to step on board NC 30, Fort Scratchley to mark a one- a crew from MR Lake Macquarie times the length of NC 30. With with the paramedics conducting minute silence. returning a sick sailor to shore our vessel dwarfed by the bulk of their assessment on the return to The second firing started the overnight. the tanker, the skipper positioned port and a waiting NSW Ambulance. day’s competition. Stuart Lawson, who had just NC 30 in the swell to enable the The following week, NC 30 was The Anzac Day crew was Ron finished his radio shift, joined Ron paramedics to clamber up the on the water to take the salute for Calman, Terry Reynolds, Ian Morrow Calman and Bill Johnston, along boarding ladder to assess the Anzac Day and lead about 30 boats and Rick Nevile, with radio support with two NSW Ambulance Special patient’s condition, only to see the out of the harbour for the Newcastle from Dianne Hammond. Operations Team members, on sick crewman climbing down to Game Fishing Club competition. At Lyn Van Homrigh

Retiring leader praises unit’s achievements arine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes’ (Black Watch), Tim Macdonald (Red), Mretiring Unit Commander Tony Peter McCann (Blue) and Colin Thom Younglove has thanked members (Gold). Marcus Murphy was named for their excellent work over the New Recruit of the Year and Scott past year. Walkerden Maintenance Member of Addressing the unit’s Annual the Year. Bill Owen was presented General Meeting on June 7, UC the Steve Anderson Memorial Trophy Younglove, who is stepping down for Fundraiser of the Year and Steve after three terms at the helm, gave Corbett received the Alex Coleman a glowing review of the members’ Trophy for Member of the Year. achievements in the face of the Citations were presented to disruptions of COVID-19. Ben Hogan for his commitment Congratulations to Tony, who was as administration officer and Gary Baton change ... MR Tuggerah Lakes’ retiring Unit Commander Tony awarded the Emergency Services Boylett for managing the unit’s Younglove hands the reins to incoming leader Bob Sutton. Medal on the Queen’s Birthday. maintenance. Awards and unit citations were The unit was one of three work, transporting the unit’s vessel congratulated for achieving their presented at the AGM to recognise providing out-of-area support to Tuggerah Lakes 21 north and Crew qualifications and Steve members who had excelled. the community on the flooded evacuating and assisting residents Corbett his Coxswain rating. A Watch Member of the Year Manning River at Taree in March. in harm’s way. Bob Sutton was welcomed as was awarded for each of the unit’s Steve Corbett and Craig Roberts Anthony Hollingworth, Paul the incoming Unit Commander and four watches: Anthony Hollingworth were recognised for their untiring Norris and Marcus Murphy were Peter McCann as Deputy.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 33 MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast News

Teamwork ensures safe ending to Mayday Holidaymakers bump up workload for Port Stephens crews, radio base.

he boating season ended This was just one of the 46 Twith a crew from MR Port operations during an extremely busy Stephens responding to an early April and May for both our radio morning Mayday call from a vessel base and vessel crews. dangerously close to washing on to With an increase in boating traffic rocks on April 27. over the Easter and school holidays, Port Stephens 31 headed out to we recorded a high number of rescue the 11m mono sailing vessel vessels Logging On, sometimes in Coal Shaft Bay at Broughton reaching the high 60s. Island as the radio base relayed The payoff for our volunteers’ the 5.30am Mayday call to other training commitment is evident boaters in the area via an all ships when operations run smoothly, broadcast. as we witnessed on one morning A nearby boat responded and during the holidays, when the crew helped the sailing boat back to safer of PS 31 was kept on the move. water. PS 31 arrived on scene to The crew started the day by find the two people on board safe returning four relieved people on and well, preparing to head back to board a 6m cuddy cabin vessel with MR Port Stephens’ Nigel Eves and Brad Polak help a boater whose Port Stephens. Our crew shadowed engine issues just off the Anchorage 6m runabout broke down south of Broughton Island on May 9. them back to shore. Marina safely back to Soldiers Point The teamwork of our radio boat ramp. people on board was having engine skipper eventually was able to operators and crew and the No sooner had PS 31 made its problems and drifting towards the secure the boat before PS 31 quick assistance of the other way back to the dock than the radio rock wall near Tomaree Heads. arrived on scene and took it under boater ensured that this potential base received another call for help. After at first being unable to get tow back to Little Beach boat ramp. emergency ended safely. A 5-6m open runabout with four the anchor to hold, the runabout’s Murray O’Dea

Lake Macquarie joins exercise on marina Services test response to simulated boat fire, injuries and fuel spill.

arine Rescue Lake Macquarie then set adrift within the marina, Mmembers recently joined their with a Rural Fire Service fire boat local emergency services colleagues towing it away from other boats in for a joint training event at the the marina while working on the fire. Marmong Point Marina. LM 30 and LM 20 continued to Three scenarios were created by attend to people in the water and Toronto Fire + Rescue Brigade and maintain a clear pathway for the the marina for the exercise, which RFS vessel. In the third scenario, LM was supervised by NSW Police 20 worked with the Fire + Rescue Marine Area Command, the Lake team to deploy booms to contain Macquarie Emergency Management pollution and fuel spills. Committee and NSW Maritime. The search and rescue A simulated fire on a boat at coordination facility at our new base Lake Macquarie 20 tows a pollution boom into place during an emergency exercise at Marmong Point Marina. Photo: Garry Luxton. the fuel wharf was attended by was activated during the exercise to Fire + Rescue, with our vessels maintain logs and communication Lake Macquarie 30 and LM 20 links, while Fire + Rescue valuable lessons on coordinating Life Saving, as well as a combined rescuing stranded members of the maintained site control with one of communication and incident control exercise with SES flood boats. public from the end of the jetty and our coxswains coordinating maritime resources. The unit will take part It is great for the members to see recovering injured members of the activities on site. in the Sydney Search and Rescue combined operations in play and public from the water for triage and This was a great initiative Exercise and we are looking forward the value we provide the community transfer for treatment. for all involved and a wonderful to further exercises planned with when we all work together. The simulated burning vessel was learning experience, giving us the Westpac helicopter and Surf Malcolm Druce

34 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News

Elderly boater dies in emergency on rocks Mass search launched when man reported missing on Port Hacking.

n emergency operation NSW Police, the Westpac Lifesaver Alaunched after an 8m cruiser Rescue Helicopter, Surf Life Saving ran on to rocks beneath luxury NSW, NSW Maritime, Fire + Rescue clifftop homes at Bundeena ended NSW and NSW Ambulance on scene in tragedy. in fading light. The cruiser was spotted being An elderly man was found pounded by powerful waves beating unresponsive on board the cruiser up Port Hacking late in the afternoon and winched to nearby Bundeena of May 31. Oval for treatment by paramedics A mass search operation was but declared deceased. Police said launched along the rocky shoreline initial inquiries indicated the death when a report of a possible missing was not suspicious. boater was received. This operation followed an MR Botany Port Hacking vessel offshore search for a missing person Botany Hacking 30 had just returned off Cape Banks at the entrance to from a trip offshore to demonstrate Botany Bay on May 1. The unit’s the 12m Naiad’s capabilities to crew crew carried out a parallel search members from MR Point Danger, with a NSW Police vessel before who had travelled to Sydney to being stood down. The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter hovers above a cruiser that inspect the vessel ahead of the Noel Parkinson has stepped down ran aground on rocks at Bundeena. Photo: Brad Whittaker. delivery of the same model to as the Acting Unit Commander, with replace their current vessel. new Commander Greg Inglis and On their first day in their new unit’s base and Headquarters to BH 30 was readied and turned Deputy John Lembke now taking up roles, they met representatives of meet the volunteers on Thank A First back out on to the Hacking to join the command post. Fortem Australia, who visited the Responder Day.

