New patrol boat for Melbourne

The Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC) has strengthened its water patrol capability as part of the ‘Steer Clear’ boating safety campaign with the deployment of its new hi-tech vessel MV Lonsdale, officially launched by Minister for Ports David Hodgett recently.

Built by Australian manufacturer Stebercraft, the Lonsdale has an overall length of 12.2 metres with a maximum speed of 31.5 knots.

In addition to its incident response capability, the Lonsdale has also been fitted with sophisticated hydrographic survey equipment to determine seabed depths using a multi-beam echo sounder. The vessel also uses 'advanced military technology' for its navigation and guidance systems, we're told.
 
In keeping with the maritime tradition of eminent women launching new vessels, the Lonsdale was christened by Mrs Tina Hodgett in ceremonial fashion at Queenscliff Harbour.

"With around 8,000 commercial ship movements in Port Phillip Bay every year, the Lonsdale will play an important role in reminding boat operators on the bay to ‘Steer Clear’ of the shipping channels," Mr Hodgett said.
 
Mr Hodgett commended PoMC for its diligence in promoting boating safety and the initiative to deploy a vessel in the south of the bay. 
 
"Today’s launch of the Lonsdale represents a significant investment in safety and the Bellarine community through PoMC’s foresight to have this vessel locally berthed and locally crewed," Mr Hodgett said at the launch.
 
PoMC Chief Executive Officer Nick Easy said that the Lonsdale had multiple capabilities and would complement the work of her sister vessel, the Tim Muir, which was deployed in 2010 and named after PoMC’s late Harbour Master.

"Steer Clear is an important safety message to promote and enforce because large commercial ships and small recreational vessels cannot be in the same place at the same time," Mr Easy said.

"The best way for recreational fisherman and boat operators to enjoy their time on Port Phillip Bay is to do so responsibly by steering clear of large ships." 
 
The Lonsdale was named in recognition of Captain William Lonsdale, one of Victoria’s early administrators who was closely associated with good governance and the law in the establishment of the young colony.