Marine Rescue NSW urges winter boating caution - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 16 Jul 14:00 PDT
Marine Rescue NSW vessel Point Danger 31 © Marine Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers completed 235 search and rescue missions across the state's waterways during June, safely returning 548 people to shore as demand for the service remained strong despite cooler weather.
Almost 40% of the missions undertaken during the month were emergency responses, with Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews reminding boaters that preparation is critical before heading onto the water.
The Outboard Engine Distributors Association (OEDA) introduced a welcome marine jobs initiative last week. Job Ready training courses aim to encourage students to consider a career in the recreational boating industry as a marine technician. The course was held at Mercury Marine, Dandenong, Victoria. The initiative was developed by a working group consisting of the training managers of Honda, Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu and Yamaha, along with BIA Ltd and BIA Vic over the last 12 months.
New electronic speed advisory signs are making a positive impact and helping to improve safety on South Australian waterways. Using radar technology, the signs display a vessel's speed in real-time, providing a clear reminder to operators to stay within limits. Results from trials at North Haven and St Kilda show average vessel speeds dropping by more than 30% at St Kilda and nearly 15% at North Haven.
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard attended the Australia Tahiti Rendezvous which achieved record attendance. Held 25-26 June at Marina Taina, this edition attracted more than 150 representatives from the Australian superyacht industry and crew, as well as local suppliers and agents. The Australian delegation included Rivergate, Australian Superyachts, Carter Marine Agencies, Chapman, d'Albora, Integ Marine Group, Pacific Provisions, Main Beach Superyacht Marina, Melanesian Yachts, Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef, The Yard Brisbane and Yachtsmiths.
Electric hydrofoiling technology is gaining momentum locally and globally, with New Zealand marine technology company Vessev expanding across multiple Australian cities as interest grows in cleaner, more connected waterways transit. Vessev announced it has signed a commercial agreement to deliver multiple VS-12 electric hydrofoiling vessels into Sydney. The network aims to complement existing public transport infrastructure by increasing capacity on waterways without adding significant noise, emissions or shoreline impact.
Stacer has unveiled its refreshed 2026 model range, introducing a suite of enhancements that further strengthen its reputation for delivering practical, durable and innovative aluminium boats built for Australian conditions. Headlining the range is the all-new Rebel, alongside the rollout of Stacer DNA across the range, the availability of Super Core Flooring on selected models and a host of styling and feature upgrades designed to elevate the on-water experience.
It was a great sadness to receive the news of the demise of Jim Close, who had been battling cancer for over two years. Jim was not only the designer and manufacturer of the award-winning X-3 sailing dinghy. The Royal Queensland YC said: "His remarkable career spanned five Around the World Races, four America Cup campaigns, Admiral Cups and Sydney-Hobarts. Jim will be remembered for his warmth, his creativity and his unwavering devotion to his family and friends. Our thoughts are with his wife Julie, their sons Harry and Riley."
Jim had been working on a book of stories from his sailing life and Julie has asked that those who knew him share their memories and messages. John Curnow's tribute (in May) details this, and Jim's full story.
More daily news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media