Victorian marine rescue expands search capacity
by John Bulmer 4 Dec 2018 21:23 PST
New search and rescue vessel by Steber International © John Bulmer
Commissioned by the Victorian State Government, the Port Fairy Marine Rescue Service will take delivery of a new search and rescue vessel in late 2019.
The 38ft vessel, built by leading Australian fibreglass manufacturer, Steber International, will help modernise and improve response times and capability of Victoria's Marine Search and Rescue sector.
Mr Wes Oswin, Manager, Marine Search and Rescue, Department of Justice and Community Safety, said:
"The commissioning of the new vessel will improve boating safety and emergency response capability in Victoria's ports, bays and coastal areas for many years to come".
There are options in the contract for up to four vessels to be built.
Steber International, based in Taree on the NSW Mid North Coast has built over 70 similar vessels for Customs, Defence, Police, Fisheries, Border Security and Marine Rescue services on behalf of the Australian Government and various State government departments.
General Manager, Alan Steber, said the vessel will be fitted with long range fuel tanks providing a range in excess of 300 nautical miles.
Other features include:
- Twin Cummins 425hp diesel engines with a service speed of 25 knots (fully fuelled and loaded with 10 people onboard) and sprint speed of 30 knots based on the same criteria
- Furuno navigation and electronic equipment
- Man-overboard detection system
- FLIR thermal imaging camera
- Life raft, buoys and a full range of safety equipment
- Licensed and in survey to carry 10 people
The new search and rescue vessel will support the following operations:
- Day/night search and rescue operations
- Support to government departments and emergency services
- Assisting and/or towing damaged or disabled vessels
- Recovery and transport of sick or injured persons
- Support for aerial operations
- Firefighting and flooded vessel assistance