New Marine Rescue Port Stephens vessel takes shape
by Marine Rescue NSW 19 Apr 2023 07:38 BST
Port Stephens 30 © Marine Rescue NSW
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Port Stephens are counting down the weeks until the arrival of the unit's new vessel Port Stephens 30.
The new 10 metre Naiad (NYE-ADD) boat is being built at Yamba Welding and Engineering on the NSW North Coast.
Powered by twin 300hp outboard engines, the new vessel will replace the current 8.5 metre rescue boat at Port Stephens and is on target for completion in late May.
Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin recently visited Yamba Welding and Engineering 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.
"This vessel will give them a greater range when they're out searching," he said.
Mr Parkin said the new rescue boat also has improved ergonomic features.
"That makes it much more comfortable for the crew to use, reduces fatigue, gives them more chance to look after the vessel, to look after themselves and really be out there for the public for as long as needed to operate a successful search.
"This new rescue boat will play a vital role in Marine Rescue's mission of saving lives on the water," Mr Parkin said.
PS 30 is one of 38 new rescue boats funded by the NSW Government's $37.6 million investment in 2019 to support the vital, life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Please find attached a construction image of PS 30, the current vessel which is being replaced and audio grabs of Kelvin Parkin.