Radio duo first on scene of yacht explosion Sydney volunteers help ‘incredibly lucky’ survivor off boat to safety.

ff-duty MR Sydney volunteers around,” she said. “The deck of the OGiovanna Vorrath and Stefano boat was just gone. Amato were the first responders on “We helped her to get out. I just the scene when a yacht exploded at told her to lay down because she the Newport Anchorage Marina in was really in shock.” mid-March. The yacht - which competed in Giovanna and Stefano helped a the Sydney to Hobart race in 1969 54-year-old woman, the only person and 1971 - sank, leaving a field on board, to escape the blast, about of debris floating on the marina’s 7.30pm on March 13. surface. With debris thrown 30 metres NSW Ambulance Inspector Darren and nearby residents reporting the Hoschke said the woman was explosion had shaken their homes, incredibly lucky. the woman suffered lacerations to “The patient was initially assisted her lower legs and hearing loss. by bystanders Giovanna Vorrath First responders ... Stefano Amato and Giovanna Vorrath were quickly NSW Ambulance paramedics and Stefano Amato, who were the on the scene of a boat explosion, helping a woman on board to safety. provided initial treatment at the first responders to the scene and marina before conveying the patient helped the occupant off the vessel,” “Vision was poor around the patient walk away from the scene.” to Royal North Shore Hospital. he said. marina, so paramedics did a terrific Giovanna and Stefano joined MR Giovanna told 7 News Sydney “Their prompt response assisted job treating the patient in the Sydney in 2019 and have recently the woman was very lucky to have greatly in the recovery of the yacht’s ambulance. The explosion caused completed a voyage to Melbourne survived the explosion on the yacht. sole occupant after such an horrific enough damage to start to sink on board their new yacht. “I just saw everything flying explosion. the boat, it was a relief to see the Denis Comber

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 35 MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News

Team proud to support flooded communities Broken Bay members prove their mettle in mud and under dark.

embers of MR Broken Bay to inspect critical water treatment Mhave proven their versatility in infrastructure 25km down the recent weeks, deploying on muddy flooded Manning River. While we floodwaters on the Mid North Coast were out for a relatively short time and the darkness of Pittwater for compared to other emergency night navigation exercises. services, the Taree community’s Our volunteers took advantage gratitude and appreciation was of the cool autumn nights to train, overwhelming. practice and increase their skill Congratulations to members at evening operations under the Andrew Cooke and Matt Bruin, who guidance of experienced vessel have recently attained their Crew master Vic Lawrence. ratings. We were proud to support Both worked hard, maintaining impacted communities suffering their focus despite the impact of in the extensive March floods, COVID lockdowns and restrictions deploying our manoeuvrable vessel across 2020, including the Northern Steering by instrument ... MR Broken Bay’s Tim Cuming and Matt Colahan on a night training exercise in autumn. Broken Bay 20 to Taree. Beaches lockdown. Over the four days of our With COVID-induced fundraising deployment, we evacuated and restrictions being lifted, the unit held the barbecue back. Harry Euers, who also gave up their assisted a number of residents its first Bunnings barbecue for more Along with the members of our time to help the unit as part of their facing the danger of rising waters. than a year in March. Blue Starboard team, special thanks school community involvement Our tasks included ferrying Our members were inundated by go to our young supporters Sarah initiatives. Greater Taree City Council engineers hungry customers, all pleased to see Christensen, Georgie Arteaga and Jimmy Arteaga

Cottage Point quick off mark in emergency Local residents recruited to boost response time from unit’s remote base.

arine Rescue Cottage Point has we have recently engaged with the Mboosted its ability to respond Cottage Point community, attracting to emergencies around the clock, five residents who have shown as demonstrated by a recent rescue interest in joining our unit. mission under a full moon. We expect this will further reduce The unit received a call to help a our reaction time in emergencies vessel stranded by engine problems and ensure our assets are readily at 9.04pm and within 50 minutes available when needed. had the boat safely alongside its With COVID still with us and dock, with the crew preparing to international travel still constrained, head home an hour later. we expect the winter months to From a closed base to props be busier than usual. Having the turning, we can be under way in a ability to respond quickly in the little under or over 30 minutes. cooler months is critical, given the This ability to respond at any lower temperatures create a riskier time and at short notice is due environment for boaters. to an increase in our volunteer Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell Catch! Cottage Point 30 crew member John Fennell throws a tow line to the skipper of a broken down trawler at Patonga in mid-April. numbers and the availability of our recently attended a unit meeting to experienced members. present member Elizabeth Watts All our existing members live with her 25-year Long Service the water for a great deal of her many roles over the years. Our outside Cottage Point, which is in Medal. life. A keen sailor and constant thanks to Beth for her service to our a remote location surrounded by Beth, after whom our vessel enthusiastic leader at Cottage Point, unit and boating for a quarter of a National Park. Cottage Point 31 was named, has her experience is a great resource century. Keen to recruit new members, been committed to saving lives on that she has shared selflessly in Tony Gordon

36 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News

Good debut for new harbour rescue vessel Training on ‘awesome’ larger boat challenges Port Jackson crews.

arine Rescue Port Jackson’s On its first day on duty, Good Mnew rescue vessel was put Friday, the vessel undertook five through its paces from its very rescues, all filmed by the crew first day in service on the prermier of Discovery Channel production waterway at Easter. Harbour Force. Just as we were Port Jackson 31, a 10.5m Naiad, heading back to base at day’s end, has replaced our beloved 8.5m we were tasked by the NSW Police Kevlacat PJ 30. Marine Area Command to one of The many differences in driving our farthest offshore operations, a larger and different model vessel, rescuing a 10m Bertram cruiser that have seen us go back to basics had run out of fuel 10nm off South in our training and inductions, Head just before sunset. which have been conducted both The cruiser’s skipper had been Challenging and fun ... MR Port Jackson crew members adapt to wharf-side and at the helm since its able to give us GPS coordinates but driving new, larger vessel, Port Jackson 31. delivery. it was also a good opportunity to Driving this awesome vessel use the new boat’s Radio Direction The unit has 30 new trainees, ensuring everyone stays engaged, has been fun but challenging. With Finder. With the gold and purple rays most of whom are ready to complete running Zoom courses, night instruction from the Fleet team, our off the setting sun behind us, we duties over the next six to 12 training, extra weekday training and Coxswains and Leading Crew have arrived to take the boat under tow, months to become valuable rated working with MR Middle Harbour to gone from driving a vessel we could returning it to its mooring just before crew. We have 22 Leading Crew use its facilities and Steber to sign engine-manoeuvre to one that is the 9pm. PJ 31 performed beautifully candidates and three Coxswains off diesel engineering skills. equivalent of a single engine vessel. for its first day on the water. in training, with the training team David Mills

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SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 37 MAKING WAVES Proud to support Marine Rescue NSW Greater Sydney News BERTH YOUR BOAT on the Grant powers Middle HAWKESBURY Harbour volunteers SOLAS funding for two new outboards.

