Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) volunteers at Portland Life Saving Club have received a new search-and-rescue vessel that will ensure efficient responses to marine incidents.
RESCUE402 will replace an aged vessel and will be used to respond to incidents close to shore in the Portland area, which typically experiences more than 30 marine incidents annually.
The vessel is fitted with modern electronic navigation, tracking and search technologies, including Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) cameras.
The timing of the delivery means that the Portland Life Saving Club will be able to conduct the necessary training required prior to operation ahead of the busy summer period.
Over the years, Portland Life Saving Club members have performed numerous search-and-rescue operations from the South Australian border to Portland bay. These search and rescue operations include mechanical breakdowns, missing or overdue boaters and capsized vessels.
The crew members have extensive experience, some with more than 30 years’ experience driving Rigid Inflatable Boats and Offshore Rescue Boats in all types of challenging situations.
Since 2017, the Victorian Government has invested $11.3 million in the sector, as part of wider reforms to improve governance and training and deliver better coordination between MSAR units.
The statewide funding program included more than $6.5 million for new search-and-rescue vessels, and $4.75 million in operational funding to cover essential costs such as training, fuel, protective clothing, maintenance, equipment and insurance.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Portland Life Saving Club has 11 members, some of whom have served over 30 years, so it’s important that they’re supported to continue their great work.”
“Our MSAR flotillas and volunteers are crucial to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our coastal communities and it is essential that they are equipped with the right tools and vessels to conduct their job effectively and safely.”
“This new vessel will make a huge difference in the way our coast guards and lifesaving clubs respond to marine search-and-rescue incidents and keep the community safe.”