Issue 12 – September 2012 Download Pdf 11.49 MB

Volunteers saving lives on the water

Quarterly Journal of Marine Rescue NSW | Issue 12, September 2012

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M A R I N E www.sosmarine.com S.O.S SYDNEY AUSTRALIA CONTENTS Issue 12 | September 2012

FROM THE HELM 2 Commissioner’s report 4 Chairman’s report

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FUNDRAISERS 40 $SFBUJWFJEFBTGPSEPOBUJPOEPMMBST MARINE RESCUE NSW EXTRAS 38 .3-BLF.BDRVBSJFXFMDPNFT0MZNQJDHPMENFEBMMJTUT Volunteers saving lives on the water 39 /481PMJDFBOE&NFSHFODZ4FSWJDFT4BJMJOH3FHBUUB Volunteer Marine Rescue New South Wales 42 0OXBUFSBXBSFOFTT ABN 98 138 078 092 Level 5 IN MEMORIAM 9-13 Young Street, Sydney NSW 2000 43-44 5SJCVUFTUPWBMVFENFNCFST Phone: 02 8071 4848 Fax: 02 9969 5214 LETTERS Email: [email protected] 44 'FFECBDL

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 1 FROM THE HELM Ofﬁcial business

From the Commissioner Generous donations demonstrate public’s appreciation of our members’ work.

his year’s Sydney International Boat board our rescue vessels. SIBS marked the launch of our TShow (SIBS) was a marvellous Mr McWilliams, who does not own new fundraising initiative, with each showcase for the state’s boating a boat, said he had been lucky since unit being given a boat-motor-trailer industry – and also for the work of migrating to Australia from his native package to raf#e in coming months Marine Rescue NSW. South Africa 24 years ago and wanted (see our cover and story page 3). I’m The value the community places on to do something for the community. sure this will be an appealing prize MRNSW, our members and the work “I’m happy to donate to an that will attract strong support in local we do was evident in the compliments organisation where the money will go communities. and thanks our large contingent of straight to its proper use and doesn’t Our new donation boxes, modelled volunteers received over the !ve days get spent on administration,” he said. on our Steber and Kevlacat rescue of the Show – and also has been at the Mr McWilliams’ visit came three vessels, were also unveiled at SIBS heart of three acts of warm and very days after Deputy Commissioner Heinz and are on their way to units, along Commissioner, welcome generosity in recent weeks. Mueller and I took delivery of another with a kit of four new lightweight Stacey Tannos ESM Our SIBS volunteers were kept piece of water-borne generosity. yoke-style lifejackets for each busy providing safety information and Sydney couple Bruce Hogan and Tina operational vessel and #oating advice, answering questions on board Clifton have donated a $33,000 5.8m key rings that units can sell to boaters Middle Harbour 30 on the marina, 2002 Whittley Voyager to MRNSW (see keen to avoid that heart-stopping accepting donations and selling story page 6). moment of watching their keys sink thousands of tickets in our great raf#e. On behalf of the Board and our to the seabed. Ten members were on hand members, I want to place on the Members would recall that during at the of!cial Boating Industry record my thanks to Mr Hogan, Ms National Volunteer Week in May I Association breakfast at the show Clifton, Mr Vincent and Mr McWilliams. announced the MRNSW Volunteer when Stephen Vincent of Austral Their donations have not only Education Scholarship to help our Propeller Co received the BIA Hall of bene!tted our organisation !nancially members undertake professional Austral Propeller Co’s Stephen Fame Award and announced he but have also shown the value to our development to assist them in their Vincent donated $2500 from his would donate his $5000 prize to community of our members’ effort volunteering roles. We received many Hall of Fame award. MRNSW and the Melanoma Institute and commitment. more applications than we could of Australia. This kind gesture was In a similar recognition of our approve and I thank all the applicants much appreciated. contribution to the state’s emergency for their willingness to undertake Along with a number of boating management arrangements, Police further studies. industry, maritime authority and marine and Emergency Services Minister Mike Congratulations to the successful safety representatives, I took part Gallacher has appointed MRNSW to applicants: Gregory Atkinson (Jervis t t in a roundtable discussion at SIBS the State Emergency Management Bay), David Barker (Newcastle), t on ways to increase the number of Committee. This is the !rst time a Anthony Breen (Forster-Tuncurry), t boaters wearing lifejackets. Both NSW marine rescue service has been Geoffrey Hawes (Central Coast), t Police Force Marine Area Commander t Detective Superintendent Mark “The Minister has appointed MRNSW to the t Hutchings and I argued strongly that State Emergency Management Committee. ” wearing a lifejacket should be made Rob McWilliams handed mandatory at all times. represented on this peak body. Darren Howes (Shoalhaven), Andrew back his rafﬂe prize with a At the close of the Show, the lucky While the wet and cold weather has Topp (Terrey Hills) and Shea Wicks generous donation. winner of the !rst prize in the MRNSW meant quieter times on the water, this (Central Coast). raf#e – a boat-motor-trailer package has been a busy period on land. The I also would like to welcome valued at $8900 – was Mr Rob new Marine Rescue NSW constitution a number of new advertisers to McWilliams. Before we could even was adopted at the Extraordinary Soundings and to thank those tow his prize to his Sydney door, Mr General Meeting on August 18. who have continued to support the McWilliams generously donated his We also have introduced a series magazine and through this, our prize back to MRNSW to raf#e again to of administrative reforms, including volunteers. This has enabled us to raise even more funds. providing units with operating budgets increase the size of the publication so As an added bonus, he presented us to assist them with the cost of we can bring you more news about the with a donation of $10,000, which will operating and managing their activities. great work of our members. boost our fundraising appeal to supply This has provided an overall increase in Stacey Tannos ESM life-saving automatic de!brillators on funding over last year. Commissioner

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

Boats up for grabs in $400,000 rafﬂe bonanza MRNSW units to boost coffers in new summer fundraising campaign.

arine Rescue NSW has launched and Ben, featured on our cover on a Mits largest ever fundraising day’s !shing trip with their dad, Tim. campaign, with a $400,000 bonanza of At 3.84m, the !rst prize boat !shing boats to be won over summer. features a white-painted aluminium MRNSW units along the hull, two extra-large seats and a coastline and on the Alpine generous carpeted #oor area. Lakes will be raf#ing boat, motor It comes with a safety kit including and trailer packages valued at two lifejackets, anchor and chain, almost $9000. torch, bailing kit, V sheet, air horn From the Northern Rivers south, and oars and the A-frame trailer will our supporters and those keen be registered. Anglers Ben, Bethany and father Tim test out an AnglaPro to get on the water will be lining The summer raf#e campaign runabout on a day’s ﬁshing trip. up for tickets to win an MR384 kicked off at this year’s Sydney AnglaPro runabout, !tted with a 9.9 International Boat Show, with Marine to units starting in October. raising signi!cant funds as people HP 4-stroke Suzuki outboard, on a Rescue volunteers kept busy selling “This is a major fundraising enter to win this popular prize. Dunbier trailer. tickets to supporters keen to win a initiative to support our volunteers’ “We’re supplying our units with With room for four people and all similar package featuring an AnglaPro work to assist the boating this terri!c prize to help them the tackle you’ll need on board, the Lite 374 boat. community,” he said. maximise the funds they can raise. sturdy AnglaPro is ideal for a day’s Commissioner Stacey Tannos said “A number of units regularly “We’d encourage everyone in !shing on sheltered waters. the organisation’s new fundraising hold similar raf#es and have a the community to support their local It’s already been rated “fantastic” effort would start in coming weeks, great track record of success, volunteers’ raf#e by making sure by the two young anglers, Bethany with the roll-out of boat-motor-trailers attracting a lot of support and they’re in it to win it.”

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SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 3 FROM THE HELM Ofﬁcial business From the Chairman MRNSW is gaining rewards for hard work and increased public proﬁle.

s I write this brief report, Marine return of the raf#ed prize by the and the funding granted by the ARescue NSW has passed winner at the Sydney International Minister for Police and Emergency another milestone on its journey. Boat Show is one example, along Services for the provision of OH&S The Extraordinary General with the donation of a Whittley and training aids to crews. Meeting of August 18 has replaced cruiser to MRNSW. On a sadder note, since the last the original constitution with a From the Board perspective, new issue of Soundings a number of new document that enhances responsibilities have included a members have “crossed the bar”. our capacity, our independence review of our funding to units based These include Unit Commander and our governance. on a realistic assessment of our Fred Noble, who has been a stalwart It brings with it new opportunities income and resources. supporter and was the oldest and new responsibilities and !rmly This has meant a re-evaluation member of Kioloa, giving long and establishes MRNSW’s position as of the way in which funds are to be sterling service to his community Chairman, an emergency service. provided to units and will refocus and to MRNSW. James Glissan QC A brief recapitulation of the attention on the important issue Neil McCartney, from the Port short history of MRNSW reveals faced by all volunteer organisations Macquarie unit, was one of the an enthusiasm for the organisation, of the need to actively pursue members of the original facilitation of which I am truly proud. fundraising in the local community. committee created to oversee the The original constitution In so doing, we need to be astute establishment of the new single was always recognised to be a to recognise the efforts of those in marine rescue organisation and then transitional document aimed at the units who commit to fundraising. served as a founding director of the bringing together and reconciling the In that context, the dedicated new company. old and the new. We have passed efforts of Paul and Jacqueline An active volunteer on both the beyond such needs and the new Klausen in fundraising for the vessels and the executive of his document is one for the continuation Shoalhaven unit were rewarded by unit, he had been a member of the and growth of an already established their elevation to Life Membership NSW Volunteer Rescue Association and #ourishing enterprise. of MRNSW. (See story page 6) It is Marine Committee, as well as a As the Commissioner notes in not only on the water or in the radio member of the Australian Volunteer his column, (see page 2) the public room that great contributions to Coast Guard Association in Sydney. pro!le of MRNSW continues to grow MRNSW are made. Their commitment deserves and our presence and public service A further exciting initiative is the special recognition. All our late is attracting positive responses supplementing of unit funding by members will be missed. across the board. the provision of a boat/trailer/motor Good sailing The gratifying and generous package to all participating units Jim Glissan Grants a boon for Marine Rescue volunteers NSW Government provides money for new training and safety gear.

SW Police and Emergency “We are very grateful to the deal of time outdoors and the rescue exercises as well as NServices Minister Michael Minister for these grants, which introduction of sunglasses as regular unit training operations.” Gallacher has provided Marine are welcome recognition of the part of their personal safety The rescue mannequins, fitted Rescue NSW with grants worth hard work and commitment of equipment will help prevent with EPIRBs and radio direction $28,140 to provide new training the members of our 46 units,” potential damage to their eyes finders, are dropped into the equipment and safety gear for he said. that can be caused by UV water and grid search patterns our volunteers. Commissioner Tannos said radiation,” he said. set for search crews to locate Commissioner Stacey Tannos the polarised sunglasses would “This funding also will and retrieve them. said the funding was for: be supplied as part of the enable us to significantly A mannequin and EPIRB t67QPMBSJTFETVOHMBTTFT volunteers’ standard uniform, enhance our specialised will be delivered to each for volunteers as an important health and search and rescue training region and a radio direction t4JYSFTDVFNBOOFRVJOT safety measure. equipment, which will finder to each of the three t4JYUSBJOJOH&1*3#TBOE “Our volunteers, particularly be of particular use in multi- training regions to supplement t5ISFFSBEJPEJSFDUJPOGJOEFST our boat crews, spend a great agency regional search and existing equipment.

4 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS ON THE RADAR Things to look out for Members vote for constitutional reform Document irons out structural difﬁculties and presents a practical vision.

embers of Marine Rescue NSW was time to move forward. Mhave voted overwhelmingly in “This will take us forward for the favour of a new company constitution. next 50, if not 100, years,” he said. The new constitution was “We have, in the year since the adopted at an Extraordinary last Annual General Meeting, had a General Meeting held in Sydney on signi!cant improvement and elevation Saturday, August 18. A total of 772 in the level of activity Marine Rescue members voted on the question of has undertaken and our pro!le in the adopting a new constitution, with 660 community has developed enormously. in favour, 87 against, 17 invalid and “We have struggled with the eight abstaining. constitution, which has presented Chairman of the Board of Directors practical, structural, organisational and Jim Glissan welcomed the members’ even legal dif!culties.” agreement to the reform. He said the original document Returning Ofﬁcer, Port Jackson Unit Commander David Hand, reads “This is an excellent result,” had stitched together the “interests the result of the vote on the new constitution to the EGM. he said. of those historic organisations Mr Glissan told the meeting that ... came together to form this Mr Glissan thanked the He also thanked the Returning that the new document had been organisation. Constitutional Review Committee Of!cer, MR Port Jackson Unit carefully drafted to guide the “It included things that needed of Directors and senior members of Commander David Hand, and company into the future. to be in place for the organisation MRNSW, who set the framework for members of the Port Jackson He said while the organisation to be formed but now we are a fully the new constitution, and Allygroup, unit for their assistance with remained proud of its history, it functional, recognised organisation.” which drafted the new document. this responsibility.