• 88 berths with power and water • 23 swing moorings (free dinghy storage) • Boom gate access to car park • Toilets and showers SOLAS Trusts Chair David Kellett presents MR Middle Harbour Deputy • Slipway to 15 tonnes Ben Crowther with a $25,470 grant, watched by Unit Commander • Convenience store (Brooklyn Central) Peter Steigrad and Regional Operations Manager Glenn Evans. • Unleaded fuel on wharf for marina clients oaters on Sydney Harbour can respond around the clock.” • Mechanic on site Bbe sure that rescuers will power Mr Kellett said that the SOLAS to their aid in an emergency thanks Trusts had donated more than $1.75 to a generous donation to MR million in their 20 year history and Middle Harbour. he was delighted they were able to The Chair of the Cruising Yacht support the vital work undertaken by Club of Australia’s SOLAS Trusts, the Middle Harbour volunteers. SANDBROOK INLET David Kellett, recently presented “The SOLAS Trusts donate Unit Commander Peter Steigrad to marine search and rescue MARINA and Deputy Ben Crowther with a organisations all over Australia $25,470 grant for two new outboard and we are particularly pleased to Brooklyn 9985 5500 engines. support the MR Middle Harbour Mr Crowther thanked Mr Kellett unit in keeping yachties and other and the SOLAS Trusts for the boaters safe on our nation’s busiest funding for two Suzuki 115hp waterway,” he said. outboards for Middle Harbour 20. “I congratulate the volunteers “This grant is a great boost for of MR Middle Harbour for their our work to keep boaters safe on professionalism and dedication and the harbour and up to seven nautical wish them well in their vital work in miles out to sea,” he said. helping to save lives on the water.” “Sydney Harbour is the MRNSW Commissioner Stacey busiest waterway in the country, Tannos also thanked the SOLAS with thousands of commercial, Trusts for their continuing support. passenger, sporting and recreational “We are grateful for the Trusts’ vessels out every day, along generous and steadfast support of with ever-increasing numbers of our organisation, our volunteers and paddleboards, kayaks and similar their vital work,” he said. craft. “Their financial support has not “The motors on MH 20 were only provided important equipment nearing the end of their operational such as these new outboards for our life. The new engines, boasting the units but also contributed to a series latest in marine engine technology of major projects to upgrade the including electronic gear control, marine radio network for all boaters will ensure we can remain ready to along our coastline.”

38 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News Greater Sydney News

River crews respond to spate of emergencies Three-day search for missing Hawkesbury paddler ends with his safe return.

rews from MR Hawkesbury Cwere on the water across three days in early May as part of a major search for a 52-year-old man missing after his ocean ski was found on Lion Island on the Hawkesbury River. The blue and red ski was found late on Saturday, May 8 and it emerged that the man had last been seen about 8.30am that day at his workplace at Mooney Mooney. Police had been alerted when he failed to return home after going out on his ski. A crew on board Hawkesbury 21 headed out in the darkness, A positive outcome ... a missing 52-year-old man was located on shore after a three-day search on the Hawkesbury River by MR Hawkesbury and Cottage Point crews and Water Police. Photo: Sarah Adair. searching with Broken Bay Water Police before resuming the operation on Sunday morning and again on rescuers to the location. flooding in the catchment, with Monday, May 10, with a crew from The Hawkesbury crew was stood large amounts of debris, submerged MR Cottage Point. down after it was decided it was too rubbish and floating hazards washed Later that day, police reported the risky to attempt to retrieve the boat. into the waterway. man had returned safe and well to On Easter Sunday, the unit Garden sheds, fridges, a lounge, Brooklyn. was one of numerous emergency bits of a jetty, 44 gallon drums and This was among more than 50 services to respond when a 28-foot a snake seeking refuge on a floating operations conducted by the unit Bertram exploded at Brooklyn, log were among the nasties to avoid. over the past three months and injuring up to eight people. Speed limits were still being A couch floats downstream. Photo: Matt Barros. the second within weeks around Both HW 21 and HW 22 rushed imposed on the river as late as April Lion Island. A yacht with three to the chaotic scene. 15 as debris continued to wash people on board grounded on Pearl Conditions on the Hawkesbury downstream. taking part in first aid, firefighting Beach, behind the island, on April continued to be challenging for The unit’s training is back in full and survival at sea courses. 10, setting off its EPIRB to direct boaters for weeks after the severe swing post-COVID, with members Kym Mahoney Praise for unit’s safety officer and mentor

arine Rescue Hawkesbury supports, including the Hawkesbury learned so much. He was such an Mstalwart Ken Bate has been Canoe Classic, which raises money inspiring teacher and mentor about recognised with a Community for charity each October. seamanship, radio operations and Service Award for more than two A Leading Crew member, he is where to learn more. decades of saving lives on the water now working towards his Radio He kept us all up to date with and mentoring Central Coast youth. Operator qualification. health and safety, keeping everyone The Rotary Club of Kariong/ Currently the unit’s Work Health safe out on the water and ensuring Somersby presented Ken the award and Safety Officer, he is responsible we were all looked after on the in early May. for ensuring first aid kits are stocked watches. Ken has fulfilled many roles in and ready for medical emergencies We were always ready to go when his time as a member of both the and that the unit’s lifejackets are the call came in. Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol and kept in good condition for crew Ken is one of the key crew MRNSW. members. He is also the unit’s members that make Marine Rescue He has taken part in numerous Grants Officer. Hawkesbury such a great place to Deserved recognition ... MR rescue operations and the many When I joined Marine Rescue, volunteer. Hawkesbury volunteer Ken Bate. major aquatic events the unit Ken was one from whom I Kym Mahoney Photo: Sarah Adair.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 39 MAKING WAVES Illawarra News

Dad and daughter team to the rescue Sussex Inlet gains extra firepower to tackle bar and St Georges Basin.

arine Rescue Sussex Inlet is lifejackets and helmets. This was not Mthe latest unit to deploy rapid- easy in a strong current. response Rescue Water Craft on its All eight trainees, ranging from local waters. 21 to over 60 years of age, including This is the perfect location for father and daughter Paul and Jessie these highly-manoeuvrable craft, Sapsed, completed the swim. which now give us the capability to The rest of the day was filled with cross the bar in most conditions, manoeuvring and search and rescue which our rescue vessel Sussex Inlet techniques. 20 is not always able to manage. Over the next two days, although As well as being ideal assets the sun was shining, the trainees to respond to emergencies on were confronted with a challenging hazardous coastal bars, RWC also southerly change before the return are well suited to operations in of the favourable conditions. Dad ... Rescue Water Craft Operator Paul Sapsed during a rigorous confined, shallow waters and our Congratulations to the members four day training program. Photos: Brad Whittaker. new craft will allow our members who successfully attained their RWC to enter areas of St Georges Basin qualifications. which we have not been able to The unit continues to attract new access by boat. recruits and to focus on volunteer A Dock Pro system is to development. We have four Radio be installed to facilitate rapid Operators, a Watch Officer, 10 Crew, deployment of the new equipment, four Leading Crew, a Coxswain along with new amenities with hot and five RWC Operators in training. and cold showers. All trainers are working extremely Eight RWC Operators recently hard to ensure our trainees are undertook a gruelling four-day completing their requirements within training and assessment program. the necessary timeframes. Day one started under sunny Thank you to our neighbours skies with relatively calm conditions at MR Ulladulla for their training for our trainees to undertake the assistance. And daughter ... Jessie Sapsed joined the unit with her dad after the required 200m swim in wetsuits, Karen Lowry pair were rescued on St Georges Basin.

