A new vessel for Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes is closer to going into active service after passing its sea trial, with members being trained in the next few weeks.
The Tuggerah Lakes 21 replacement boat – a 6.3m walk-through console Naiad – is a multi-purpose vessel recently put through its paces by Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet, Kelvin Parkin.
He said the sea trial phase of a vessel’s construction was an all-encompassing process to ensure that the finishes, specifications, systems, engines and sea capability met Marine Rescue’s requirements.
“Initial sea trails were really good; she performed well on the water, manoeuvrability was very simple and she got up out of the hull and on a plane very nicely, so, a good asset for the Tuggerah Lakes unit,” he said.
“It can really be very capable on enclosed inshore waters where we may have to help somebody out if they have run out of fuel or a battery’s flat.
“Also, if we need to do a search pattern and run them inshore but also offshore.
“Quite comfortable to send them offshore up to about seven nautical miles (13kms) where the crew can capably join in another search and conduct their own searches from these smaller vessels.”
The vessel will be powered by twin 115hp outboard engines capable of reaching speeds of 38 knots.
Tuggerah Lakes 21 (TL 21) also comes with a quick catch system on the trailer which Parkin said made launch and retrieval safer and easier for Marine Rescue volunteers.
“You drive the boat straight on to the trailer, it latches directly on to the trailer once you get into position and you drive away,” he said.
“It removes any chance of anybody getting their fingers in the way, you stay dry and you’re away into the carpark, secure the boat and you’re done.”
Members from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes are set to undergo induction and training on the new vessel in the coming weeks before the boat goes into active service, replacing the existing TL 21 Cobia RHIB boat.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said it was important the service turned over its vessels regularly.
“This new vessel will be a great addition to our Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes unit,” he said.
“It’s important for both the volunteers, and the boaters that we support, that the vessels they have are fit for purpose and can render assistance when assistance is needed.”
TL 21 is one of 38 new rescue boats funded by the NSW Government’s $37.6M investment in 2019 to support the vital, lifesaving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Source:
Marine Rescue NSW