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SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 5 ON THE RADAR Things to look out for

Safer boaters legacy of couple’s philanthropy MRNSW takes delivery of a 2002 Whittley Voyager that can be used for licence tests.

philanthropic Sydney couple is the recreational vessel to a charity Ahelping more people join the and were pleased it could go to an ever-growing ranks of boaters on our organisation that provided a service to waters in safety. the boating public. Bruce Hogan and Tina Clifton Commissioner Tannos thanked recently made a remarkable donation Mr Hogan and Ms Clifton for their to support Marine Rescue NSW’s work generous gift. He said the Whittley with the boating community, handing would be a welcome addition to over a striking powerboat to the Marine Rescue’s ancillary !eet and organisation. educational services. As wild winds whipped across “The Whittley is a real bonus Sydney Harbour on August 10, for us,” he said. “We’ll be able to Commissioner Stacey Tannos put it to good use running practical and Deputy Commissioner Heinz boating licence tests for members Tina Clifton and Bruce Hogan wave a fond farewell to their Whittley Mueller took delivery of the 5.8m of the public, complementing the Voyager, which they have generously donated to MRNSW. 2002 Whittley Voyager, worth more theoretical licence courses we than $30,000. already run. responsible members of our boating support our work with a donation Mr Hogan and Ms Clifton were “The vessel cannot be used for community. on this scale,” he said. aware of the work of Marine Rescue operational purposes because it is not “It is rewarding to know members “In just three years, Marine Rescue through their time on the water but no in 2C survey but using it for practical of the boating public hold Marine has become widely recognised for longer used the Whittley. boating courses means we can Rescue volunteers in such high its work to assist and protect the They had thought to donate help more people become safe and regard that they are willing to boating community.”

Shoalhaven pair given Life Membership wo members of Marine Rescue TShoalhaven, Paul and Jacqueline Klausen, have been made Life Members of Marine Rescue NSW in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the organisation and the boating community. Life Members Jacqueline MRNSW Chair Jim Glissan said and Paul Klausen. the Board had awarded Mr and Mrs Klausen Life Membership to thank “The #nancial health of our units is them for their ongoing fundraising and vital to our organisation’s long-term operational commitment. sustainability and prosperity. Paul and “The Klausens are a most valuable Jacquie can be rightly proud of their asset to our organisation. We are achievement,” Mr Glissan said. fortunate to have members of such Mr Glissan said Mr Klausen’s high calibre,” Mr Glissan said. quali#cations – a Commercial From 2000 to 2009 Mr and Coxswain’s Certi#cate and Rescue Mrs Klausen organised and ran the Coxswain Certi#cate – and current Shoalhaven unit’s annual raf!e, raising studies for a Master V Certi#cate a total of $200,000. re!ected his experience and skill on Mrs Klausen has continued to raise board the unit’s rescue vessels. more funds, including $10,000 in one “He has logged several thousand year alone, running the unit’s weekly hours as duty skipper on rescues and raf!e at the Greenwell Point Hotel and training many of the unit’s current Bowling Club since 2010. competent crews and skippers.”

6 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS

ON THE RADAR Things to look out for First National Medals OAM awarded to for MRNSW members Unit Commander

even volunteers recently became arine Rescue Nambucca Unit Sthe !rst members of Marine MCommander Owen Rushton Rescue NSW to be presented with has been recognised for his the National Medal. voluntary work with a Medal Premier Barry O’Farrell, Police of the Order of Australia in and Emergency Services Minister this year’s Queen’s Birthday Mike Gallacher, Fair Trading Minister honours list. Anthony Roberts and Pittwater Commissioner Stacey Tannos MP Rob Stokes attended the Police and Emergency Services congratulated Mr Rushton for his presentation ceremony at NSW Minister Mike Gallacher commitment to local marine and Owen Rushton OAM. Parliament House to congratulate the congratulates Peter Woods. land rescue services, education Rescue Association on land. men, who have amassed a total of said this was a welcome and !tting and sport. He has overseen the acquisition 135 years’ service. acknowledgment of members’ work. “This award acknowledges Mr of two new rescue vessels, The National Medal is presented The !rst seven recipients were: Rushton’s valuable contribution to and most recently the completion to acknowledge long service by Peter Woods, Broken Bay, 35 years; community safety and wellbeing, of the unit’s new premises on members of recognised organisations Michael Seale, Broken Bay, 25 youth and sport in the Nambucca the water. who risk their lives to assist and years; Richard Wright, Batemans and Macksville area of the Mid North Mr Rushton’s service to the protect the community. Of!cial Bay, 15 years; Dean Scadding, Coast,” he said. community includes 27 years approval was granted late last year Terrigal, 15 years; Hugo Stromhall, Mr Rushton has been a member as a teacher and 12 years’ for MRNSW members to be awarded Central Coast, 15 years; Michael of the Nambucca rescue community participation in the organisation the medal. King, Central Coast, 15 years; Simon for more than 20 years, both on of the renowned Macksville Gift Commissioner Stacey Tannos Denneen, Terrey Hills, 15 years. the water and with the Volunteer running race.

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8 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS IN THEIR OWN WORDS Members talk about life as a volunteer

Ron Calman Unit Commander, Newcastle

An experienced water rescue volunteer, Ron Calman has earned Master 5 and MED 2 (Marine Engine Driver) certiﬁcates.

etired policeman Ron Calman grapple hook to a sand bank. ROAM has been involved Q A lot of people know me on in volunteer water rescue for the water. They’ll say you towed almost 50 years. The 67-year- me in back in whenever, and old recently moved from Lake sometimes I can’t remember Macquarie to Newcastle to take them – there have been that many over as Unit Commander. rescues. But in the end I just like Australia’s Largest Specialist Q I’ve always wanted to help talking to people. people in the community. I was Q The biggest challenge we face In"atable Boat Service Centre captain at the Toowoon Bay Surf Life is getting new members to join. Saving Club on the Central Coast in The idea is to convince people Rigid Hull in"atables and 1965 and I volunteered at the Coast we are one big family and then to Replacement In"atable Collars Guard from 1975 for-two-and- keep people involved by making a-half years. In 1990 I joined the things interesting. Quality (DuPont) Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol until Q The boating community in Hypalon fabric with 10 year guarantee they amalgamated to become part Newcastle is very good. I am glad of MRNSW. to be helping out here. They mostly Q The biggest difference from log on and follow proper procedure. when I started is the level of But the biggest problem for all of equipment available. In the ’70s us is boaters who don’t take the we had limited !nances and gear. right equipment and don’t wear We had to use our own boats to lifejackets. That and alcohol: alcohol do rescues. and water don’t mix. Q The rescue I remember Q There’s a lot of sand most is when a boat exploded movement at Lake Macquarie Over 30 years of experience in the at Pelican wharf and there channel at Swansea Bridge. were lots of children in the I’ve pulled out countless yachts Australian Inflatable Boat Industry! water. The vessel was on !re stuck there on the sand. They really and we helped get everyone need to dredge the channel properly Huskisson | 02 4441 8108 out, towing the boat with a and put in a retainer wall.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 9

ON THE RADAR Things to look out for Volunteers charm Boat Show crowds Members from up and down the coast raise nearly $22,000.

arine Rescue NSW volunteers south as Narooma, including some Mturned out in force for this who worked on all #ve days,” Mr year’s Sydney International Boat Wilson said. Show (SIBS), raising almost $22,000 “We could not have such a and promoting our services to a keen large presence at the show audience of boaters. without our members’ willing and More than 150 volunteers enthusiastic participation.” gave their time to sell raf!e The major prize in this year’s tickets to launch our summer raf!e – a boat-motor-trailer package fundraising campaign, provide valued at $8900 – attracted information at our Hall 5 stand, thousands of keen recreational hand out in!atable life rings boaters. and keep watch on Middle Harbour All funds raised at the Show will 30 on the marina. go towards our ongoing program Alison Kelly-Ng from Marine Rescue Central Coast inspects PK 20, Another MRNSW vessel, a Cobia to install life-saving de#brillators Port Kembla’s new Cobia vessel, on display at the Haines Group stand at SIBS. now on duty with MR Port Kembla, on board our !eet. This year’s total was on show at the Haines Group takings were $7000 up on last year. back to MRNSW to re-raf!e (see M Bradley; stand inside Hall 4. The #rst prize in the raf!e – From the Commissioner, page 2). 4th – ACR Boating Grab Bag and MRNSW’s SIBS coordinator, Board an AnglaPro Lite 374 #shing Our other prize winners were: SOLAS Strobe Light valued at $228, Director Bob Wilson, thanked all the boat, Suzuki 9.9hp 4 stroke outboard 2nd – Suzuki 6hp 4-stroke outboard R Thompson; volunteers who took part. and Dunbier Nipper 13ft trailer – was valued at $1,880, F de Wilde; 5th – The Australian Boating “We had volunteers from as far won by Mr Rob McWilliams, who 3rd – Family set of four Hutchwilco Manual by Dick Gandy valued at $90, north as Port Macquarie and as far has generously donated the package In!atable lifejackets valued at $516, A Mozik.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 11 1(: 5(/($6( (1*,1(6

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12 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS PICTURE GALLERY Engaging with the community

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Ready for the rush .... the early morning shift of volunteers set for the crowds to arrive at the Marine Rescue NSW stand at this year’s Sydney JRLQJ International Boat Show. IDVW 1(:')$$$ 0D[LPXP3HUIRUPDQFH 0D[LPXP(˺FLHQF\ A stream of enthusiastic visitors dropped by the MRNSW stand to Welcome aboard sir ... Bill Keleher from Marine Rescue Middle tap into our volunteers’ wealth of boating knowledge and learn more Harbour greets visitors to MH 30, one of hundreds of boats that $GYDQFHG3HUIRUPDQFH'HOLYHULQJ about our work on the water. attracted huge crowds to the marina at SIBS. 2XWVWDQGLQJ$FFHOHUDWLRQDQG7RS(QG6SHHG

Good luck to you ... our volunteers were kept busy selling tickets in Commissioner Stacey Tannos and Board Director Bob Wilson (centre) the launch of our summer raffle bonanza at SIBS. MRNSW units along drop by for a word with members who volunteered their time to the coastline will be raffling similar fishing boats in coming months. provide safety advice and information at the MRNSW stand. VX]XNLPDULQHFRPDX

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 13 MAKING WAVES Northern Rivers News

Ballina to showcase latest on-the-water gear Boat show and ﬁshing tournament will attract many on the long weekend.

housands of locals and tourists Etec in conjunction with the boat Ton the North Coast are expected show, the competition is one of to !ock through the gates of the Australia’s largest catch and 2012 Ballina Boat and Leisure Show photograph #shing tournaments. on the Labour Day long weekend. Competitors in adult, cadet and The third annual event, being junior divisions will be able to #sh for staged by Marine Rescue Ballina, a range of species in any North Coast is a showcase of what’s new in river system. Prizes will be on offer leisure craft, trailers, #shing, bait and for snapper, pearl perch, mulloway, tackle, safety gear, lifestyle products, king#sh/cobia, sambo/AJ, whiting, campers and 4WD accessories. bream, !athead, bass and most Visitors will be able to take in meritorious. On Sunday, Surf Life everything from houseboats and Saving will stage the Ballina Island The 2012 Ballina Boat and Leisure Show, to be held at Ballina Seagulls kayaks to outboard motors, trolleys Paddle Challenge. Rugby League Club, is expected to bring in more than 2000 and cradles, while those interested Along with exhibitors’ wares and people and help raise money for the local unit. in pursuing marine studies can gain demonstrations over the two days, #rsthand advice from Ballina TAFE. visitors will be able to grab a bite “We had about 2000 people Street, from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, One of the highlights of the to eat from a range of vendors, last year in bad weather so we’re September 29 and 9am to 4pm on weekend will be the North Coast including the East Ballina Lions Club. expecting more this year,” he said. Sunday, September 30. Entry is by Fishing Bonanza, with more than Ballina Unit Commander Norm The Show will be held at the gold coin donation. $75,000 in prizes up for grabs. Lannoy said the event was the unit’s Ballina Seagulls Rugby League Club, Visit vmrballina.com/boatshow.asp Staged by Gamakatsu and Evinrude key annual fundraiser. Kingsford Smith Park, Bentinck and #shingcomps.com.au/ncfb/ .