Long tow home for stranded solo boater Unit boosts capability as more members gain crew qualifications.

crew from MR Shellharbour benefited from the generosity of Aundertook a lengthy operation to another local volunteer group. rescue a solo boater stranded 16nm Oak Flats Lions Club kindly offshore on a bleak day in mid-June. presented the unit with a $700 The boater called for help after donation in early May. his 5-6m runabout lost power. Congratulations to three unit Shellharbour 30, with crew Gerry members, Peter Anderson, Roger Kelly, Dennis Quye and Geoff Troth Eager and Tammie Butcher, on on board, headed to the rescue in achieving their Crew ratings. good sea conditions. Members were pleased to The runabout was taken safely welcome Commissioner Stacey under tow back to the Shellharbour Tannos and Deputy Commissioner boat ramp. Communications support Alex Barrell to the base recently. was provided by Roger Fermino and Commissioner Tannos presented Neil Lovett at MR Port Kembla. Steve Thompson and Alana Heywood Volunteers helping volunteers ... Oaks Flat Lions Club members The Shellharbour unit has with their five-year service pins. present MR Shellharbour DUC Peter May with a $700 donation.

40 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Illawarra News Illawarra News

Dad and daughter team to the rescue Naiad twin heads south to the Illawarra Sussex Inlet gains extra firepower to tackle bar and St Georges Basin. Port Kembla team lauds ‘exceptional’ performance, handling in trials. arine Rescue Sussex Inlet is lifejackets and helmets. This was not he identical twins in the MRNSW Mthe latest unit to deploy rapid- easy in a strong current. Tfleet have been separated with response Rescue Water Craft on its All eight trainees, ranging from the delivery of MR Port Kembla’s local waters. 21 to over 60 years of age, including smart new rescue vessel. This is the perfect location for father and daughter Paul and Jessie The new 10 metre Naiads, Port these highly-manoeuvrable craft, Sapsed, completed the swim. Kembla 31 and Evans Head 31 were which now give us the capability to The rest of the day was filled with built in parallel at Yamba Welding & cross the bar in most conditions, manoeuvring and search and rescue Engineering on the NSW Northern which our rescue vessel Sussex Inlet techniques. Rivers. 20 is not always able to manage. Over the next two days, although Boaters on the mighty Clarence As well as being ideal assets the sun was shining, the trainees River could have been forgiven for to respond to emergencies on were confronted with a challenging thinking they were seeing double hazardous coastal bars, RWC also southerly change before the return when the pair undertook their sea are well suited to operations in of the favourable conditions. Dad ... Rescue Water Craft Operator Paul Sapsed during a rigorous trials together on May 18. confined, shallow waters and our Congratulations to the members four day training program. Photos: Brad Whittaker. PK 31 was transported south new craft will allow our members who successfully attained their RWC by semi-trailer in June to take up to enter areas of St Georges Basin qualifications. residence at its new home base on Twilight settles over the new Port Kembla 31, moored on the Yamba Marina ahead of its delivery to the which we have not been able to The unit continues to attract new Port Kembla Harbour. Illawarra unit in June. access by boat. recruits and to focus on volunteer The new monohull RHIB replaces A Dock Pro system is to development. We have four Radio MR Port Kembla’s ageing workhorse, new boat’s sea trials. “Our catamaran PK 30 has uncomfortable ride for crews. be installed to facilitate rapid Operators, a Watch Officer, 10 Crew, the Kevlacat Port Kembla 30. “PK 31’s performance, ride and served the boating community “This new Naiad will provide our deployment of the new equipment, four Leading Crew, a Coxswain Unit Commander Kevin Bradley, handling were truly exceptional and of Port Kembla and the Illawarra crews with a more comfortable along with new amenities with hot and five RWC Operators in training. Deputy Tom Watson and Kevin we are very much looking forward to extremely well but did it tough in work platform with state of the art and cold showers. All trainers are working extremely McCulloch travelled to Yamba for the its arrival,” UC Bradley said. heavy sea conditions, making an electronics and rescue equipment.” Eight RWC Operators recently hard to ensure our trainees are undertook a gruelling four-day completing their requirements within training and assessment program. the necessary timeframes. Day one started under sunny Thank you to our neighbours Ulladulla looks forward to bright year ahead skies with relatively calm conditions at MR Ulladulla for their training Unit in good shape after range of operational and fundraising challenges. for our trainees to undertake the assistance. And daughter ... Jessie Sapsed joined the unit with her dad after the required 200m swim in wetsuits, Karen Lowry pair were rescued on St Georges Basin. aunching an average of a rescue residents including a golden La week, MR Ulladulla crews Olympian from the Taree floods and have risen to diverse operational retrieved a boat spinning in circles challenges over the past year, after flipping its skipper into a lake Long tow home for stranded solo boater proving their skill offshore, on and a barnacle-encrusted jet ski Unit boosts capability as more members gain crew qualifications. enclosed waters and in muddy floating off the coastline. floodwaters. Speaking at the AGM, UC Hall crew from MR Shellharbour benefited from the generosity of Unit Commander Dave Hall gave thanked the executive committee A undertook a lengthy operation to another local volunteer group. a report on the unit’s major activities and members for their hard work rescue a solo boater stranded 16nm Oak Flats Lions Club kindly and operations at the 2021 Annual throughout the year. offshore on a bleak day in mid-June. presented the unit with a $700 General Meeting in May. He said the unit was in a The boater called for help after donation in early May. The unit launched 51 missions reasonably comfortable financial his 5-6m runabout lost power. Congratulations to three unit over the year, in line with its position, with the fundraising team Shellharbour 30, with crew Gerry members, Peter Anderson, Roger standard annual workload of 51 to keeping it in the black despite Kelly, Dennis Quye and Geoff Troth Eager and Tammie Butcher, on 60 responses. the effects of COVID and adverse It might need a bit of a clean-up ... MR Ulladulla recovered this on board, headed to the rescue in achieving their Crew ratings. This number fell minimally to weather affecting its monthly barnacle-encrusted jet ski adrift off Bendalong on May 22. good sea conditions. Members were pleased to the mid-40s in 2020, likely due to markets, golf day and raffles. The runabout was taken safely welcome Commissioner Stacey fewer vessels heading to sea due to “The forecast for the next year Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips Trig antenna and the subsequent under tow back to the Shellharbour Tannos and Deputy Commissioner COVID-19. looks promising, barring unforeseen presented the unit with a $10,000 upgrade of its Reditalk radio system boat ramp. Communications support Alex Barrell to the base recently. In just the past six months, the expenses, with no major assets Stronger Communities grant towards to the Frequentis system. was provided by Roger Fermino and Commissioner Tannos presented unit’s crews have rescued a solo needed other than an automatic the cost of the generator in June. The unit is continuing to work on Neil Lovett at MR Port Kembla. Steve Thompson and Alana Heywood Volunteers helping volunteers ... Oaks Flat Lions Club members sailor on a sinking yacht in atrocious back-up generator to supply the UC Hall said the unit was recruiting new volunteers to counter The Shellharbour unit has with their five-year service pins. present MR Shellharbour DUC Peter May with a $700 donation. conditions at sea, evacuated base,” he said. looking forward to the new Boyne a decline in volunteer numbers.

