Boaters and swimmers in the waters around Queenscliff will be safer with the local Coast Guard now equipped with a new search and rescue vessel to respond quickly if trouble strikes.
Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward and Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant today visited the Queenscliff Coast Guard to officially hand over the vessel to the Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) volunteers who will be taking to the waves in it.
The boat is purpose designed and built to support search and rescue responses to vessels in distress, assist and tow damaged or disabled boats, help with shore-based recovery operations, and transport sick and injured people.
It is a 12 metre-long, 4-metre-wide offshore search and rescue vessel, designed to operate up to 60 nautical miles from shore in harsh conditions such as those found in Port Phillip Heads and Bass Strait.
Featuring state-of-the-art navigation and operating systems, including GPS, forward-looking infrared radar, and radio direction-finding equipment, it is equipped to help find missing people quickly and accurately.
Capable of operating night and day, the boat will also support the Country Fire Authority in marine firefighting, as well as supporting police operations.
The vessel was built by Inverloch-based shipbuilder Alumarine and was designed by Victorian firm Chris Tucker Marine Design.
The Queenscliff Coast Guard’s 54 volunteers respond to more than 50 incidents each year, assisting broken down boats and helping swimmers and divers in emergency situations.
MSAR plays a vital role in keeping people safe along Victoria’s coastline, out at sea and on inland waterways. Victoria has an MSAR fleet of 50 marine response vessels across 26 locations, with around 850 volunteers who responded to more than 1200 callouts in the last year.
MSAR volunteers are dedicated to helping Victoria’s more than 417,000 recreational boat licence holders safely enjoy the 2500 kilometres of coastline, 85,000 kilometres of rivers, and over 120 bays, inlets and estuaries in Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward
“We’re giving the hardworking volunteers of the Queenscliff Coast Guard a fit-for-purpose vessel so they can continue to be there for those in need.”
“With so many Victorians holding recreational vessel licenses and enjoying the water, it’s essential that we do all we can to keep them safe.”
“I’m proud to say that this vessel was designed and built right here in Victoria, helping local businesses deliver for our communities.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“We’re giving the hardworking volunteers of the Queenscliff Coast Guard a fit-for-purpose vessel so they can continue to be there for those in need.”