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14 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS &6WHEHULQGG 30 MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News

Alex’s medal challenge GETS YOU THERE QUICKLY Student volunteers for Crowdy Harrington.

arine Rescue Crowdy MHarrington is playing a key role in helping a Taree high school student qualify for her bronze Duke of Edinburgh medal. Volunteering is an integral part of the Duke of Edinburgh program and St Clare’s High School student Alex Minett is spending an hour a week Duke of Edinburgh participant with the Crowdy members over Alex Minett at work with radio duty ofﬁcer and Unit Commander three months. John Fitzgerald in the Crowdy- Alex has tried her hand at a range Harrington radio room. of duties at the base. On her #rst weekend she took in a First Aid service to the community through course, passing with !ying colours. their involvement with Marine She has practised taking Rescue Crowdy Harrington. messages on the radio and has Pat has 12 years’ service, also tried her hand on our boat being a founder of MR Crowdy- simulator with excellent results. Harrington, and Jack had just At a recent combined Rotary received his 10 year service GETS YOU Clubs event in Taree, Pat Carberry medal. Sadly, Jack passed away and the late Jack Anderson were soon after (see In Memoriam, BACK SAFELY presented with Volunteer Service page 44). Awards in recognition of their Kevin Nicholls Lani II rescues kayaker Why Kevlacat? Because we use kevlar in our high Paddler saved by Forster-Tuncurry unit. performance catamarans. Think bullet proof vests, this material is stronger than fibreglass and makes ith the weather not being kind our boats lighter and stronger than our competition. Wto the boating community Weight savings mean the ability to use less H.P. achieving in recent months, Marine Rescue Forster-Tuncurry has had a quiet better fuel economy and making towing easier. time on the water, called to assist in only three incidents. The crew of Lani II (Forster 10) completed a #rst in July when members helped a Hobie kayak to Former Mid North Coast return into Cape Hawke Harbour Regional Coordinator Linda Jones presents Forster-Tuncurry after the paddler under-estimated member Steve Evans with his the speed of the run-out tide. 10-year Long Service Medal. There have been reports of similar events further up the coast Deputy, Bill Hansen, who moved

where people have either not taken to the Central Coast after 10 GETS YOU THERE GETS YOU BACK the tides into account or have been years’ service. over-con#dent in their abilities and The fundraising Breakwall Belles forced to call for help when they have had some outstanding months were unable to return to land. at the markets and the Forster- Unit members have re-elected Tuncurry Crazy Day. Three members Unit Commander Dennis Travers to were awarded 10-year Long his post, with Peter Page elected as Service Medals and #ve received new Deputy Commander. #ve-year badges. Thanks are extended to outgoing Dennis Travers

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 15 &6WHEHULQGG 30 MAKING WAVES Mid North Coast News

Champagne ready for commissioning Woolgoolga crews take to high-tech rescue vessel with great gusto.

arine Rescue Woolgoolga’s to our boat shed to accommodate Mnew $337,000 rescue vessel, the new vessel, once she arrived WO 30 , will be commissioned early we found further renovations were next month. needed due to the size of the cabin. As well as their new boat, While this work was carried out, members have also welcomed WO 30 headed south to the Coffs $5000 in club grants from six local Harbour marina for safe keeping. clubs to assist with refurbishing the Adverse weather conditions then unit’s kitchen. settled in over the area. By the The clubs are: Club Coffs, Park time the crew was able to turn the Beach Bowling Club, Woolgoolga boat north to its new base again, RSL Club, Sawtell RSL, Coffs unusually high tides had eroded the Harbour Ex-Services Club and bottom of our boat ramp. The 9m WO 30 has an Ellis alloy hull, ﬁbreglass cabin and Woolgoolga Bowling Club. With the assistance of a local solid buoyant collars. Unit members have been backhoe operator, we were able to enthusiastically training on the welcome the vessel home and are won’t be too long before WO 30 is previous Woolgoolga vessel. 9m boat, which was manufactured continuing to work with council to called into action to assist the local Members are working by Britton Marine. It has an Ellis alloy seek a solution to the ramp erosion. boating community. hard to achieve their next rating hull, !breglass cabin and solid Continuing poor weather has In the meantime, the crew has under the new Marine Rescue buoyant collars. kept most of the area’s !shermen been training on the new radar and training package, including new A couple of hitches delayed the on shore, so we have not yet been navigation equipment, as well as the crew members, coxswains and vessel’s !nal delivery to the unit. called to an assist or rescue to put new radios and electrical systems radio operators. Despite extensive modi!cations the vessel through its paces but it that were not available on the John Murray

Camden Haven’s new management team (from left) Peter Wheeler- Smith, Ray Paton, Michael Lill, Ken Clancy, Alan Malcolm, Gordon Gray and Ken Rutledge. Mick Brownlow was absent. Camden Haven team Leader stands down after 12 years.

new leadership team is in place also includes Alan Malcolm, Peter Aat Marine Rescue Camden Haven. Wheeler-Smith, Gordon Gray, George Tedds, who had served Michael Lill, Ray Paton and as Unit Commander since 2000 and Mick Brownlow. Deputy Commander for the previous Our support team is: Steve six years, stood down at the July Barnard, Charlie Snudden, Peter elections. George, 91, had provided Cameron, Alan Gendle, Keith strong leadership and leaves the unit Charman, Austin Grice, Ray Downes, well positioned. Isabel Malcolm, Ken Smith, Jackie Ken Clancy is the new Unit Charman, Robyn Clancy, Gary Commander, with acting Deputy Chapman, Robert Sargent and Ken Rutledge formally elected. Brian Burton. The new management team Ken Clancy

16 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS Sloop in MAYDAY Police praise MRNSW watchkeeper.

At the end of the line … Coffs 20 tows a troubled vessel back to harbour through a heavy swell.

ecent wild and windy weather current and communication had Rhas limited boating activity in been reduced to a mobile phone. the Coffs Harbour area, however, Due to the wild weather, rough our watchkeepers and crews have sea and distance from shore, been called upon to support and the Coffs Harbour Police Marine assist vessels in dif!culties on Area Command undertook to several occasions over the past go to the vessel’s aid. Police three months. launch Fearless was quickly One of these involved a !shing retrieved from the slipway and trawler in dif!culty 12 nm offshore returned to duty. in a heavy swell. Coffs 20 was During this time, the unit requested to tow the vessel back to watchkeeper was kept busy the harbour. During the tow back, relaying the stricken vessel’s there were times when the vessel position and other information, was out of sight except for the top including details of personnel on of its mast. board, emergency preparations The skipper of the trawler and mobile phone numbers, to admitted he had initially doubted Marine Area Command. Coffs 20 was capable of towing him At 4.50am, the crew of Fearless home but he was impressed and advised they had the vessel in tow later commented the tow was the 16 nm off shore. They arrived back fastest his boat had ever gone. at the harbour soon after 10am. Soon after midnight on Friday, Coffs 20 was requested to assist the July 20, our duty watchkeeper, Allan vessel into the marina. Clenton, received a MAYDAY call Our overnight watchkeeper was from a 28ft sloop 26 nm off subsequently complimented by Coffs Harbour. Marine Area Command for his very The vessel had been dismasted professional handling of a long and and the crew was unable to clear quite dif!cult session. the rigging. A gale warning was Alison Bowling

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

Triple celebration for The Entrance volunteers Members welcome new boat, jetty and extensions to base.

olunteers from The Entrance unit TE 20 , which they have already put Vmarked the commissioning of to good use, assisting a number of our new $120,000 rescue vessel boaters and towing a seaplane forced and opening of our new $30,000 to ditch in Tuggerah Lakes in July to jetty and unit extensions in a triple safety at the Picnic Point boat ramp. celebration last month. Unit Commander Stewart Masters MRNSW Deputy Commissioner said the boat’s greatest bene#ts were Heinz Mueller commissioned The its manoeuvrability and versatility. Entrance 20 (TE 20). “She also provides our crews with The Entrance MP Chris Spence, more space to operate and new, NSW Police Detective Inspector more advanced electronic equipment, David Waddell, Wyong Councillor including radar, GPS plotter and Lisa Matthew and representatives sounder, Automatic Identi#cation The Entrance crew aboard TE 20 , Skipper Colin Lewis, Tony Younglove of council, Roads and Maritime System and VHF, DCN and 27 MHz and Dave Smith, were quickly on the scene to rescue this young fellow Services, Fisheries and Crown Lands radios, to assist in search and rescue from his upturned tinnie. also attended the event. operations,” he said. A highly-manoeuvrable 6.25m The $30,000 project to build We have converted our !oating thanked The Entrance volunteers for Rigid Hull In!atable Boat built by the new jetty and extend our base dry dock, which was donated by the their hard work and dedication to the Cobia Boats, TE 20 is powered to give us additional training and local Freemasons, to accommodate organisation and the boating public, by twin 90 HP 4-stroke Suzuki storage space was funded through a the single-hull Cobia and moved it congratulating all involved on the outboard motors. $20,000 State Government grant and alongside the jetty. success of our building project. Our crews have been training on another $10,000 raised by members. Deputy Commissioner Mueller Denis O’Mara

18 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS STEER CLEAR of themSTEER CLEAR for seagoing ships and Always keep alookout www.sydneyports.com.au on Sydney the Movements website: Ports Daily Vessel the check out heading Before CLEAR SAFETY NOTICE BOAT TO ALL SAFETY OPERATORS STEER 24 HOUR HARBOUR OPERATIONS24 HARBOUR HOUR VHF CHANNEL 13 reports from vessels vessels from reports Monitor VHF Channel 13 position for movements ofvessel details for (VTS) on VHF centre Channel 13Services Sydneyfrom Vessel Ports’ Trafﬁc 24/7 broadcast to safety the Listen 30m PARTNER SAFETY SAFETY 500m

Flashing lights.Flashing Blue and Red by identiﬁed vessel Escort 30m 30m MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast news

Radio technology proves its worth in an emergency Racing yacht found quickly in early morning darkness.

wo rescues by Marine Rescue relying instead on his advice that he TPort Stephens have emphasised was eight miles east of Port Stephens. the value of Radio Direction Finding Both PS 30 and PS 40 proceeded (RDF) technology in a marine Search along the stated heading. After two and Rescue (SAR) operation. hours, PS 30 returned to base, low Rescue crews use RDF – which on fuel. PS 40 continued the search tracks and triangulates the direction in ever-increasing patterns and after of a transmission from a marine radio three hours sighted a hand-held !are – to help pinpoint the location of a ignited aboard the stricken vessel. vessel in distress. The vessel was ultimately taken On an early winter morning, crews under tow 12.5 nm almost directly were training when the radio base ESE of the Port Stephens limit; a long received a call for help from a 10m way off “eight miles due east”. Safe at last … Port Stephens crew member Ian Drummond, aboard PS sloop disabled off the coast after By contrast, a more elegant search 40 (Danial Thain) , prepares to take a stricken yacht under tow after a losing electrics, motor power and ensued during a rescue at 3am on three hour search. steerage and operating under jury rig July 29. A 13m sloop in the Sydney- with limited manoeuvrability. Gold Coast yacht race became breeze and strong current. and boat crew to action. Without power, the skipper had no disabled when the spinnaker tangled The skipper called for assistance to Armed with the RDF data, PS accurate GPS position and had to call around the mast and rigging and one the radio base, giving his GPS position 40 located the vessel 4 nm off the by mobile instead of radio, meaning rope got caught in the propeller. over VHF radio. Duty Watch Of#cer Port Stephens entrance. (Yacht crew the rescue crews had no latitude/ Without motor or sail power, the Marian Chappel noted the RDF thanks rescuers, page 44.) longitude data or RDF to guide them, vessel was at the mercy of a brisk and called the Operations Of#cer Laurie Nolan