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

Maintenance effort keeps boats ship-shape Shoalhaven volunteers roll up sleeves to help in flood zone and on slipway.

wo members of MR Shoalhaven Twere among the deployment of MRNSW volunteers who headed to Western Sydney to join the flood support operation in late March. Skipper Mike Boadle and crew member Rhys White were tasked to the Windsor district, navigating across flooded roads and paddocks with their colleagues from other units and emergency services. After three long days they returned to the Shoalhaven. Congratulations to Mike, who was MR Shoalhaven members roll up their sleeves to clean and anti-foul the hull of Shoalhaven 20 while it’s awarded the Emergency Services out of the water. Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours and Pat Welch, our finalist for its 700 hour motor service. At an external out-of-water survey to the water for a short sea trial and in Rotary’s Shoalhaven Emergency the same time, our crew cleaned marking its 10 years of service. subsequently to full service. Services Community Awards and the hull, replaced the anode and While it was on the slipway, all the In mid-May, the unit supported now the state awards. applied anti-foul. Thank you to seawater inlets were removed and the Nowra Water Dragons’ annual The end of the summer peak Paul Windfield, Ray Jones, Chris defouled. In a difficult job, due to the regatta on the Shoalhaven River heralded the start of maintenance Petersen, Peter Dicker, Paul Poulsen, restricted access, Warren Zamai and at Nowra. Throughout all these season for our members, who have James Guy, Marty Kaye and Mike Paul Poulsen also removed, resealed activities, our 90 members spent the past two months ensuring Boadle for their hard work. and replaced the toilet inlet skin maintained their training, boat and both our vessels are ship-shape. SA 30 was next up for its annual fitting. With the surveyor satisfied radio duties and fundraising. Shoalhaven 20 was slipped first clean and anti-foul, combined with with its condition, SA 30 returned Bill Carter

Floating debris still a hazard on Jervis Bay New vessel on way as Colin Woods retires to a more leisurely life.

espite the shorter, cooler days, This structure, which would have DMR Jervis Bay is continuing to caused serious damage to the hull receive a significant number of calls of any boat unfortunate enough to for help from boaters in trouble on collide with it, was towed to Long Jervis Bay and surrounding waters. Beach for council rangers to remove. A high proportion of these The National Parks and Wildlife incidents have been caused by flat Service has briefed the unit about batteries, serving as a reminder for the contribution we can make to its boaters to always check their boat’s operations to disentangle whales battery, fuel and engine before caught in nets and fishing lines heading out. along our section of the coastline. Flotsam and jetsam is still being We have also resumed helicopter washed into the bay by floodwaters, drop training with the CHC helicopter with lots of tree stumps and random service based at HMAS Albatross. Out for its first spin ... the new Jervis Bay 41, due for imminent debris bobbing below the surface. These exercises provide valuable delivery, on its sea trials on the NSW North Coast. The crew of Jervis Bay 40 was practice for both crews, building tasked to investigate a report of understanding of how we can work been retired from active service. MRNSW. It has served all its owners what looked to be a large block of together in air-sea rescues. The 40-foot Steber spent a decade well, saving lives on the water in floating concrete but was actually Ahead of the delivery of our new as an Australian Federal Police and around Jervis Bay, and now a 120mm thick section of a wharf vessel JB 41 toward the end of vessel and almost 20 years with the deserves a more leisurely life. made of aerated concrete and steel. June, JB 40 (Colin Woods) has now Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol and Tony Dagger

42 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Illawarra News Monaro News

Maintenance effort keeps boats ship-shape New $400,000 vessel source of great pride Shoalhaven volunteers roll up sleeves to help in flood zone and on slipway. Tuross Ocean Cylinder boosts safety of Eurobodalla local and visiting boaters. wo members of MR Shoalhaven ew rescue vessel Tuross 21 Twere among the deployment of Nwas officially commissioned on MRNSW volunteers who headed to a stellar day in April at the Moruya Western Sydney to join the flood Town Wharf. support operation in late March. Dignitaries and guests, including Skipper Mike Boadle and crew Bega MP Andrew Constance, member Rhys White were tasked Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes and to the Windsor district, navigating MRNSW Deputy Commissioner across flooded roads and paddocks Alex Barrell and Monaro Regional with their colleagues from other Director Glenn Felkin, assembled units and emergency services. with unit members ahead of the After three long days they arrival of the $400,000 Ocean returned to the Shoalhaven. Cylinder, which was looking grand. Congratulations to Mike, who was MR Shoalhaven members roll up their sleeves to clean and anti-foul the hull of Shoalhaven 20 while it’s The ceremony, ably led by awarded the Emergency Services out of the water. MC Geoff Clarke, included an Medal in the Queen’s Birthday acknowledgement of the Traditional Bega MP Andrew Constance (rear), Deputy Commmissioner Alex Barrell and members of MR Tuross Honours and Pat Welch, our finalist for its 700 hour motor service. At an external out-of-water survey to the water for a short sea trial and Owners of the Land, the National assemble for the commissioning of Tuross 21. UC Alan Blessington (below) addresses guests. in Rotary’s Shoalhaven Emergency the same time, our crew cleaned marking its 10 years of service. subsequently to full service. Anthem and flag raising before Services Community Awards and the hull, replaced the anode and While it was on the slipway, all the In mid-May, the unit supported Chaplain, Major David Simpkin, Unit members are proud of their Eurobodalla - and of our volunteers now the state awards. applied anti-foul. Thank you to seawater inlets were removed and the Nowra Water Dragons’ annual blessed the new vessel. new 7.5 metre primary rescue operating on board. Powered by twin The end of the summer peak Paul Windfield, Ray Jones, Chris defouled. In a difficult job, due to the regatta on the Shoalhaven River Mr Constance, Cr Innes and unit vessel, purpose-designed and built Suzuki 150hp outboards, the vessel heralded the start of maintenance Petersen, Peter Dicker, Paul Poulsen, restricted access, Warren Zamai and at Nowra. Throughout all these sponsors, Graham and Julie Brown for offshore operations. Constructed is fitted with the latest generation season for our members, who have James Guy, Marty Kaye and Mike Paul Poulsen also removed, resealed activities, our 90 members from Euro Civil and DJ Matt Brown, by Yamba Welding & Engineering, search and rescue and first aid spent the past two months ensuring Boadle for their hard work. and replaced the toilet inlet skin maintained their training, boat and later got the chance to inspect the TU 21 is an investment in the safety equipment, including a defibrillator both our vessels are ship-shape. SA 30 was next up for its annual fitting. With the surveyor satisfied radio duties and fundraising. boat close-up during a short trip on of the large local and visiting boating and oxygen kit. Shoalhaven 20 was slipped first clean and anti-foul, combined with with its condition, SA 30 returned Bill Carter the Moruya River. community enjoying the waters of Ilze Svarcs

