New AMSA search and rescue jets improving maritime rescue
These new Australian search and rescue jets will cover one tenth of the earth's surfaceThe first of Australia’s new dedicated search and rescue aircraft, which was officially been accepted into service in Cairns in December, will soon be joined by two additional aircraft in Perth and Melbourne in the coming months.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Gary Prosser said the first of the four Bombardier Challenger CL-604 jets now in Cairns will replace the tier-one search and rescue aircraft used by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) .
"This capability is vital in Australia’s search and rescue response arrangements, in a vast area of about one tenth of the earth’s surface," Mr Prosser said.
"These new aircraft will use new technology and equipment to ensure there is a rapid response capability to rescue people in distress at sea or on land.
"This is a significant investment in the safety of Australians and underpins AMSA’s commitment to Australia’s international obligations for aeronautical and maritime search and rescue.”
The first jet to be based in Cairns has been accepted into service with two additional aircraft to come online in Perth and Melbourne in the coming months. An additional ancillary operational aircraft will also be based in Melbourne.
Check out the map accompanying this article to see the impressive area of coverage and response time around Australia's high seas.
Modifications have been made to the jets to allow vital stores, including survival equipment and satellite phones, to be delivered to people in distress.
The aircraft has a range of new technology on board including infra-red cameras to search at night and sensors to complement the trained air search observers on board the planes.
AMSA’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre is headquartered in Canberra where a team of search and rescue officers works around the clock to coordinate responses to incidents, often including stricken commercial and recreational boats, yachts and injured crew in remote areas.
A bit of surveillance might be conducted during flying missions out there, too. More at Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
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