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20 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS Get ready for summer on the water

een boaters up and down the Kcoast are shrugging off their winter jackets and pulling the covers off their cabin cruisers, runabouts and tinnies. But don’t let enthusiasm get in the way of good boating practice. Most boat problems rear their ugly head at the start of the season. Remember what a disappointing boating season it was last year? Some boats may not have been used in up to two years and you simply cannot expect them to be at the same standard of readiness as when they were last used. It can take as little as three months for fuel to become contaminated so you can be reasonably certain that any old petrol in your tank will de#nitely be off. Electrical connections can corrode and there’s every chance the Thorough boat maintenance and preparation will help prevent an unwelcome breakdown. battery is !at. Any number of minor maintenance maintenance and proper preparation. routine maintenance that will see them pulled over to the side of the road with problems can lead to major problems The Entrance’s Denis O’Mara said heading out safely and con#dently something obviously wrong? at sea, increasing the risk of danger the unit’s members performed an over summer,” he said. It’s usually a wheel bearing and it’s and spoiling what should have been average of three to four rescues a “If you’re a bit handy and keen no wonder they’re a constant source an enjoyable day out. weekend during the warmer months. to take on the work involved in de- of grief. They’re in and out of the water Remember that the skipper is “The boaties who use Tuggerah and winterising your boat, it’s probably best (usually salt), followed by long periods responsible for the upkeep of the Budgewoi Lakes are almost exclusively to have the manual to hand as just parked in the front yard or on the vessel and the safety of all on board. trailer boaters with outboard motors,” a reference point. road, then in and out of the water MRNSW crews answer hundreds he said. “Start with the engine, changing the again when the weather warms up. of distress calls over the peak boating “Those who don’t replace last oil and oil #lter. If the oil is milky that If you don’t have the time to do this season from boaters stranded by season’s petrol will have problems. We means water has found its way work for yourself, you can always call engine breakdowns, battery failure also have boaties who come from the in and that means immediate attention in the professionals. and fuel problems. other side of the lake with only a little is needed. The Boating Industry Association of Statistics from our units continue fuel and wonder why they run out and “Your tank should be emptied and NSW 50 Point Safety Check means to show that mechanical problems can’t get back home. re#lled with fresh new fuel. The gear your boat is serviced by a quali#ed are the single most frequent cause “I would say the majority of the oil should also be changed. Flush the member of the Marine Industry of calls for help on the water. In the rescues we deal with are due to fuel – cooling system and check all the fuel Mechanical Repairers Association. past three years, about 50 per cent either old or insuf#cient supplies. lines and the battery. The 50 Point Safety Check, of rescue calls were the result of a “Most of our other rescues are due “Test the electronics, including the suitable for single engine trailer boats mechanical breakdown, often caused to mechanical problems and launching radio, which will be one of your most less than 8m long, is offered at a by contaminated fuel. the boat without a basic check. This important pieces of safety gear should recommended price of $99 by more The next most common reason for generally occurs in the #rst few weeks you #nd yourself in strife. than 40 authorised providers along breakdowns is electrical or !at battery of spring when the conditions improve “Most importantly, check all your the coastline, including three mobile problems, which cause an average after winter and everyone is in a hurry safety equipment. Are your lifejackets services in Sydney, the Central Coast of 10 per cent of rescue calls. The to get back on the water.” due for servicing? Check your !ares and Illawarra. perennial problem of running out of MRNSW Fleet Project Of#cer and and EPIRBS if you’re carrying them As an added incentive, if you have fuel averages out at over 6 per cent. Botany Bay member Frank Robards and replace your torch batteries. This a 50 Point check carried out by a This means that two-thirds said a pre-season check-up could gear could save your life.” quali#ed provider by October 31, you of all breakdowns we see are help avoid these kinds of problems. Trailers are often overlooked. How can be in the running to win a Hobie caused by problems that could “Boaties should make sure they many times have you seen someone Kona Kayak valued at more than have been avoided through regular take the time now to carry out the with a boat on a trailer behind them $1500. Visit 50pointcheck.com.au/ .

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 21 Get ready for summer on the water

Ethanol fuel for marine engines? The great weight of evidence says NO.

oundings has had a long look at t$BST VOMJLFCPBUT VTVBMMZIBWFUIFJS Sinformation available about ethanol fuel replaced every week or two, i$MFBOJOHPVUPMEGVFMCFGPSFUIF fuel from the Biofuels Association of which prevents water contamination Australia, NSW Roads and Maritime, or phase separation. the BIA, Mercury Marine, Suzuki t#PBUFOHJOFTPCWJPVTMZXPSLJO Marine and Hunts Marine. water and ethanol is hygroscopic, While it is often claimed modern meaning it absorbs moisture i'VFMDPOEJUJPOFSTXJMMIFMQ brands of marine engines sold in from the air, which can lead to *BO$PPQT 4FSWJDF.BOBHFSPG Australia are designed to operate on storage problems. E10, this is quali!ed by warnings of When fuel sits in a tank for long MRNSW vessels power to the rescue using ethanol-free unleaded petrol. Photo: Waide Maguire, Central Coast Express Advocate circumstances in which ethanol petrol periods, phase separation occurs, causes problems for boat owners who meaning the ethanol separates from The advice of Roads and Maritime For further reading, visit: do not use their boats on a daily basis: the petrol, forming two distinct layers. Services is that biofuels are perfectly t maritime.nsw.gov.au/rec_boating/ t&OHJOFTCVJMUCFGPSFUIFVTFPG The petrol #oats at the top of the tank safe to use in road vehicles designed biofuels.html ethanol for environmental reasons and the ethanol, with its absorbed to be compatible but they create some t biofuels.nsw.gov.au 4BGFUZ$IFDLQSPHSBN over the past decade have minimal water, sinks to the bottom, from where signi!cant issues for boat owners. t mercurymarine.com i4PNVDIPOBCPBUUIFTF safeguards from the damage alcohol the engine usually draws its fuel. MRNSW takes the advice of the t huntsmarine.com.au fuels will cause. This leads to inevitable motor manufacturers of the engines we t clubmarine.com.au/internet/ t#PBUFSTPGUFOTUPSFGVFMJOUBOLT stoppage. As the separated fuels use. Even with frequent use of our clubmarine.nsf/docs/MG24- i1PXFSUPTUBSUZPVSNPUPS longer than recommended for E10 cannot be remixed, the only way to vessels, unleaded petrol of 91 octane 3+Technical (40 days maximum, less in hot resolve the problem is to completely and above without ethanol is our fuel t suzukimarine.com.au/ (download *BO$PPQTTBJEi#ZGBSUIF humid conditions). empty the tank. of choice. 2012 brochure)

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Your boating should be fun and relaxing. Your actions as the skipper will ensure that you have done i8BUFSJOGVFMJTNPTUMZDBVTFE what you can to ensure the safety of your passengers and yourself whilst on the waterways. Adding the 50-Point Safety Check to your routine each year, will help you know more about what maintenance may be needed before you hit the water. www.50pointcheck.com.au

Conditions apply. The 50-Point Safety Check is suitable for trailer boats under 8 metres long. The 50-Point safety check is not a pink slip or requirement of vessel registration. All observations, assessments and recommendations relate speciﬁcally to the time of inspection. The 50-Point Safety check is a product of the Boating Industry Association of NSW Ltd and carried out by authorised members of the Marine Industry Mechanical Repairers Association. $50.00 is received via a discount on the renewal of your Club Marine Insurance Policy. The discount can be Boating Industry Association redeemed within 12 months of the date of your 50-Point Safety Check inspection. Visit www.50pointcheck.com.au for a full list of conditions that relate to this product. of New South Wales Ltd

22 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS Expert advice from the workshop ﬂoor Repairers shed light on problems caused by lack of boat maintenance. t$BST VOMJLFCPBUT VTVBMMZIBWFUIFJS everal experts in boating fuel. (See photo middle right). Smaintenance have spoken i$MFBOJOHPVUPMEGVFMCFGPSFUIF to Soundings about essential start of a new boating season and boat preparation, direct from the regular servicing and replacement of t#PBUFOHJOFTPCWJPVTMZXPSLJO workshops where the results of the fuel !lter will help keep your fuel poor maintenance invariably have clean and dependable. to be repaired. i'VFMDPOEJUJPOFSTXJMMIFMQ *BO$PPQT 4FSWJDF.BOBHFSPG extend the life of your fuel. With Hunts Marine Sydney, Greg Linsell, fuel conditioning you can expect to of Endeavour Marine Marmong double its life to around six months Point and Shannon Stocks of but that’s not enough to last from one Shannon Outboard Service at boating season to the next.” t Hornsby are all partners in the Endeavour Marine’s Greg Linsell t&OHJOFTCVJMUCFGPSFUIFVTFPG Boating Industry Association 50 Point is a strong advocate of proper Shannon Stocks says bad fuel and water in fuel are common problems. t 4BGFUZ$IFDLQSPHSBN battery maintenance. t All have seen the results of i4PNVDIPOBCPBUUIFTF t little or no maintenance and fuel days depends on reliable electrical t contamination. We asked about power,” he said. t#PBUFSTPGUFOTUPSFGVFMJOUBOLT the usual problems they saw in i1PXFSUPTUBSUZPVSNPUPS their workshops. power to run your electronic !sh t *BO$PPQTTBJEi#ZGBSUIF !nders and chart plotters, power most frequent repair work we to run your navigation lights, power have to do is mechanical or fuel to run your bait tanks, power to related and it’s invariably caused by run your bilge pumps, power to lack of maintenance. Routine service run your marine radio and your will prevent or pick up problems entertainment radio. before they stop your motor or i5IFPOMZXBZ*LOPXUPEFQFOE your trailer.” on your current battery is to have Shannon Stocks agreed, rating his it charged and checked before you top four avoidable problems as: bad start boating again after a long period Water contamination of fuel can have disastrous effects on engines. fuel, water pump impellers, water in since you last launched. fuel and seized steering cables. i"TGBSBTGVFMHPFT JUTOPUIBSE i#BEGVFMBOEXBUFSJOGVFMBSF to tell if it has gone off. It has a separate but sometimes concurrent distinctive odour that just is not like problems,” he said. the smell of fresh petrol. If your petrol i#BEGVFMJTUIFSFTVMUPGGVFM doesn’t smell like petrol, chances sitting in the tank for too long. are it’s off. Anything longer than three months i*NBMTPBHSFBUCFMJFWFSJO is a problem ready to happen. Fuel making sure the steering cable is components separate, the fuel loses fully operational. Lack of use in the its ability to combust and motors off season can cause them to seize won’t start, or worse, they will start up. All boats need greater attention and then stop later, usually at the paid to service and maintenance, worst possible time. especially trailer boats with outboard i8BUFSJOGVFMJTNPTUMZDBVTFE engines or stern drives.” Trailer wheels and wheel bearings are essential maintenance items. by variations in temperature over Boats aren’t used the same way long periods. This causes expansion as cars, which are generally on doesn’t match your free time. But after you’ve headed off towards and contraction of the fuel tank. the road every day or weekend all the vast majority of boaters don’t use your chosen destination. It’s Water condensation then occurs and year round. their boats as much as they’d like. bad enough to suffer engine it doesn’t take much water, just a If you’re a real boating enthusiast After time off the water your failure in a harbour or bay but few drops, to stop your engine and you might use your boat once a boat may start as expected when if you’re any distance offshore, prevent it from starting again. Serious week in the season or every two or you next launch it – but your motor is inconvenience can quickly turn into damage can be caused by water in four weeks if good boating weather at risk of cutting out some time a dangerous situation.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 23 Get ready for summer on the water

Boat maintenance & safety checklist Tick off these essentials and make your next outing trouble-free.

efore you head out on your boat Bilge pumps and !oat-switch Drive oil remote bottle level Fuel #lters this summer, go through the B operation (a bilge pump is Engine oil Air #lters and !ame arrestors 50 Point maintenance and safety required safety equipment for Power trim oil Engine cooling condition checklist. Be honest with yourself: vessels with covered bilges) can you be con#dent that you can Remote controls operation depend on every item to do its job Electrical harness FUEL TRAILER or does it need to be repaired or Battery cables, terminals Visual inspection and ethanol test replaced? Don’t risk it: #x it. Wheels and wheel bearings and switches Winch, cable and hook Belts SAFETY BOAT Lights Charging system (enclosed waters standard) Steering system Coupling Starting mechanism Life jackets (condition Battery and hold-downs Trailer adjustments Trim/tilt operation and number) Fuel tank and restraints Safety chain Propeller Anchor/chain/rope Fuel lines and #lter Trailer general condition Instruments/dash lighting Trailer registration Trim tab/anodes Oars and paddles Navigation lights Attaching bolts/thumb screws Fire extinguisher Wiring and fuses MOTOR Closed cooling system (level/ Sound signal (horn/bell/whistle) Windscreen/wipers Engine !uid condition) Waterproof torch Mooring ropes/lines Gearbox operation Engine mounts Bailer bucket Sea cocks and valves Gear oil condition Battery (electrolyte) Safety label

4WD O F T HE S EA

Following on from the successful Wooli 9.5m Naiad, we have just completed the next 9.5m for Brunswick. This is a stepped hull with full lock-up main cabin, forward cabin with bunks/storage, and large aft cockpit. Power is twin Mercury 250hp giving a comfortable cruise of 35 knots and top speed 42 knots.

Other boats launched recently include a Naiad 10m for NSW Maritime, based at Port Kembla. Victorian Police recently took delivery of their Naiad 10m, which is on a heavy duty road trailer designed by YWE.

Currently we are constructing three 9.5m Naiads for NSW Water Police. These boats, which are very similar to the Marine Rescue 9.5m Naiads, will each be deployed around the greater Sydney area.

Internationally, deliveries of the Naiad 7.9m diesel jets continue to the US Coast Guard. These boats launch from the stern ramp of the new 153-foot Sentinel class cutters. And in New Zealand, Naiad have recently completed their 60th boat built for Coastguard New Zealand - this one a 9.5m for the Hibiscus unit.

24 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast news

Banking on safety Commonwealth branch donates $500.