Floating debris still a hazard on Jervis Bay Lessons to be learned in new environment New vessel on way as Colin Woods retires to a more leisurely life. Extension to unit base gives Batemans Bay members a lift. espite the shorter, cooler days, This structure, which would have s summer drew to a close, one instance recovered a paddler DMR Jervis Bay is continuing to caused serious damage to the hull Aa crew from MR Batemans from the water and helped them receive a significant number of calls of any boat unfortunate enough to Bay headed north with other back to the staging point. for help from boaters in trouble on collide with it, was towed to Long MRNSW personnel to support At the end of April, a crew on Jervis Bay and surrounding waters. Beach for council rangers to remove. the State Emergency Service’s board our primary rescue vessel A high proportion of these The National Parks and Wildlife flood operations on and around Batemans 30 travelled to Bermagui incidents have been caused by flat Service has briefed the unit about the Hawkesbury River in Western for the annual SAREX event, with batteries, serving as a reminder for the contribution we can make to its Sydney. a mix of experienced and new boaters to always check their boat’s operations to disentangle whales This was a unique experience and attendees. Aside from the sea battery, fuel and engine before caught in nets and fishing lines a challenge for the crews from all journey - into a north east swell for heading out. along our section of the coastline. units, who performed well in debris- the whole return trip - our members Flotsam and jetsam is still being We have also resumed helicopter filled floodwaters, learning many enjoyed the learning and networking washed into the bay by floodwaters, drop training with the CHC helicopter lessons in a difficult and changing experiences and the new format for with lots of tree stumps and random service based at HMAS Albatross. Out for its first spin ... the new Jervis Bay 41, due for imminent environment. the two-day event. Volunteers from MR Batemans Bay and Tuross join forces to help debris bobbing below the surface. These exercises provide valuable delivery, on its sea trials on the NSW North Coast. Closer to home, our volunteers Off the water, construction is keep entrants in the Batemans Bay Paddle Challenge safe. The crew of Jervis Bay 40 was practice for both crews, building and members of MR Tuross were finished on the extension of the tasked to investigate a report of understanding of how we can work been retired from active service. MRNSW. It has served all its owners out on the water to help conduct and unit’s base at Hanging Rock. It will also accommodate a new to take part in the Hanging Rock what looked to be a large block of together in air-sea rescues. The 40-foot Steber spent a decade well, saving lives on the water in maintain safety for the Batemans The new addition will enable training room and a lift for improved Emergency Services Fun Day, with floating concrete but was actually Ahead of the delivery of our new as an Australian Federal Police and around Jervis Bay, and now Bay Paddle Challenge. the unit’s RHIB vessel to remain access to the building. vessels on display and other fun a 120mm thick section of a wharf vessel JB 41 toward the end of vessel and almost 20 years with the deserves a more leisurely life. The crews set out marker buoys, permanently attached to its launch Members of our unit and Tuross family activities. made of aerated concrete and steel. June, JB 40 (Colin Woods) has now Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol and Tony Dagger checked on entrants’ safety and in vehicle, reducing response times. will again join forces on July 3 David Murn

42 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 43 MAKING WAVES Monaro News

Merimbula liaison skill valuable in flood crisis Members tasked to Western Sydney incident control centre and frontline.

arine Rescue Merimbula A month later, a local boater at Mmembers, who so amply the fish cleaning pontoon heard demonstrated their emergency cries for help from four swimmers management skill during the Black who had been swept down the Summer bushfires, stepped forward channel and were heading toward to join the response to the NSW open water. flood crisis in March. The quick-thinking skipper A crew and rescue vessel were radioed our base as he headed to activated to join the MRNSW recover the two most vulnerable deployment to support flood swimmers, while the others reached operations in Western Sydney. rocks or the extended sandbank at Unit Commander Sonia Teston the river mouth. and Stewart Dietrich were on the Again, ambulance crews were ground as Liaison Officers in the on hand, to treat those involved for Sydney Metropolitan SES Incident shock and hypothermia. Control Centre. There were smiles all around Meanwhile, back on the Sapphire at the draw of our annual raffle Coast, three people were thrown on April 23. Prizes were donated They know which side a SAREX team’s bread is buttered ... MR from their small runabout while by Barbeques Galore Bega, the Merimbula members Sarah Dewar and Robyn Neasmith on breakfast duty at the Monaro exercise. crossing the Merimbula Bar in rough National Parks and Wildlife Service, seas in March, in a timely reminder Merimbula Whale Watching Cruises, of the need to carefully consider Boardwalk Fashion and Reva was held on Saturday, May 8, with rescue vessel crew and desktop the state of any bar before deciding Jewellery. our fishing enthusiast volunteers’ exercise participants, four of our if it is safe to cross. Fortunately, Despite the area’s reduced tourist catch over the preceding week volunteers turned out early to ensure the shallow conditions enabled all numbers, thanks to Jeff Lawes ensuring much fish was consumed. everyone was well fed. Well done three to make it to shore, with NSW and our enthusiastic members, Thanks to Maria Osta. to our catering crew, Geraldine Ambulances quickly in attendance. another great fundraising result was MR Merimbula made a major Wunderlich, Robyn Neasmith, Bill Their boat was later recovered produced. contribution to the Monaro Regional Harvey and Sarah Dewar. and secured to a visitor mooring. The unit’s Fantastic Fish Feast SAREX in May. Along with our Roger Barson

Narooma gets to grips with new vessel Memorabilia, photos needed for history of local marine rescue services.

arine Rescue Narooma crews Unit members kept up a Mhave dedicated themselves to hectic schedule during National familiarisation training on board the Volunteer Week in May, conducting unit’s new rescue vessel in recent fundraising, information and weeks. recruitment activities in addition to The team has tested Narooma Saturday morning boat training. 20 on the local bar and a range of The week ended with the crew of conditions offshore and upstream, NA 20 providing a safety watch for practising towing, rafting and the the Narooma Blue Water Dragons, manoeuvring required to save lives accompanying them on their 10th on the water. anniversary paddle. The 6.8m Naiad RHIB, which Radio Operator Craig Petterd MR Narooma crew members set off for a training run on their new has a lower canopy and the ability is compiling a history of Marine vessel, Narooma 20. to convert to a topless cockpit, Rescue in Narooma, including the has been redeployed from the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol If members past and present vessels or the unit’s various bases, neighbouring Merimbula unit, which (established in 1982) and VRA or their families have documents, these would be very helpful in telling will take delivery of a new 6.7m Marine Division that preceded photos or memorabilia from years our story. Please contact Craig on Naiad. today’s MRNSW operations. gone by relating to volunteers, 0417 438 538 if you can help.

44 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES MAKING WAVES Monaro News Monaro News

