It was a great honour to officially hand over the keys of a new marine search-and-rescue boat, Rescue 203, to Queenscliff coastguard just a few weeks ago.
This incredible state-of-the-art vessel was co-designed by the coastguard volunteers and features cutting-edge technology and enhanced safety measures. It represents a significant investment in our region's marine safety and supports the vital work of our coastguard volunteers.
In my excitement, I actually went to the top of the rip and watched the new vessel come in for the first time, and it handled the calm waters on that day with ease. But beyond that, on other days, those waters and that rip can be absolutely, notoriously treacherous for boaters and for the coastguard who go out in them.
The coastguard has over 50 volunteers and all give up their time to support the boating public 24/7. Last year the coastguard responded to 93 on-water incidents, and some of them were very much life-and-death situations.
This vessel, built by Inverloch-based shipbuilder Alumarine and designed by Victorian firm Chris Tucker Marine Design, has done an incredible job.
They will mark 50 years next year, the Queenscliff coastguard, of their service to our community. Thank you to all those past and present who have given their time and service to our community.
For every hour you give, for every rescue you carry out and for every life that you have helped protect you are a quiet but very powerful force behind the safety of our coastline, and we are deeply grateful.
May your new vessel serve you well and bring everyone home safely.