Try this on for size … the Commonwealth Bank’s Kerri Coburn and Donna Williams join MR Lake Macquarie UC John Hatton, Joan Hatton and Dave Keegan for a demonstration of the new crew life jackets funded by the Swansea branch.

s part of the Commonwealth “These summer-weight life ABank’s centenary celebrations, jackets will ensure our crews do its branches have been making not get overheated while out on the donations to key local charities. water assisting our boating friends,” Swansea branch manager Kerri he said. Coburn recently presented members “Of course, our policy is that we of Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie all wear our life jackets whenever with $500 towards the cost of new we are on board a vessel but we in!atable life jackets to help ensure always take every opportunity to the safety of its boat crew members. encourage boaters to wear their Unit Commander John Hatton jackets at all times when they are on said the volunteers were grateful for the water as well. the bank’s support for their work in “This is a simple and sensible assisting and protecting the local precaution that will help save your boating community. life in an emergency.” CALLAGHANS MARINE SERVICES

» SERVICING ALL DIESEL, PETROL & STERNDRIVES

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 25 MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast news Record haul for Newcastle crew Rescue vessel muscles up for big showdown with tug boat.

arine Rescue crews have taken Msome sizeable boats under tow in their time but Newcastle members have set a new record. The volunteers put their skill and Newcastle 20 ’s horsepower to the test in their latest challenge – towing a 90-tonne tug boat, worth $3 million, across Newcastle Harbour. It followed the unit’s deft touch in helping an imported 1956 vintage Grumman Albatross seaplane take off for a new career in the Broome tourism industry. Easy does it … the crew of Newcastle 20 proves up to the challenge of towing a 90-tonne tug across the Unit Commander Ron Calman harbour. Photo: Richard Connor, Newcastle Yacht Club . said the unit had towed the tug, Wattle , from the Western Basin was Bill Johnston, Sven Johnson and large vessel,” UC Calman said. the north of Hunan Province in China. of the Harbour to the Newcastle Yacht Gordon Green. “It shows regular training pays off. “The 16.56m Damen Stan Tug Club for fuelling before it headed “The members of the Newcastle “The Wattle , which will be 1606 can travel at 10 to 15 knots, to Sydney. crew demonstrated their ability and operating on Sydney Harbour for with two 1350mm Van Der Giessen With UC Calman at the helm, the professional seamanship in towing, Defence Marine Services, was built at Optima nozzles. It can pull 15 tonnes crew on the Broadbill Newcastle 20 rafting, docking and securing this the Damen Shipyards in Changde in ahead on the bollard.”

26 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS

MAKING WAVES Hunter/Central Coast news

Rocky rescue earns accolades from police Central Coast skippers’ expertise ensures stranded man is retrieved safely.

riday the thirteenth eventually Point Clare base mean Central Coast Fturned out to be lucky for an elderly crews are now assured of being on the man rescued from a rocky outcrop on water within minutes. Siltation around the Central Coast. the jetty at low tide had sometimes The missing man was found on prevented the unit’s boat lifts from rocks near Iron Ladder Beach on July being lowered far enough into the 13 but could not be rescued by land, water to launch rescue vessels. resulting in a joint operation by Marine The unit used a $45,500 NSW Area Command police from Brisbane Community Building Partnership Water and Marine Rescue Central Program grant to extend the jetty, Coast. install new support piles, move the With darkness approaching, boat lifts to deeper waters and build skippers Ken Sharp and Ted access walkways. Leeson on board Central Coast 20 The work was carried out by Greg Central Coast members (from left) Roger Palmer, Shea Wicks, John Donnellan, Geoff Dark and immediate past UC Ian Gallard rendezvoused with the police RHIB. Votono and crew from Coastwide look on as Gosford MP Chris Holstein ofﬁcially opens the unit’s Given his local knowledge, Ken Jetty Repairs, with Peter Camilleri of jetty extension. was asked to steer the police vessel Petech Pty Ltd installing new power close to the rocks, where the man and lighting. again be a reliable 24-hour marine elected as their replacements. rescue service – a volunteer service During his successful term in of!ce, The police of"cers praised the professionalism that we have provided for the local Mr Gallard oversaw infrastructure and helmsmanship of the MRNSW crew. boating community for more than 40 improvements including radio and years,” he said. antenna system upgrades at the unit’s was retrieved unscathed. Then Unit Commander Ian Gallard Central Coast has since seen Terrigal Haven base, new computer The police of!cers praised the said the unit was grateful for the a changing of the guard, with UC systems at Point Clare, Automatic professionalism and helmsmanship of support of both men, along with Gallard and Deputy Tony Long not Identi!cation Systems installed on the the MRNSW crew, with joint training Gosford MP Chris Holstein and the standing for re-election after their vessels and a new engine and gearbox exercises now being planned. NSW Government. two-year terms. Former UC Pat !tted to revitalise CC 20. Major works to the jetty at their “The grant has enabled us to once Fayers and Gordon Kimpton were Shea Wicks and Ron Cole

Terrigal on the lookout for new members Unit continues to punch above its weight as Commander is returned to leadership.

embers of Marine Rescue Marine Rescue units in the Central MTerrigal re-elected Unit Coast region, MR Terrigal remains Commander Deane Scadding to the committed to providing an essential leadership at our Annual General service to the community and Meeting, hosted by unit Patron, preserving the safety of life in Minister for Resources, Energy and a marine environment. the Central Coast and Terrigal MP, Our size does not restrict us Chris Hartcher. in our essential duties of risk Harry Sims was elected Deputy response in the area stretching Unit Commander at the July about 20 nm (37km) from Box meeting, taking over the role from Head in the south to Norah Jon Davies. Head in the north and 30 nm (55.5 The unit of!ce bearers are km) seawards – about 1110 sq Marine Rescue Terrigal patron, Central Coast Minister and Terrigal MP Chris Hartcher, with volunteers at the unit AGM. UC Deane Detlev Gross (OH&S), Lukas Ravell km of sea surface. Scadding is on the far right of the front row and Deputy Harry Sims (IT), Cameron Sloey (Training), A larger number of members on the far left. Ces Lawicki (Grants), Matt Small would, however, help boost (In#atable Rescue Boat) and John our fundraising activities within tickets at the Terrigal Hotel. via the MRNSW website or on Pracy (Administration and Radio). the community, which mainly New members are always 4384 3606. Although one of the smaller entail selling seafood tray raf#e welcome and can contact the unit Detlev Gross

28 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News

Refurbished vessel set for Sydney summer Port Jackson Sailﬁsh boosted with new motors and electronics.

arine Rescue Port Jackson’s weather setting in over Sydney just M Sail!sh catamaran is back on as the painters started preparing the Sydney Harbour with more powerful boat for painting, she ended up being motors, upgraded electronics, a fresh off the water for 47 days, more than paint job and a new name following twice the anticipated time frame for an $80,000 refurbishment. the refurbishment. The re!t of Port Jackson 22 was During this time our 7.8m long overdue as we were struggling Broadbill catamaran, PJ 21 , stood to get 20 knots out of the boat, guard over the inner harbour and the radar and sonar had failed Parramatta River. “The boat has been re-named Port Jackson 20 and upgraded with 175Hp Suzuki motors.” Back on watch on Sydney Harbour following an $80,000 reﬁt ... Port and it was not in correct Marine The vessel has been upgraded Jackson’s refurbished Sailﬁsh catamaran. Rescue NSW livery. with new 175Hp Suzuki motors The 7.9 m vessel has been re- and new electronics, including rear camera to observe vessels manager John Boyle. named Port Jackson 20 , ahead a Raymarine E127 Hybrid Touch under tow (day and night) via The refurbishment has brought of the delivery of our new 8m chartplotter, 24-inch high the chartplotter. this Port Jackson vessel up to Kevlacat, Port Jackson 30 , for the de!nition Radome, A class Automatic I would like to thank everyone the current Marine Rescue vessel peak boating season. Identi!cation System, ICOM VHF who helped out during the process standards. With extremely wet and cold radios, a loud hailer system and a of the re!t, especially the project David Hand

Rough ocean rescue tests Cottage Point crew Skipper praises teenage team members’ professionalism.

young crew from Marine Rescue The Steber 36 was suffering ACottage Point battled strong engine troubles 12 nm away. With a winds and rough conditions to rescue passage covering 7nm of open ocean a boater whose 36ft vessel was to the north-east of Lion Island, CP wallowing heavily in the ocean off 20 made relatively quick time through McMasters Beach on the !rst day the large south-east swell and winds of spring. of up to 25 knots, arriving on the Rescue vessel skipper David White scene about 3.15pm. praised the professionalism and Although the mountainous safety focus of crew members, LC seas were a challenge for passing (Leading Crew) Luke Andrews and a towing line, Luke Andrews youthful colleagues Luke Hogarth, 17, demonstrated his skill by reaching and Jackson Barry, 16, throughout the Steber with his !rst throw and

the testing !ve-hour operation. the line was quickly secured. Big following seas of up to 4m created demanding tow conditions for “The experience they gained from The challenging tow south was Cottage Point 20 and limited safe passge speed to only 4-5 knots. this task has advanced their skills undertaken 1.5nm seawards for and further proves the importance of safety to avoid the bounceback effect entry channel to Brisbane Water. line was shortened to manoeuvre continuous training drills,” he said. of the seas from the rocky shoreline With the big seas now astern of the through the tight Half Tide Rocks bar The Cottage Point crew was and clear the hazardous east tow, close attention was needed to area and north into the relative calm carrying out navigation drills on and west reefs. Seas of up to 4m ensure the vessel did not yaw or of Brisbane Water. Cottage Point 20 (CP 20) on Broken limited safe passage speed to only overstretch the towing line as it raced CP 20 passed the tow to Marine Bay when the NSW Police Force 4-5 knots, making for a slow and down the following waves. Rescue Central Coast vessel Marine Area Command tasked uncomfortable trip. Once the two vessels entered the Central Coast 20 for safe passage them at 2.15pm to assist the After clearing Box Head, the channel at Little Box Head, the effect to Woy Woy before returning to base stricken vessel. vessels set their course towards the of the big seas subsided and the tow by 7.30pm.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 29 MAKING WAVES Greater Sydney News

Broken Bay patience rewarded with new jetty A $120,000 investment provides much-needed wharf and rescue vessel.

fter a two-year planning Aphase, steered by former Unit Commander Vic Lawrence and Michael Seale, Marine Rescue Broken Bay now has its own wharf at its base in Bayview. The new jetty allows the unit to tie up its two rescue vessels when members are on duty without taking up space on the nearby public wharf. The $44,000 project was funded through a $35,000 NSW Government grant strongly supported by Pittwater MP Rob Stokes and unit funds. Although it rained on the day the wharf was installed, this did not impede the construction. The secure jetty incorporates a The new jetty means Broken Bay unit will no longer need to use the nearby public wharf. plastic !oating pontoon anchored by two pylons. After the piles were welcomed their new vessel, Broken The Gemini joins Broken Bay service to the local boating hammered into the seabed, a dense Bay 20 , which was delivered in May. 30 , the unit’s 34ft Steber on community, with a major dinner plastic tube was hammered over the The $75,000 6.5m Gemini open rigid the waterway. for members and guests to be top and sealed to limit corrosion. hull in!atable with centre console The unit also is preparing to held at the Bayview Golf Club on The unit’s members have also was funded by the unit. celebrate 75 years of continual November 3. Red Cross ‘volunteers’ bearing up on board Two units join forces for hands-on ﬁrst aid training.

arine Rescue Botany Bay us in an emergency situation.” Mhas welcomed an intake of Members of Botany Bay new “volunteers”. and Port Hacking are now Two sisters, Jasmin, 9, and even better prepared to provide life- Scarlet, 4, of Coogee, recently saving assistance on and off met the crew of Botany 30 at the water after 12 volunteers the Botany Bay boat ramp to hand completed an Applying First Aid and over six colourful woollen Red Cross Advanced Resuscitation Techniques care bears. course at the MRNSW Solander Botany Bay member Hope Guy said training facility. crews on bay and river patrols often Freshly quali#ed instructors using encountered and rescued boaties who new MRNSW training kits set up a had been involved in accidents on or number of practical scenarios for in the water. the participants. “Often there are also children to No longer are students expected be rescued, too. Unfortunately, to sit in class all day battling fatigue: Sisters Jasmin and Scarlet present Botany Bay member Hope Guy the young are prone to trauma there is now an expectation that to with Red Cross care bears to comfort children in boating accidents. and it has been proven that a soft, pass this course, students will “get cuddly toy can be of great use in down and dirty”, which volunteers accident involving saws, electrical sizzled 58kg of sausages at its July alleviating stress and tension on love to do. equipment and gas bottles that left fundraising barbecue at Bunnings board when a rescue is under way,” The #rst day included bandaging two “victims” suffering injuries. Caringbah, raising $1400 in cold, wet, she said. and splint techniques, CPR, log The second day involved the use miserable weather. &OHDQ “The unit members thought it a rolls and information gathering. of training de#brillators. Michele Sivertsen, Glenn Evans 0 D U L Q D great idea and another tool to assist The highlight was a simulated In other news, MR Port Hacking and Lee McDonagh