Merimbula liaison skill valuable in flood crisis Volunteers collaborate, share experience Members tasked to Western Sydney incident control centre and frontline. Bermagui crew exhilarated to successfully complete exercise mission. arine Rescue Merimbula A month later, a local boater at he Monaro Regional Search The Bermagui team managed Mmembers, who so amply the fish cleaning pontoon heard Tand Rescue Exercise, staged to retrieve two of the three targets demonstrated their emergency cries for help from four swimmers out of Bermagui, proved a great off the Three Brothers. Even as management skill during the Black who had been swept down the opportunity for MRNSW members an exercise, it was exhilarating to Summer bushfires, stepped forward channel and were heading toward to work with crews from a range of successfully complete our mission. to join the response to the NSW open water. different professional and volunteer Meanwhile on shore, just as flood crisis in March. The quick-thinking skipper rescue and safety services. many volunteers were taking part A crew and rescue vessel were radioed our base as he headed to Volunteers from MR Bermagui, in a desktop exercise emulating activated to join the MRNSW recover the two most vulnerable Batemans Bay, Tuross, Narooma, an emergency management deployment to support flood swimmers, while the others reached Merimbula, Eden and Moama took centre, involving rotating incident operations in Western Sydney. rocks or the extended sandbank at part in the major capability exercise, management, communications, Unit Commander Sonia Teston the river mouth. along with the NSW Police Marine logistics and navigation teams. and Stewart Dietrich were on the Again, ambulance crews were Area Command, Australian Maritime The pace was frenetic as the ground as Liaison Officers in the on hand, to treat those involved for Safety Authority, Surf Life Saving simulated emergency unfolded Sydney Metropolitan SES Incident shock and hypothermia. NSW and the Westpac Lifesaver and the teams worked to task MR Bermagui UC Caron Parfitt, Merimbula’s Debra Bartlett, Eden UC Control Centre. There were smiles all around Rescue Helicopter. crews, determine the search areas Stuart Manson and Tuross’ Blaise Madden at the desktop exercise. Meanwhile, back on the Sapphire at the draw of our annual raffle The search exercise began and manage logistics such as Coast, three people were thrown on April 23. Prizes were donated They know which side a SAREX team’s bread is buttered ... MR early, in response to a simulated ambulances for injured survivors is like becoming part of a wider would be involved in. Whatever the from their small runabout while by Barbeques Galore Bega, the Merimbula members Sarah Dewar and Robyn Neasmith on breakfast emergency in which two aircraft and relief crew for vessels. network, in which you really feel differences, the unifying principle is duty at the Monaro exercise. crossing the Merimbula Bar in rough National Parks and Wildlife Service, had ditched offshore, with multiple The SAREX was a chance to meet like you can do some good for the consistent for volunteers saving lives seas in March, in a timely reminder Merimbula Whale Watching Cruises, victims, both injured and deceased. and collaborate with other members community, while learning skills in on the water. of the need to carefully consider Boardwalk Fashion and Reva was held on Saturday, May 8, with rescue vessel crew and desktop The MRNSW boat crews worked from bases near and far. There was areas you had never thought you Debbie Worgan the state of any bar before deciding Jewellery. our fishing enthusiast volunteers’ exercise participants, four of our together in a number of different so much to compare: operations, if it is safe to cross. Fortunately, Despite the area’s reduced tourist catch over the preceding week volunteers turned out early to ensure search patterns, while the helicopter types of work, members, vessels, the shallow conditions enabled all numbers, thanks to Jeff Lawes ensuring much fish was consumed. everyone was well fed. Well done practised airlifting ‘victims’ on and management styles and their role three to make it to shore, with NSW and our enthusiastic members, Thanks to Maria Osta. to our catering crew, Geraldine off the Police launch Falcon. at the SAREX. When you work from Ambulances quickly in attendance. another great fundraising result was MR Merimbula made a major Wunderlich, Robyn Neasmith, Bill MRNSW and Surf Life Saving one base you tend to think that Their boat was later recovered produced. contribution to the Monaro Regional Harvey and Sarah Dewar. Rescue Water Craft operators all units are the same. Although and secured to a visitor mooring. The unit’s Fantastic Fish Feast SAREX in May. Along with our Roger Barson deployed to search close to shore the official Standard Operating near Haywards Beach, Camel Rock Procedures are the same, we and Blue Pool. Search mannequins came to appreciate that each unit’s that had drifted away and washed environment, vessels and member Narooma gets to grips with new vessel up on shore, where helpful locals skills differ enormously. Each is had moved them into the sand unique and designed to meet the Memorabilia, photos needed for history of local marine rescue services. dunes, added another layer of needs of its particular environment arine Rescue Narooma crews Unit members kept up a complexity to the operation to locate and community. Gotcha! The crew of Bermagui 30 locates one of the search targets Mhave dedicated themselves to hectic schedule during National and recover these training tools. Being involved in Marine Rescue near the Three Brothers. familiarisation training on board the Volunteer Week in May, conducting unit’s new rescue vessel in recent fundraising, information and weeks. recruitment activities in addition to HELP INJURED WILDLIFE The team has tested Narooma Saturday morning boat training. 20 on the local bar and a range of The week ended with the crew of CNC Machined Steel Half Couplings Every year thousands of conditions offshore and upstream, NA 20 providing a safety watch for marine birds and animals practising towing, rafting and the the Narooma Blue Water Dragons, Poly Flex half couplings come in a range of models including 424, 434, 464, are injured by plas� c bags, 524, 534, 546 & 616. The first number of the model specifies the flange manoeuvring required to save lives accompanying them on their 10th OD being either 4”, 5” or 6”. These accommodate shaft sizes ranging from fi shing line, hooks and 3/4” - 3”. Please ask one of our trained staff for more info. sinkers. on the water. anniversary paddle. Custom Half Couplings The 6.8m Naiad RHIB, which Radio Operator Craig Petterd & Cotton Reel Adaptors If you see an injured bird MR Narooma crew members set off for a training run on their new Available on Request!! or na� ve animal please call has a lower canopy and the ability is compiling a history of Marine vessel, Narooma 20. WIRES on 1300 094 737 or to convert to a topless cockpit, Rescue in Narooma, including the Australian Seabird Rescue has been redeployed from the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol If members past and present vessels or the unit’s various bases, on 0428 862 852. neighbouring Merimbula unit, which (established in 1982) and VRA or their families have documents, these would be very helpful in telling DONATE to WIRES at WIRES.ORG.AU or to will take delivery of a new 6.7m Marine Division that preceded photos or memorabilia from years our story. Please contact Craig on Australian Seabird Rescue at SEABIRDRESCUE.ORG Naiad. today’s MRNSW operations. gone by relating to volunteers, 0417 438 538 if you can help.

44 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 45 ART GALLERY Our story in pictures

Marine Rescue at work

Sculpted by the sea ... this year’s Sculpture Bermagui featured artist David Doyle’s Maritime Markers Field installation, featuring lateral, cardinal, special, isolated danger, new danger, safe water and divers symbols high on the headland. MR Bermagui’s Greg Jones, UC Caron Parfitt, Jeff Donovan, Jim Anderson and Babs Stephens tested their knowledge after Saturday morning training. Photo: Debbie Worgan.

Double trouble or twice as nice? Bearded twins David Swilks, from Thank you! Nicole Delle Cost and Mark Kennedy from Fortem MR Narooma and Volker Aebischer, from MR Bermagui, compare the Australia visit MR Botany Port Hacking on Thank A First Responder pair at the Monaro Regional Search and Rescue Exercise. Day to salute some of our 3,000-plus volunteers.

Congratulations ... MR Shoalhaven member Pat Welch (third from Helping hand ... Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips presents a $10,000 grant right) was named as a finalist in Rotary’s Shoalhaven Emergency towards a new generator to MR Ulladulla Deputy Unit Commander Services Community Awards on June 9. Dave Lindley, UC David Hall and Illawarra Director Keven Marshall.

46 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS ART GALLERY IN MEMORIAM Our story in pictures Tributes to valued members

Marine Rescue at work Services honour active community member Radio Operator had shown the nation its history on Bicentennial tour.

alcolm Webber is greatly boat crew and interacting with grandson joined him in the cabin of Mmissed not only by his fellow his fellow volunteers. He also did his Kenworth truck on the journey volunteers at Marine Rescue not hesitate to offer his services billed as the “greatest roadshow Forster-Tuncurry but also by the to the fundraising team, spending ever to circle Australia”. members of other Great Lakes many shifts selling raffle tickets, A train enthusiast and avid model emergency services to which he always with a cheery greeting and a train collector, Mal was especially also belonged. welcome word. enamoured of the beautifully An active member of the local He said one of the greatest jobs restored steam engine, 3801, community, Mal gave his time to of his life was as a crew member known as the Newcastle Flyer, that numerous organisations, including on the 1988 Bicentenary Travelling conveyed passengers between the State Emergency Service Exhibition, covering 34 cities and Newcastle and Sydney. Restored and Westpac Lifesaver Rescue country towns across Australia. by the State Rail Authority, it visited Malcolm Webber. Helicopter. Members of all three The exhibition gave Australians every mainland capital accessible services formed a Guard of Honour the chance to view items from the by rail during the Bicentenary and nephews. after his funeral service. nation’s history that were rarely seen celebrations, accompanying the Unit Commander David Gibson Born in 1939 in Punchbowl in outside capital city museums and Flying Scotsman for much of its tour said at Mal’s funeral: “Marine Sydney, Mal joined the Forster- galleries, like a suit of armour worn across Australia. The locomotive Rescue members feel we have lost Sculpted by the sea ... this year’s Sculpture Bermagui featured artist David Doyle’s Maritime Markers Field installation, featuring lateral, Tuncurry unit in 2015, serving by a member of the Kelly Gang, a returned to service in March but a kind, gentle soul, a conscientious cardinal, special, isolated danger, new danger, safe water and divers symbols high on the headland. MR Bermagui’s Greg Jones, UC Caron as an enthusiastic, conscientious scale model of First Fleet ship HMS sadly, Mal did not live to see it. worker and a true friend. Rest Parfitt, Jeff Donovan, Jim Anderson and Babs Stephens tested their knowledge after Saturday morning training. Photo: Debbie Worgan. radio operator. He particularly Sirius, a large selection of Aboriginal He is survived by two of his three in peace, Mal, you’ll be greatly enjoyed Logging On vessels, art and a set of Arthur Boyd’s daughters, four grandchildren, seven missed.” talking to passing skippers and masterpieces. Mal’s five-year-old great grandchildren and 11 nieces Wendy Donellan

