New Coffs rescue vessel

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour celebrated the official commissioning of their new $370,000 offshore rescue vessel yesterday (Sunday June 28).

Coffs 30 is one of two new vessels to be welcomed to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet on the Mid North Coast over the weekend, marking a $740,000 investment in the safety of the region’s large local and visiting boating community.

Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour and Marine Rescue Crowdy Harrington both took delivery of new 9.5m Naiad Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats in late-2014. Crowdy 30 was commissioned on Saturday.

MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the new vessels were a significant boost in the capability of marine search and rescue volunteers on the Mid North Coast.

"These state-of-the-art vessels are able to travel up to 30 nautical miles offshore, further strengthening Marine Rescue’s strategic search and rescue safety net covering the NSW coastline," he said.

"They are among 61 new and refurbished vessels delivered to date in our $14.3 million fleet modernisation program. Built by Yamba Welding and Engineering, they also are a valuable investment in local business and jobs in Northern NSW."

MR Coffs Harbour Unit Commander Graeme King said Coffs 30 could be tasked throughout the Solitary Islands to the North and as far South as South West Rocks if required.

"Coffs 30 is a great asset for our unit and for boaters in trouble on our local waters, giving our crews fast access to offshore emergencies 24 hours a day," he said.

"It has improved our response times and search efficiency as it is faster and carries more sophisticated electronic equipment on board than our previous vessel, Coffs 20.

"Our volunteers can work efficiently, safely and swiftly to help boaters in trouble on the water."

Both new Mid North Coast boats are powered by twin 250hp Suzuki engines and can reach speeds above 40 knots (74 km/h) and they carry specialised search and rescue navigation, communications and first aid equipment.

UC King thanked the Coffs Harbour community for supporting the volunteers’ efforts to raise funds towards the vessel’s cost and for a modern air berth.

Commissioner Tannos acknowledged the vital support of the State Government and the boating community for Marine Rescue’s essential services.

"The financial support we receive from the Government and through the levy on boaters’ registration and licence fees provides about 50 per cent of the annual budget we need to provide NSW with a world-class marine search and rescue, radio network and education service for safer boating.

"Even with this funding support, as a community-based organisation, we still need to rely on our volunteers’ energetic fundraising and I thank the residents of Coffs Harbour and the many visitors to the area for their generosity towards the unit," he said.

Boaters heading out on the water should remember to Log On and Log Off with MRNSW using their marine radio, telephone or the MarineRescue mobile app, suitable for Apple and Android devices and available on the App Store and Google play.