30 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS MAKING WAVES Illawarra News

‘Workhorse’ makes way for new vessel Ulladulla unit set to welcome its ﬁrst purpose-built boat.

aving welcomed a new Unit hoping to start getting crews familiar HCommander to the helm, Marine with the vessel very soon,” he said Rescue Ulladulla is now preparing for “We’ve had good reports from an action-packed few months as long- our neighbours at Shoalhaven and term projects and years of fundraising Batemans Bay and we’re looking start bearing fruit. forward to training with them.” The highlight of the pre-Christmas Mr Lambert said that while activity is expected to be delivery of Encounter had been a wonderful boat a new Steber 38 – the #rst time the and great workhorse, it was becoming Ulladulla base will have a new vessel. more costly and dif#cult to maintain at A development application has peak rescue-readiness. been lodged for a new training room “This will be our #rst brand at our harbour headquarters as the new purpose-built vessel. A large Best wishes for a happy “retirement”… New Ulladulla Unit #rst stage of what members hope will contribution from unit funds is making Commander Ken Lambert (right) with his predecessor Doug Musker. become a full-scale refurbishment. it possible and we wouldn’t have been The existing building was built able to do it without the tremendous to a healthy #nancial position and Lambert, whose wife, Di, is a stalwart largely with volunteer labour and support we have had over the years been instrumental in producing of the unit’s auxiliary. donated materials nearly 30 years ago from the local community,” he said. comprehensive standard operating Marine Rescue members of a local but the unit has expanded enormously Mr Lambert replaces former UC procedures, ensuring mechanisms gospel choir, the Glorious MUDsingers, to outgrow the familiar signal station. Doug Musker, who stood down after were in place to provide an have joined their fellow-choristers in New Unit Commander Ken Lambert two terms as leader but has stayed on ef#cient, professional service to staging fundraisers for South Coast said it was an exciting time. as administration of#cer. the boating public. MRNSW units, most recently Jervis “We will be replacing the Arun class He said Mr Musker, a former A new management team of Bay and Ulladulla. Encounter with the Steber 38 and are accountant, had brought the unit members is in place to help Mr Jamie Roberts

AUSTRALIA'S

&OHDQ 0 D U L Q D P R O G R A M

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 31 MAKING WAVES Illawarra News

Setting course for busy summer on Jervis Bay Winter training ensures unit will be well prepared for action.

arine Rescue Jervis Bay courses, along with education of!cer Mvolunteers have focused John Gallimore, who never stops. on a packed training schedule NSW Police Marine Area throughout the winter and are Command tasked the unit to now preparing for another busy conduct a missing person search summer on the water with the in the !rst week of August when a refurbished Colin Woods back kayak was washed on to rocks at

in service. Callala Bay. The search was later Jervis Bay members have been undertaking at least one training Unit members have been called off, with no one reported course a week ahead of the busy summer boat season. refreshing and upgrading their missing or found in the water. skills and knowledge in at least This followed the re-dedication Shoalhaven Mayor Paul Green Coast MP Shelley Hancock. one training course a week, both ceremony for the upgraded Colin and representatives of the Royal Unit Commander Greg Atkinson, practical and theoretical. Woods following its $410,000 re!t Australian Navy and Roads and Wayne Walker, Paul Ommundson Thanks must go to Tony Drover after 21 years of service. Maritime Services joined most of our and James Bennett-Burleigh for the effort he puts in to the The MRNSW Board of members for the vessel’s christening received Long Service Medals. organisation and instruction of these Directors, Commissioner Tannos, by Parliamentary Speaker and South Lester Shute

Student takes step towards her dream career Week with Shoalhaven members a ‘great learning experience’.

Shoalhaven Heads High School many experienced volunteers. A student has had a taste of a “Our program topics include career on the water during a the roles and responsibilities week’s work experience with Marine of Shoalhaven Marine Rescue, Rescue Shoalhaven. administration and management Lauren Gale, who hopes to join at the Pilot House, the operation the Royal Australian Navy when she and controls of typical marine radio !nishes school, spent the week as a equipment, basic coastal navigation new volunteer learning the ropes in and maintaining our #eet,” she said. the unit’s Pilot House and on board Lauren, who is in Year 11, said Charting a future at sea … Year 11 work experience student Lauren Gale SA 30. rescue boat she had enjoyed being a radio and MR Shoalhaven’s Dianne Taylor on radio duty in the Pilot House. Lauren’s MRNSW supervisor operator, navigation exercises and Dianne Taylor said the unit’s heading out on SA 30 the most. experience – it was a great learning students was an opportunity for the work experience program included “I would de!nitely tell other experience,” she said. unit to give something back to the both practical and theoretical students to come to Marine Unit Commander Terry Watson local community. sessions with MR Shoalhaven’s Rescue Shoalhaven for work said providing work experience for Pat Welch

32 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS

MAKING WAVES Monaro News

Crews battle conditions to locate ‘victims’ Batemans Bay hosts successful SAREX for six MRNSW units.

ix Marine Rescue NSW units took two to three metre seas and a cold Spart in the annual Monaro Region southerly ensuring a realistic search Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), scenario that showed just how dif!cult staged at Batemans Bay in late July. it can be to locate and retrieve targets Our Marine Rescue Batemans in adverse circumstances. Bay members were joined by their The exercise also saw crews colleagues from the Eden, Merimbula, conduct a short land search and Bermagui, Narooma and Alpine recovery from Toll Gate Islands and Lakes units. transfer personnel from Batemans Other participants included Bay 21 to the stern access steps representatives of the NSW Police of police vessel, PV Nemesis , while Force Marine Area Command (MAC), under way. Roads and Maritime Services, The on-water exercise concluded Members of six Marine Rescue units and their colleagues from a Surf Life Saving, Westpac Rescue early in the afternoon after range of other services converged on Batemans Bay for their annual Helicopter Service and HMAS the location and recovery of all Search and Rescue Exercise. Albatross Nowra, with a 723 three targets. Squadron Squirrel helicopter. At the following debrief, MAC co-operation and communications the weekend’s activities. The weekend exercise began Marine Search and Rescue Co- between command vessel PV Thanks to the management of the with a full day of classroom sessions ordinator, Sergeant Paul Farquharson, Nemesis and other rescue boats had Batemans Bay Marina for organising on search and rescue techniques, congratulated all participants on a been good. berths for PV Falcon and MR followed on the second day by successful exercise and highlighted As always, this SAREX involved Merimbula and Narooma vessels and a practical exercise involving all the importance of land search skills a lot of “out of the limelight work” the Coachhouse Marina Resort for agencies, vessels and aircraft. when islands fell within search areas. and thanks go to all those involved providing landing facilities. Conditions were not good, with There was general agreement that in the catering and preparation for Mick Kelly

New Merimbula skippers ready to take to sea Unit thanks local supporters for Motorfest donations.

arine Rescue Merimbula’s In other unit news, members joined Mcommitment to training has motoring enthusiasts at the Pambula produced excellent results, with the Motorfest for cars, bikes and 4WDs unit now boasting four additional at the Pambula Recreation Ground on rescue skippers. Sunday, July 8. Guy Illy, Robert Marsh, Ted Young Organiser Sav Vassallo said he was and John Tait successfully completed thrilled by the roll-up of more than their coxswain training, enabling them 100 vehicles for the inaugural event to skipper Merimbula’s rescue vessel. and particularly pleased to have the Training Of!cer Bill Blakeman said support of Merimbula members on the lengthy training course, which the day.

Coxswain training has achieved the excellent result of four new rescue vessel skippers.

covered all aspects of mastering Merimbula Unit Commander Pambula Motorfest organiser Sav Vassallo (centre) thanks MR Merimbula members Glenda Anderson, Ted Young, Rob Bayliss, a rescue vessel, would allow the Barry Harrison said it was a great Stephen Hicks, Walter Kleiner, Bill Blakeman and Jan Dabinett for members to take Sapphire Rescue III opportunity for members to assist their assistance with the ﬁrst instalment of a generous donation. to sea and alleviate a recent shortage with the day’s event. in trained coxswains. “We thank Sav and his Motorfest Merimbula,” Mr Harrison said. Mr Harrison also thanked coffee MRNSW Monaro Director Howard Committee for their generous He said the money raised would go vendor Kathy Arnold from More Staples presented the new coxswains support with a donation of towards a new training facility the unit Than Beans for her generous donation with their certi!cates. over $4000 to Marine Rescue was looking to build. on the day.

34 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS Eden again proves vital link in sea emergency Yacht crew thanks MRNSW volunteers for keeping watch during difﬁcult rescue.

inter has brought cold blustery Successive Eden MR Wconditions to the Far South watchkeepers, who had the only Coast of NSW and predictably, a reliable contact with the vessel, acted downturn in marine traf!c. as a relay between it, police and Instead of dealing on a daily basis shore authorities. with scores of private !shing boats The yacht and its crew of two were and transiting vessels, MR Eden is taken into tow and arrived safely in watching over a handful of hardy Eden some 11 hours after their initial locals and the odd passing yacht call. The next day the crew visited the heading for warmer climes. MR Eden station to personally thank One such transiting yacht lost its the watchkeepers, who had been their propeller and damaged its rigging in link to the outside world. trying weather conditions on June 29, This is not the !rst incident in which Eden Marine Area Command’s Senior Constable John Zinno shows MR Eden members Nev Cowgill, Stuart Manson and Tony Heriot the 40 nm south of Eden. The yacht was MR Eden has played a signi!cant workings of the electronic search and rescue equipment on board PV not registered on the offshore tracking part, following the successful rescue Falcon during the Batemans Bay SAREX. Photo: John Steele system and initially didn’t declare an of an elderly couple whose yacht was emergency. blown ashore on a wild section of the in the safety of lives at sea and the aboard Eden-based NSW Police The MR Eden watchkeeper Victorian coast 60 nm south-east of professionalism of our watchkeepers. boat PV Falcon as observers for discussed the situation with the Eden in May. Eden members also took part in the search phase of the exercise skipper and !nally an emergency was These incidents demonstrate the the recent Monaro Region Search and successfully !nding one of declared and the NSW Police Force valuable role that reliable long-range and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) at the “targets”. Marine Area Command (MAC) noti!ed. communications at MR Eden play Batemans Bay, spending a morning John Steele

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 35 LIFE SAVER New boat feature

The 9.5m Wooli 30 tackles the notorious Wooli Bar with ease. Another Naiad joins the ﬂeet Wooli unit improves response times with state of the art rescue vessel.

arine Rescue NSW welcomed in Australia for the 2012 Sydney not suited to air-#lled tubes. Marine wide range of ports from which Manother Naiad rescue vessel International Boat Show said: “I was Rescue NSW has opted for these in our rescue vessels need to deploy. to its !eet when the 9.5m Wooli 30 #rst a customer of Naiad and I liked some locations. Marine Rescue NSW has chosen was formally commissioned in June. the design innovation so much that I Yamba Welding and Engineering new Naiads for a number of its Wooli 30 was built by one of bought into the company.” (YWE) is headed by Bill Collingburn, units. Naiad’s two Australian licensees, As a customer with responsibility whose ex-Royal Australian “These are fast response Yamba Welding and Engineering for the lives of recreational boaters Navy experience and precision vessels built to 2C survey standard Pty Ltd on the North Coast of on NSW waters, MRNSW was engineering skills in aluminium and capable of deploying up to NSW. The other is Kirby Marine in strongly in!uenced by Naiad’s design and fabrication form the 30nm offshore. They can operate Western Australia. build quality, its continuous design foundation of the company’s for up to 10 hours with suf#cient Naiad is the dominant brand in evolution and one of its principal strength. crew and are well suited for rescue Australasia’s commercial RHIB (Rigid points of difference – the removable Marine Rescue will soon have operations involving a bar crossing Hull In!atable Boat) market with buoyant tubes. a total of 10 Naiads in its !eet of in adverse conditions.” about 90 per cent of its production Repairs and replacements can be fast response rescue vessels. A going to commercial, government carried out much more quickly than 9.5m boat for the Brunswick unit is MR UNIT COMMENTS and emergency rescue customers. if the tubes are glued or bolted to under construction, another 9.5m Richard Taffs, Marine Rescue Naiad was established in New the rigid hull. This is also useful in boat will be positioned at Crowdy Master, Wooli Zealand in 1975 and its international military applications where it is vital Harrington and two 10m vessels will Marine Rescue Wooli crew success led to licensee builders in to change damaged tubes quickly in be ordered for Trial Bay and Lake members have participated in an other countries, including the USA the #eld of operation. Macquarie units. intensive vessel induction program and Australia. The option of foam buoyant tubes MRNSW Deputy Commissioner since taking delivery of Wooli 30 John Cowan, a director of Naiad, is also available for environments Heinz Mueller said: “NSW has a from YWE four months ago. After

36 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS more than 30 training sessions model Naiad. It was refurbished in day and night conditions, over after service with NSW Maritime. 100 engine hours, 1000 nm The deep V hull is one of its and responses to assist vessels, best points as it enables us to we have become comfortable maintain a good over-water speed operating this new RHIB with its in rough conditions for a small advanced electronic navigation and boat. Its twin 115hp Yamaha SAR systems. engines give us the power we need Wooli 30 has greatly expanded for fast response. our operational capacity, especially The cabin is a comfortable size the ability to operate out of our port for a small vessel. It is well with its notorious coastal bar and ventilated with large side windows provide a faster response over a and one large and one small roof greater range in rougher conditions. hatch. The high cabin allows the The helm (above) and navigation set-up (below) on the new The ability for our units to work radar to be operational yet not Wooli 30 . together and complement one affect crew working at deck level. another is important. The Wooli Good fuel capacity of 200 litres Naiad provides a fast response for gives an excellent, economic our isolated stretch of coast and operating range. MRNSW is now well-equipped with The in!atable sponsons are a range of new rescue vessels in quite forgiving when training crew our region. in docking although the care John Peers, Boats Of"cer, necessary to avoid damage is Marine Rescue Crowdy Harrington. a valuable incentive for careful, Ours is a smaller (6.8m) and older precise handling.

