A NEW $260,000 marine rescue vessel has been commissioned at Port Stephens on the NSW Central Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the Codi-K II, a $260,000 8.5 metre Gemini Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, would be a valuable addition to marine search and rescue capability in the Hunter region, boosting safety for the local boating community.
“The Codi-K II forms an important part of Marine Rescue’s strategically located safety net of offshore rescue vessels covering the NSW coastline,” Commissioner Tannos said.
“It is the second Gemini RHIB to join the MRNSW fleet. These are a new generation of rapid-response rescue vessels, able to operate up to 15 nautical miles offshore,” he said.
Commissioner Tannos paid tribute to the unit’s volunteers for their fundraising efforts, which had enabled them to fund the cost of the new vessel.
“The members of Port Stephens are tremendously committed to saving lives on the water and energetic in their work to raise funds for their unit and their operations, including this new vessel,” he said.
“Our rescue coverage on this area of the coastline is exceptional, with Marine Rescue units operating from nine separate locations between Port Stephens and Terrigal. This is one of the State’s most popular districts for boating, both offshore and on the network of lakes.”
State of the art electronics installed on MRNSW vessels include Raymarine navigation, Icom marine radios, Furuno AIS (Automatic Identification System) and FLIR night vision, along with advanced first aid equipment, an Australian Defibrillators cardiac defibrillator and oxygen therapy.
Commissioner Tannos reminded boaters to always log on and log off with their local Marine Rescue radio base whenever they are on the water.
To find your local base, visit www.marinerescuensw.com.au