Ballina mourns longest-serving volunteer Kevin shared his knowledge willingly as he mentored new generations.

embers of Marine Rescue Kevin was awarded his Search and mentored and guided many MBallina remember our longest- Rescue Coordination Centre Duty “generations” of members through serving member as welcoming, Officer accreditation. He continued various roles. courtly and kindly willing to share his his service when the Coast Guard Many of us fondly recall being knowledge and experience. made the transition to MRNSW. entertained and fascinated as he Kevin Thompson served for more Our members are grateful not regaled us with stories of his years Double trouble or twice as nice? Bearded twins David Swilks, from Thank you! Nicole Delle Cost and Mark Kennedy from Fortem than three decades as a member of only for Kevin’s commitment to his in the Navy. MR Narooma and Volker Aebischer, from MR Bermagui, compare the Australia visit MR Botany Port Hacking on Thank A First Responder pair at the Monaro Regional Search and Rescue Exercise. Day to salute some of our 3,000-plus volunteers. the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard radio operations duties but also his As a unit, we feel privileged to Association and Marine Rescue generosity in training and mentoring have known and spent time with NSW. new volunteers. Kevin. Our thoughts are with his His service on the water can be As the unit’s training officer family and friends at this time. traced back to 1989 and in 2008, between 2013 and 2015, Kevin Kath Begley Kevin Thompson.

Coxswain’s cheery disposition fondly recalled

olunteers from Marine Rescue along with his wife Gayle. invaluable during his time as Boat VNarooma were saddened to hear Dennis was a diesel mechanic by Master on the unit’s former RNLI of the passing of their former long- trade and a skilled Coxswain. Waveney Class lifeboat and the 40 term colleague Dennis Cox. His cheery disposition at sea in foot jet-powered ex-cray fishing boat Dennis joined the Royal Volunteer any conditions will be remembered that operated until 2008. Coastal Patrol in the 1990s and by all the crews who headed out Dennis will be fondly remembered Congratulations ... MR Shoalhaven member Pat Welch (third from Helping hand ... Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips presents a $10,000 grant right) was named as a finalist in Rotary’s Shoalhaven Emergency towards a new generator to MR Ulladulla Deputy Unit Commander remained with MRNSW for many with him. by all who knew and sailed with him. Services Community Awards on June 9. Dave Lindley, UC David Hall and Illawarra Director Keven Marshall. years after its formation in 2009, Dennis’ mechanical skills were Kerry McDonnell Dennis Cox.

46 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 47 Safer boating at your fingertips IN MEMORIAM FEEDBACK Tributes to valued members Letters and correspondence

Phillip’s quiet humour, Kayaker impressed stories will be missed with diligent service Tuross farewells hard-working member. ‘I feel very protected by your actions.’ MARINE RESCUE NSW t was with great sadness that n Sunday, 18th April I was late me 20km toward the SE, and a long Imembers of MR Tuross learnt of Oreturning from a kayaking trip. way further from making Apple Tree the death of our unit member Phillip I had registered with your app Bay by my landing time on Sunday Watson. and after recovering from a long evening. I only travel at about Download the FREE Phillip, who had recently turned arduous day was most impressed 4km/h. My original plan was 6pm at 65, joined the unit in 2018. with the diligence of your follow-up Apple Tree Bay. Keen to help out and increase his when I was overdue. Instead, I had only reached MarineRescue App! skills, he completed the two-year From my side I saw or heard Barrenjoey by about 5pm with four Coxswain’s course at Moruya TAFE. about (a) voicemail message left on hours-plus paddling still to go. Phillip was a hard-working, my mobile phone, phone calls to At that point, I retrieved my reliable and jovial member of our my contacts (and) police arriving at mobile and app in a safe dry place unit. We will miss his quiet humour, Apple Tree Bay as we were loading to make a later rendezvous time off broad grin and great stories. my kayak on to its trailer. the water. I reached Apple Tree Bay, Whenever Phillip said, “That I feel very protected by your slowly and close to my time limit. reminds me of a story…” we actions and thank you sincerely for At the boat ramp, I found there gathered around to listen as we your follow through. You may be was no mobile reception, so I was knew there would be a good laugh. interested in the story that led to my unable to log off the app, at least Twelve members of MR Tuross, Coxswain Phillip Watson. late return: until I got out of the valley. along with Monaro Regional I had been out paddling on the By that time the police had Operations Manager Glenn Sullivan, Commander Alan Blessington spoke ocean in my ocean kayak Blue Moon checked in on my wellbeing. formed a guard of honour at Phillip’s on behalf of our unit. on Saturday and parked for the night My intention is reinforced to try to funeral at Broulee Cemetery. With Phillip’s wife Julie reading about 10 kilometres South East of avoid creating fuss, whilst still being The chapel was full, with a poem and his four adult children Barrenjoey. The weather forecast most appreciative that you do care many people spilling outside. Unit and many grandchildren speaking, was very light SE breezes, so I when things don’t go to plan. we learnt of his passion for his work should have drifted whilst sleeping Dr Richard Barnes as a professional turf groundsman, closer to Barrenjoey. Paddington of his joy in travelling as a transport Instead, the EA current drifted April 29 driver and his love of his footy team, his family and MR Tuross. Our sympathy goes to Julie and their large and loving family. Volunteers there in Vale, Phillip, you will be greatly MR Tuross members form a missed. guard of honour. Ilze Svarcs time of great distress

n May 25, our boat, Begonia, assistance (by radio or by boat), Owas in distress and issued a we also understand that this could Mayday call from the Tweed bar as not have been done without many, CALLAGHANS our situation worsened. many others: John Bullock, Graham MARINE SERVICES This letter is sent to express our Challender, Glen Hatton, Christopher sincere gratitude at the support and Quinn (and) Keith Smith. » SERVICING ALL DIESEL, PETROL & STERNDRIVES assistance we received from this The Volunteer Marine Rescue » REPOWER & REFIT SPECIALIST amazing volunteer group (Marine system, which we have always been » ENGINEERING & FABRICATION » PROPULSION & STEERING SYSTEMS Rescue Point Danger) both in impressed by and grateful of, now » ONBOARD SYSTEMS managing our Mayday calls and in especially so as it was there for us » SALES, SERVICE & PARTS for assisting us to the dock once safely in a time of great need and distress. back into the river when we were With sincere and humble thanks without power or steering. to all involved. Located @ Fenwicks Marina, 31 Brooklyn Rd, Brooklyn NSW 2083 While I understand that the Kyle and Maryanne Webb P: 02 9985 7885 | F: 02 9985 7991 E: [email protected] | W: www.callaghansmarine.com.au following listed members were Begonia - US catamaran all involved in coming to our June 1

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