TECH SPECS Wooli 30 Survey Class 2C Survey Length 9.24m Looking for cheap spare Beam 3.04m Draft 0.68m parts and accessories? Displacement 4.0 T Hunts Marine is Australia’s largest supplier of genuine spare parts for Yamaha, Johnson, Mercury, Mariner and WOT (Wide Open Throttle) speed 43 knts Mercruiser. All trade and retail enquiries welcome. Cruising speed 30-32 knts Fast, reliable overnight delivery. Fuel capacity 600L Our huge boating accessory supermarket has a great Operational range 200nm+ range of electronics, safety gear, deck hardware, sail fittings, trailer parts, polishes, ropes, paints and more. Engines 2 x 186 kW (Suzuki 250 hp) Visit us online www.huntsmarine.com.au Survey Passenger Capacity 8 persons Electronics Compact, integrated electronics package with separate Raymarine C120W multifunction screens for skipper and navigator; 80W solar panel keeps batteries always charged Radar – RD424HD High De#nition digital 4kw Radome Sydney: Service and Spares: 259 West Street Carlton DSM300 sounder module Showroom: 629 Princes Highway Blakehurst Raypilot Fluxgate compass, Gyroplus 2 radar/chart overlay Ph: 02 9546 1324 Open 7 days FLIR T300 thermal imaging camera with feed to nav station Wollongong: 434 Princes Highway Corrimal Ray 430 public address system with fwd and aft speakers Ph: 02 4284 0444 Open 6 days Radio Direction Finder – Taiyo TDL 1550A VHF Batemans Bay: 2 Kylie Crescent Batemans Bay Radios 2 x Icom ICM 505B Marine with DSC Ph: 02 4472 2612 Open 6 days Icom command mic to helm GME GX300W Marine 27 Meg Radio Tait TM 8250 with 2 remote heads marine DCN EPIRB GME MT400-406Mhz AIS Furuno A 12-24vDC

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 37 GEAR UP Essential new equipment

BURKE MARINE RAYMARINE APP REVIEW Lifejackets for infants Touchscreen navigation Navionics

Parents of very young boaters will be interested Raymarine has launched its new a‐Series The Navionics App for iPhones and iPads gives in a new lifejacket for babies and toddlers multifunction navigation displays. The compact boaters and anglers access to award-winning weighing between 3kg and 15kg. Burke swipe, touch and navigate unit is easy to use vector charts. Any downloaded chart data stays Marine’s new Baltic Bambi Personal Flotation and has been engineered for boats under 30ft on your iPhone, visible even without wireless Device has been designed with optimum (9.14m). It has a bright LED backlit display coverage. Plan trips, check tides, set routes and buoyancy properties to ensure the infant always for sharp colour and contrast in sunlight and markers; record your track, capture geo-tagged turns and #oats face up, while the adjustable the displays offer simple and quick access to pictures and create a virtual travelogue to share waistband and two-position crutch strap provide navigation applications like GPS, sonar and with family or friends. The Community Layer a secure !tting. The Bambi has a lifting strap radar. The two models include a 50 channel allows you to contribute to building the best !tted on the collar and is made from high internal GPS and Navionics Silver cartography localised data. Edit charts to include rocks, visibility fabric and retro-re#ective patches. It is on microSD. Boaters can choose the a65 obstructions, buoys, the only infant PFD on the market packed with MFD for GPS navigation and networking, while beacons, signs, lights, baby-soft Airex foam and a large, baby-sensitive serious anglers will appreciate the a67 MFD ports, anchorages and #eece collar to prevent cha!ng. The front-entry with ClearPulse digital sonar built‐in. Add‐on moorings. Your edits design also options include will be visible to the makes it easier Raymarine’s Navionics community for parents to RCU‐3 Bluetooth almost instantly. iPhone !t on to steering wheel app $15.99, itunes. youngsters. remote. Visit apple.com/au/app/ burkemarine. raymarine.com marine-australia- com.au, $105 for pricing. newzealand/

Rapturous reception for gold medal sailors Marine Rescue joins welcome home parade for Wangi Wangi heroes.

Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Deputy Unit Commander Roger Evans Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen in action on day two of the Olympic with Olympic gold medallists Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen. sailing competition off Weymouth. Photo: Ingrid Abery © ingridabery.com

angi Wangi was awash heading into the !nal race of the Evans represented Marine Mayor Greg Piper, Yachting Australia Wwith green and gold as the Olympic regatta off Weymouth. Rescue NSW in the welcome home CEO Phil Jones and Yachting NSW community turned out to welcome They were greeted with cheering parade, which ended at the Wangi President Howard Elliot. home its newest heroes, Olympic crowds waving #ags as they RSL Amateur Sailing Club. The event also marked the gold medallists Nathan Outteridge paraded on the shores of Lake A reception was held on the Sailing Club’s Opening day. and Iain Jensen, on September 1. Macquarie in a golden ute on club’s foreshore, attended by The annual Blessing of the The Wangi locals sailed to victory September 1. dignitaries including Climate Fleet followed the medallists’ in the men’s 49er skiff class after Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Change Minister and Charlton MP reception, with Nathan and Iain building an unassailable lead Deputy Unit Commander Roger Greg Combet, Lake Macquarie taking the salute.

38 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS FUNDRAISING Building a future together

Sailing for glory Emergency services compete on water.

Beautiful Lake Macquarie will be the venue for the fourth annual NSW Police and Emergency Services Sailing Regatta in November.

ride will be on the line when second and third places, through the Pmembers of the emergency generous sponsorship of the Police services take to the water for the Credit Union and RMYC Toronto. fourth annual NSW Police and “A separate free raf#e will also be Emergency Services Sailing Regatta, held for skippers and crew, with to be staged on Lake Macquarie. prizes provided by a number of The NSW Police Sailing Club and companies associated with the Lake Royal Motor Yacht Club, Toronto, are Macquarie waterway.” hosting the race event on November The RMYC has a boat ramp and 12 and 13, which also will raise ample parking for trailerable yachts. funds for MRNSW and the Westpac Free overnight berthing and shower Rescue Helicopter Service. facilities are available on the club Police Sailing Club Commodore wharf for yachts and crews. David Blakemore said the regatta Commodore Blakemore said would comprise !ve non-spinnaker SailTime Lake Macquarie had races in under and over 30ft provided the use of two skippered divisions, with a free barbecue at Beneteau 34 yachts for groups of up the end of each day’s racing. to four people on each to sail among Entry is open to all retired and the racing #eet each day. serving members of the emergency “The cost of each yacht is $250 services, including State and Federal a day, with all money raised through Police, MRNSW, maritime authorities, the use of these two magni!cent the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire yachts to be evenly donated to Marine and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance Rescue NSW and the Westpac Service, State Emergency Service, Rescue Helicopter Service,” he said. Volunteer Rescue Association, “This would be most suitable for Australian Defence Force and a group or unit and/or their partners Corrective Services. from within the emergency services “For the !rst time, the NSW Police to experience the thrill of racing Sailing Club has also opened entry while relaxing in comfort and enjoying to the regatta to all other yachts Lake Macquarie.” associated with yacht or sailing clubs Race entry forms will be available on Lake Macquarie,” Commodore through the Royal Motor Yacht Club Blakemore said. Toronto website, rmyctoronto.com.au . “Prizes will be awarded to !rst Inquiries also can be directed and second places in each of the to Commodore Blakemore on !ve races and the overall !rst, 0409 743 238.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 39 FUNDRAISING Creative ideas for donation dollars

Nancy hammers away for a good cause Lake Macquarie cashes in on crushed cans.

here are unsung heroes within the then a smack on each end with the TMarine Rescue Lake Macquarie !at of the hammer. The compacted unit, men and women who quietly can is tossed into a large bag and it’s carry out the work needed to keep the on to the next one: 300 cans an hour. rescue service running. With the latest consignment of One of these heroes isn’t even a compacted cans numbering 9300, member: John Fenwick’s better half, Nancy and John have raised another Nancy. Nancy is a fundraiser and $108.50 for our unit. It would have like every fundraiser, she deserves a been more but the scrap dealer has medal. She belongs to that special reduced the scrap aluminium price group of committed supporters who from 95 to 75 cents a kilogram. toil away day after day. Unit member Norman Pritchard Most mornings she picks up a had co-ordinated this process for small green stool and a hammer, sits many years until he suffered a serious down in front of a wood block in the accident last year, when John Fenwick Striking a blow … Nancy Fenwick hard at work to help raise funds for midst of a pile of empty aluminium took on the collection and co- MR Lake Macquarie. cans and works to raise money for the ordination role in addition to his Stores Lake Macquarie unit. Of#cer and Watch Of#cer duties. every week Thelma McCard and her are the public face of MRNSW but the Nancy is methodical. Each can Volunteers also work at barbecue helpers sell tickets in a boat raf!e. The volunteer fundraisers are its lifeblood. receives one smack in the middle, stands, run fundraising events and rescue boats and Radio Operators Bruce Madison

Finding the fun in fundraising Batemans Bay unit makes collecting donations an enjoyable experience.

f you ask people why they joined chat with others on the crew, #re up IMarine Rescue, most will talk about the barbie, cash up and balance the the boat crew or radio room but till and get the ingredients supply line Marine Rescue is much more than going. This is a well-oiled machine. boats and radios. Everyone carves out their special Take the fundraising crew, for niche; some bring along expertise, example. All units have one – they are others want to learn something new. the lifeblood of Marine Rescue. At a All the fundraisers are there glance, you might think fundraising because we get a lot out of it – week just looks like hard work but look in, week out. It’s great to be working again. You have probably missed the with a group of others who gather for important bits. a common goal, enjoy each other’s A fun and rewarding role: some of MR Batemans Bay fundraising The fundraising crew at MR company, share their skills and know crew’s members Peter Varkulevicius, Heather Moloney, Lyn Batemans Bay raises a lot of money: they are doing something worthwhile. Radley, Kris Hodgson, Bill Radley, Trish Taylor, Peter Bennett and Doug Wood. more than $100,000 last year. We get great feedback from the This is a small but dedicated group public. Funnily enough, I suspect the knowing you have helped raise so and the equipment at the base and of specialists. We like to think of general public is more likely to stop much money for the unit. We go know we helped pay for it. ourselves as the SAS – Social and and thank the fundraising crew, rather places and do things you could never I’m sure all MRNSW unit Support crew. than the boat crews or the radio do alone: run a community market, fundraising crews could do with a few We meet every few weeks to room. The others might do the work wave the !ag for MRNSW in the extra hands. Yes, sometimes it is hard organise and review activities, roster that gets noticed but we get most of shopping centre, be part of the local work, but it has more than enough staff, generate ideas, gloat over how the thanks from the public! triathlon support crew, chat with the personal bene#ts to compensate for much money we made and talk with Fundraising has some other public at the bingo or elsewhere. the occasional frosty mornings. If you unit management. obvious bene#ts – the #rst sausages We also have the satisfaction of have recently joined MRNSW and are The MR Batemans Bay market is off the grill on a cold morning hit knowing we help keep the show on looking for an important role, have a held one Sunday a month. It’s a 6am the spot just nicely and there’s the road. No fundraising, no MRNSW. talk to the fundraising crew. start to set up the tent and tables, satisfaction at the end of the day We see the MR vessels on the water Bill Radley

40 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS PICTURE GALLERY Engaging with the community

What we’ve been up to

Marine Rescue The Entrance put its new rescue vessel TE 20 to the test soon after delivery, towing a seaplane to safety after it developed tail rudder problems when landing near Picnic Point on Tuggerah Lakes, preventing it from manouevring correctly.

