Gun new vessel bound for Batemans Bay Marine Rescue unit

One of the busiest bases on the South Coast, the Batemans Bay Marine Rescue unit will soon receive a brand new vessel that is under construction on the NSW North Coast.

Batemans Bay 21 is a 6.3-metre walk-through console Naiad boat being built at Yamba Welding and Engineering.

The vessel will be powered by twin 115-horsepower outboard engines capable of reaching speeds of 38 knots, and also features a full Raymarine suite including radar and side-scan sonar.

MRNSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond is expecting the new vessel to arrive in Batemans Bay at the end of April.

The Naiad will replace the oldest vessel in the unit’s fleet of three rescue boats and Mr Hammond says it will provide more stability during rough seas, as well as better ergonomics and a softer ride for members during rescue and retrieval operations.

MRNSW senior manager fleet Kelvin Parkin recently visited Yamba for a construction update.

“Everything is progressing well, there’s no major hurdles or delays and we are very much looking forward to adding this vessel to our fleet,” he said.

Mr Parkin said the walk-through console on BM 21 was a key design feature that provided safe and easy access to the front of the boat for crew members.

“It creates a really safe environment for the crew to work in so they’re not standing on the edge of a vessel and it reduces the risk of falling overboard when you are working lines or dropping anchors or even when you are talking to other members of the public when you need to get a communication across,” he said.

“This new rescue boat will play a vital role in Marine Rescue’s mission of saving lives on the water.”

During the Easter school holidays, Mr Hammond has reminded boaters to stay safe on the water and plan their trips before heading out to sea.

“Our main message is to check the weather and conditions before going out and have a plan,” he said.

“Look at the direction of the wind and the swell and make a decision about whether it’s safe to go out and the best places to go depending on conditions.”

In light of the COVID-19 lockdowns and long periods of wet weather, Mr Hammond encouraged people to check their boats thoroughly to ensure they don’t run into problems with stale fuel or a depleted battery.

“We brought a lot of people home over summer due to flat batteries or bad fuel because they haven’t been out in their boats for a while,” he said.

“Draining the fuel, cleaning the filters and using fresh fuel, as well as replacing the battery, could save a callout.”

Boaters are reminded to log on and log off with the nearest Marine Rescue NSW base on VHF Channel 16 or use the free Marine Rescue NSW app.

You can always log on, whether you’re out for a morning’s fishing, a day trip around your local area or cruising along the coastline. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re in a tinnie, a cruiser, a yacht, a kayak, a canoe or a jet ski.

If you’re heading out on the water, also make sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket.