11:56 PM Tue 27 Oct 2009 GMT
The NSW Government has come to the rescue of the Batemans Bay Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol after the group found itself without its main rescue vessel due to a mechanical breakdown.The replacement vessel is a Sailfish 7200 aluminium catamaran, 6.50 metres in length and powered by two Honda 150 horsepower outboard engines.
Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said today NSW Maritime is working with the State's new volunteer rescue organisation, Marine Rescue NSW, to provide the replacement boat within the next week.
The replacement vessel a is NSW Maritime patrol boat it has primarily operated on the waterways of Port Hacking and Botany Bay.
'The breakdown of the Coastal Patrol's category 2 vessel the Noosa Cat a few weeks ago meant for the first time in 25 years the local volunteers have been unable to help boaters in distress beyond the Tollgate Islands,' Mr Tripodi said.
'Without the help of the NSW Government, the patrol would have been left reliant on its Ulladulla and Narooma branches.
'This is a great example of how the new Marine Rescue NSW volunteer group can work with the Rees Government to deliver results for boaters who get themselves in trouble. A refurbished Maritime patrol boat should be delivered to the Bay sometime next week.' Mr Tripodi said NSW Maritime recognises the valuable contribution the State's volunteer rescue movement provides to the boating community every year.
'Volunteer marine rescue activities in NSW until recently have been carried out by the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA); the Volunteer Rescue Association, Marine Branch (VRA Marine Branch) and the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol (RVCP).
'The membership of these groups is now putting their support behind a new and unified approach to delivering marine rescue in NSW.
'Since its establishment in July, the new organisation Marine Rescue NSW has drawn widespread support from the highly-trained members of the volunteer marine rescue community.
'More than 2000 volunteers have joined Marine Rescue NSW in its first months, which is a wonderful result and vote of confidence by members,' Mr Tripodi said.
Bega Duty MLC Penny Sharpe said by drawing together people from the three existing organisations into one, Marine Rescue NSW will provide greater consistency for rescue, communications, and training.
'The provision of this replacement vessel is very much welcome and will ensure the Batemans Bay volunteers can continue to provide a valuable service for boaters on the South Coast,' Ms Sharpe said.
The Government has provided $3 million to be spent on establishing the new organisation and will continue to provide its current funding of $1.39 million a year for ongoing operational costs.
by NSW Government Media
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