Ross Constable is Narooma’s ﬁrst Marine Rescue Master. Ross also Deputy Commissioner Heinz Mueller steers the Whittley Voyager holds other commercial qualiﬁcations through his work as a National donated to MRNSW by Bruce Hogan and Tina Clifton across Sydney Parks and Wildlife Service skipper. Photo: Narooma News. Harbour under menacing skies.

Port Hacking’s chefs take a breather before the afternoon rush hour After 12 years as MR Camden Haven Unit Commander, George at the Bunnings BBQ. Colin Broom, George Kelly, Rohan Stirling, Tedds, 91, stood down in July. New UC Ken Clancy and his team are Stanley Randall and Janene Stanley helped raise $1400. looking forward to meeting the challenges of the future.

SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW 41 ON-WATER AWARENESS Up-to-date info for boaters

Rules in place to help migrating whales Strict regulations protect these animals from waterway interference.

hale watching is still in State and Commonwealth W full swing along the NSW agencies are working together on coastline as the giant mammals Operation CETUS, conducting joint return south for the summer from patrols to protect whales, educate their winter breeding grounds in the boating community, monitor the north. boating activities and low #ying The whale watching season aircraft and enforce regulations. begins from May each year when State agencies, including humpbacks, minkes, orcas, false Marine Rescue NSW, also join killer whales and other species start forces for Operation Whale Watch their annual journey north where in Sydney Harbour. calves are born. They then return to Boaters should remember the Antarctic through spring. that caution zones are set for the With many whales – and calves safety of both whales and vessels, – travelling close to the coastline meaning boats cannot approach any and pausing in prime locations such closer than 100m from a whale or A close encounter for a stand-up paddler at Birubi Point as these as Sydney Harbour and Jervis Bay, 300m if a calf is in the pod. whales headed north in July. Photo: Deb van Druten boaters need to be aware of strict Vessels must always travel at a regulations in place to help protect slow “no wash” speed. Do not cut Owen Danvers said boaters too close to a boat because they the animals from interference. across the whale’s path or position should take great care and ensure are stressed or even just curious,” Whales, especially when they your boat directly in front of or they observed the strict regulations he said. are on the move with new calves, behind the mammals. about approaching and moving “Boaters should always can become very distressed. On the North Coast, whale around whales. remember to log on and off with the Vessels that crowd around, noise watching and eco-tourism has “These rules are there to protect nearest Marine Rescue unit before and downward thrust from aircraft replaced the whaling industry, the whales and obviously for they head out.” and close human interactions can which ran from 1954 to 1962 in people’s own safety around these For full whale watching disturb them, causing them to Byron Bay. enormous creatures, which can regulations, visit maritime.nsw.gov. become defensive. MR Brunswick Unit Commander cause signi!cant harm if they get au/campaigns/whale.html.

Safety plan for Botany Bay boaters Public given say on new management guidelines for popular region.

SW Roads and Maritime provided an opportunity to involve upon the entire estuary system: The draft boating plan also N Services (RMS) is seeking the boating community in identifying t7FTTFMPQFSBUPSTCFIBWJPVS explores a proposal to establish an public comment on a draft boating appropriate on-water restrictions t$PNQMJBODFBOEFOGPSDFNFOU aquatic park – a dedicated area for safety plan for Botany Bay, the and addressing issues arising t8BUFSXBZBDDFTTBOE personal water craft use – at Floyd Georges River and other tributaries. from boating activities on speci!c management. Bay in the Chipping Norton Lakes, The Draft Boating Safety Plan waterways. During the !ve years to June helping relieve pressure in other – which covers Botany Bay, the Stakeholders including State 2011, 123 incidents were reported locations, such as Lady Robinsons Cooks River to the Princes Highway and local government agencies, on the entire estuary, almost all of and Revesby beaches. Bridge, the Georges River, including members of Parliament, local clubs which involved recreational vessels. The !nal boating safety plan for Chipping Norton Lakes, and the and associations, local marina and In 2010-11, 193 penalty notices the Georges River and surrounding Woronora River – aims to provide boat shed operators and peak user were issued in the area – 11 per tributaries will be a model for future cent of all penalty notices issued boating safety plans, with the next During the "ve years to June 2011, 123 in NSW. Almost half were around to be developed for Sydney Harbour incidents were reported on the entire estuary. Revesby and the Georges River and its tributaries. National Park, for infringements The draft boating plan can be an overarching guide to managing groups were consulted in the !rst such as excessive speed, failure to seen at RMS of!ces in Sutherland, these popular waterways. stage of the plan’s development. carry the correct safety equipment Liverpool and Rozelle. Comment An RMS spokeswoman said During this process, three major and failure to comply with safety can be made on the draft plan until the development of a boating plan issues were identi!ed as impacting requirements in general. September 21.

42 MARINE RESCUE NSW | SOUNDINGS IN MEMORIAM Tributes to valued members

Kioloa mourns long-time leader Fred Noble was a hardworking Unit Commander and tireless fundraiser.

arine Rescue Kioloa has lost Fire Service’s Central Catering Unit. laughter and the ability to not take Mits long-term champion, with He only scaled back his catering himself too seriously helped him the death of Unit Commander Fred duties after becoming Divisional extract the dollars required, mainly Noble on August 13. Commander, although he still from tourists, so that his team of Fred, 74, joined the then Royal worked 45 days straight during the Kioloa volunteers raised funds not Volunteer Coastal Patrol (RVCP) 2001 Shoalhaven bush!res. only to extend the base but also to unit in 1999 after moving to Bawley In 2005 Fred learned that the purchase a larger vessel and replace Point when he retired. He became Kioloa rescue vessel did not meet their pre-1950 tractor. a radio operator, installing standby new regulations so set about In 2006, Fred received the newly radios in his home, and completed fundraising to extend the boat shed created Of!cer Commanding Award crewman training before becoming to accommodate a larger vessel. for his achievements and at the Divisional Commander in 2000. One of his greatest strengths !nal RVCP AGM in 2009 was Despite ill health, Fred was also was his ability to fundraise. Maybe awarded Life Membership. Fred Noble a member of the Shoalhaven Rural his easy manner, quick wit and Joan Noble Original director a ‘ﬁne example to us all’ Neil McCartney served with honour and dedication.

ne of the foundation directors of Sea Rescue, rising to the rank of to help guide the new organisation. OMarine Rescue NSW has passed Skipper then Unit Secretary and Unit Neil spent a substantial part of his away, aged 74, after almost a quarter Administrator for eight years. working life with State Rail and also of a century’s commitment to saving A boat licence trainer and was involved with the Naval Cadets, lives on the water. examiner, he contributed to the rising to the rank of Lieutenant and Neil McCartney !rst joined the maintenance of the unit’s three Commanding Of!cer of PS Sirius for Australian Volunteer Coast Guard vessels and boat shed and was a the Australian Navy Reserve. Port Hacking #otilla in 1988, attaining delegate on the Volunteer Rescue Deputy Commissioner Heinz the rank of Leading Coxswain before Association Board (Maritime). Mueller presented Neil with his 20- becoming Vice Flotilla Commander His contribution was recognised year service medal on May 15. from 1990 to 1992 and Commander with Life Membership of Port Neil is survived by his wife, two for the following two years. Macquarie Sea Rescue and when daughters and three grandchildren When he moved to Port Macquarie Marine Rescue NSW was formed, Neil and was a !ne example to us all. Neil McCartney in 1994, Neil joined Port Macquarie was invited to join the original Board Peter Ellison t7FTTFMPQFSBUPSTCFIBWJPVS t$PNQMJBODFBOEFOGPSDFNFOU Vale Arthur after a life at sea t8BUFSXBZBDDFTTBOE Forster-Tuncurry mourns oldest member.

embers of Marine Rescue sea to work in air conditioning. Tuncurry selling “petrol” tickets or at MForster-Tuncurry farewelled their Arthur and his family moved to the boat ramps getting boaties to join oldest member, Arthur Dreckmeyer, in Forster, where he joined the then our Marine Radio Safety Service and July. He was 91. Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol (now handing out local knowledge. Arthur was born in Germany and Marine Rescue NSW) in the late Arthur’s dedication was recognised followed his father, a professional 1980s. He had a short break before in 2008 when he was awarded the !sherman, to a life at sea, serving on returning and remained an active unit NSW Maritime Safety Medal. various merchant ships before World member until his sudden death. Arthur’s commitment to RVCP/ War II, when he was conscripted into Arthur’s vast knowledge of ships MRNSW was catching as one of the Germany Navy. and seamanship was put to good use his daughters, Jutta, has just After the war, he worked on as a rescue crew member, skipper, brought up her 10-year membership, salvage tugs before moving to search master and trainer. He was serving as Unit Treasurer for the past Sydney, where he worked with always pushing the fundraising barrow four years. Arthur Dreckmeyer Sydney Ferries before leaving the and could be seen around Forster- Dennis Travers

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

Crowdy Harrington A big thank you! loses a great friend Plaudits for Port Stephens MRNSW unit. Jack Anderson will be sorely missed. [email protected] [email protected] embers of Marine Rescue MCrowdy Harrington lost a To Heinz and Stacey, great friend and hardworking unit member with the passing On Saturday (July 28) at 13:00 Wave Sweeper and her crew, of which of Jack Anderson, 63, on I was one, embarked on a very cold and very bumpy ride in the Sydney to June 20. Southport yacht race. Jack recently received a Although the vessel is subject to continuous maintenance schedules and Volunteer Service Award for is very well maintained, one never really knows what one will encounter on his great work within our unit, the open seas; and that is, as most yachties know, part of the great joy that which he joined in 2002, when draws us to sailing. A test of oneself and often a working together of crew and we were still the Royal Volunteer sometimes external teams. Coastal Patrol. We encountered very lumpy seas, with swells and waves reaching Awarded his 10 year seven metres further out and winds clocking up to 45 knots from the Long Service Medal just Jack Anderson south/south-west. before his death, Jack was There were several incidents, such as a sheet-line letting go, causing active in all aspects of fundraising, arrived at the base because he our masthead kite to wrap itself around the forestay with a wineglass, and was a fantastic cook on the was always a very bright and vang issues. We made a decision to pull into Port Stephens for repairs barbecue and always helped cheerful presence. before continuing the race but encountered a prop issue just outside the his neighbours. He is sadly missed by his wife heads, with a line wrapped around the prop, ultimately leaving us with no As the keeper of the keys Kay and family, as well as his mates engine power. for the council toilets under at the base. The wrapped up spinnaker, although useless, still gave us enormous drive our base, he would ride his Jack always !nished his Tuesday in the winds we were experiencing, therefore, we found ourselves adrift motor scooter to unlock them radio shift with: “Good night and God outside the heads in front of the islands, putting us in a rather precarious daily at 6am and lock them bless.” Good night and God bless position. We had no alternative, but to contact Marine Rescue Port Stephens again at 6pm. you, Jack. for assistance. Everyone knew when Jack had Kevin Nicholls This is to say thank you from the Skipper Morgan Rogers of Wave Sweeper , her crew and myself, for the rescue, the professional service and prompt response we received on Saturday night from Marine Rescue NSW Port Stephens and we appreciate everything that was done that night to rescue us and tow us to safety and stop us drifting and running aground on one of the islands. 16 July 2012 We stayed at Port Stephens for a few hours to take care of necessary repairs and then continued to Southport, although retired from the race, and Mr Stacey Tannos, thankfully without further signi!cant incidents. The yacht has commitments up Commissioner north, which had to be met. Marine Rescue NSW As we understand it, there are a number of yachts which sustained Dear Mr Tannos, damage in this race and a few which consequently had to retire. I have recently received the quarterly journal Soundings issue 11. Thank The remainder of the trip was just as wild and fast but there is something you for sending me the journal as I have greatly enjoyed reading about the absolutely magni!cent about sur!ng down a wave in the middle of the night, achievements and activities of the NSW Marine Rescue and its volunteers. in the middle of the ocean, guided by the moon and the stars. I would like to acknowledge the important role your organisation plays as It is thanks to people/organisations like Marine Rescue NSW, that we can an emergency service in keeping our communities safe and looking after the enjoy such an amazing privilege, knowing that they are always on stand-by to people on our waters. All the best for the rest of 2012, I look forward to hearing look after us. This cannot be underestimated. more about the great work you are doing in your next publication. Thank you again from everyone on Wave Sweeper and myself – and it Yours sincerely, has highlighted just how important competency-based training, and a close working relationship between people and organisations really is!

John Sidoti MP Member for Drummoyne Sibby Ilzhöfer B.A. (University of Newcastle)

Phone: (02) 9713 2999 Fax: (02) 9713 2911 Mail: PO Box 550, Five Dock NSW 2046 Group 314 Operational and Management Support Electorate Of"ce: 128 Great North Road, Five Dock 2046 Email: [email protected]

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