This also is a little old information. But interested me so I thought others might be interested.
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From:
http://www.ses.sa.gov.au/site/home.jspMedia Release
State Emergency Service
Volunteer Marine Rescue launches Sea Rescue 2
Friday, 27 March 2009
A brand new search and rescue vessel called ‘Sea Rescue 2’ is about to become the latest addition to the State’s Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) fleet.
South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM) Chief Executive, David Place, will officially commission the new vessel for the SA Sea Rescue Squadron (SASRS) on Sunday 29 March at 10:00am, Barcoo Road West Beach.
Mr Place said the ‘Sea Rescue 2’ will substantially improve the State’s capacity to respond to marine emergencies.
“Despite greater education in marine safety and advances in technology, there continues to be incidents at sea.
“With more people making a ‘sea change’ by congregating in our coastal communities, the number of registered vessels is continually on the rise and therefore the need for our waters to be continually monitored is increasing.
“In order to ensure this, VMR associations such as the SASRS are strategically located around the State’s coastline to support search and rescue authorities in responding to marine emergencies.”
Mr Place said the Sea Rescue 2 replaces a former vessel of the same name, which served the southern metropolitan coastline well for many years. The southern coastline is considered a high risk area and in 2008 the craft was inspected and deemed to be no longer suitable for search and rescue purposes.
“Following a submission by the SASRS through the State Emergency Service (SES) and SAFECOM, Government provided $160,000 from the State budget to replace the vessel.
“This represents a considerable, but well-deserved commitment and recognition by Government of the very valuable role VMR associations play in the community.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks and commend the volunteers, who give of their time freely, often at the expense of family and personal commitments, sometimes confronting potentially dangerous situations.”
The Manager of VMR in South Australia, Darryl Wright, said that the new vessel is 7.4 metres in length, powered by an inboard diesel motor and fitted with state-of-the-art electronics, navigation and safety equipment.
“Not only will this vessel be able to respond to the waters in its primary area of operation, but to other areas of the State in support of ongoing operations as required.
“The ongoing support of VMR associations by the State Government not only ensures that they are suitably equipped and prepared to respond to marine emergencies, but also demonstrates support of their valuable role
within the community.”
The SASRS has a long and distinguished history of service to the boating community in SA. Since its inception in 1960 it has evolved to be one of the largest and most progressive VMR associations with in excess of 700
volunteer members operating satellite flotillas at Copper Coast (Wallaroo), Edithburgh and Wirrina.
In addition to providing response to marine emergencies, members attend public gatherings and waterborne events, provide regular safety message broadcasts and monitor marine radio distress frequencies.
They are also actively involved in promoting boating and water safety through public education courses.
For media enquiries contact Darryl Wright on <mobile #>
For SES response in storms or floods telephone 132 500. If the matter is life threatening telephone 000
For further information on the services provided by the SES go to
www.ses.sa.gov.auFor media enquiries telephone the SES Media Line on (08) 8211 6176
