MAKING WAVES Monaro News
Eden expands service with first rescue vessel New on-water operations to begin in time for peak summer season.
M
arine Rescue NSW is to expand its capability by deploying a rescue boat to operate out of Eden for the first time, providing greater protection to boaters on the Far South Coast. MR Eden will take delivery of the unit’s first rescue vessel in time for the peak summer holidays. MR Point Danger’s vessel Point Danger 30 will be re-deployed to Eden once its new 12m Naiad arrives in coming weeks. This will ensure operations can begin at Eden by the peak Christmas-New Year holiday season, ahead of the delivery of a new vessel purpose-built to meet local conditions in early 2022. MRNSW will continue to work closely with the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, which operates the large ocean-going launch, Falcon, out of Eden. The unit also will gain a second base, providing a crew ready room and training facilities, at the Port of Eden as part of its expansion. Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the new Point Danger and Eden boats were among 38 funded by the State Government as part of its $37.6 milion investment in MRNSW. “The support of the State Government and boating community is essential for us to continue
New resource for the Far South Coast ... MR Point Danger rescue vessel PD 30 will be redeployed to MR Eden in time for the peak summer holidays.
expanding our capability and service to ensure that we are rescue-ready from one end of the coastline to the other,” he said. The unit will be looking to recruit new members to manage its expanded workload, under the leadership of Unit Commander Stuart Manson, recently elected unopposed, and Deputy Nancy Weatherman. Eden was the test unit for the changeover to the new Frequentis radio system linking radio bases to the State Communications Centre
operated by MR Sydney. The unit’s radio operators managed almost 5,500 radio calls in 2020-21, initiating more than 40 rescue missions and Logging On about 1,600 boats. New radio equipment was installed in the base on August 9 and subjected to considerable testing until the robustness of the connections was assured. The final cutover for Eden was on August 16. The unit is continuing to maintain its services during the current Covid restrictions, with training
activities taking place within risk management protocols, including over Zoom. Crew training is in hand with some existing members updating to operational readiness and others progressing to Leading Crew. A big thank you to MR Narooma for assisting in bringing our Coxswain up to operational readiness. Congratulations to Training Services Officer Kent Farrell, who has been awarded the National Medal for 15 years’ service. John McKinnon
HELP INJURED WILDLIFE Every year thousands of marine birds and animals are injured by plas�c bags, fishing line, hooks and sinkers. If you see an injured bird or na�ve animal please call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or Australian Seabird Rescue on 0428 862 852.
CNC Machined Steel Half Couplings Poly Flex half couplings come in a range of models including 424, 434, 464, 524, 534, 546 & 616. The first number of the model specifies the flange OD being either 4”, 5” or 6”. These accommodate shaft sizes ranging from 3/4” - 3”. Please ask one of our trained staff for more info. Custom Half Couplings & Cotton Reel Adaptors Available on Request!!
DONATE to WIRES at WIRES.ORG.AU or to Australian Seabird Rescue at SEABIRDRESCUE.ORG
SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW
35
