Illawarra's new rescue boat launched in time for busy boating season

Marine Rescue NSW's new $343,915 vessel is a multitasker designed to save Illawarra boaters in trouble on the lake and at sea.

The Port Kembla 20 was officially commissioned today at the Marine Rescue Port Kembla harbour base. The 5.5-metre rescue craft can tow disabled vessels and recover people from the water, and its design is particularly suited to Lake Illawarra's shallow waters.

“Port Kembla 20 is the first vessel of its kind in the Marine Rescue NSW fleet and its design is a game changer for our response capability on the lake," said Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley.

“Lake Illawarra presents some extremely challenging shallow-water conditions and those conditions can change rapidly, with strong winds and confused swell catching boaters off guard.

“It can operate up to seven nautical miles offshore, complementing our larger rescue vessel and two rescue watercraft, and its 150-litre fuel capacity allows crews to remain on the water for longer during extended searches.”

The vessel has a thermal imaging camera, which will help the crew to search for people and vessels at night or in poor visibility. Its Aqua Truck hull is constructed from high-density polyethylene, which is strong, corrosion-resistant and fully recyclable, and eliminates the need for antifouling.

The launch was held ahead of the official boating season, which begins on Thursday, 1 October. Boaters are reminded to complete essential safety checks, log on with Marine Rescue NSW and prepare for the conditions before heading out on the water.

More than 475 volunteers support the Illawarra region’s maritime safety operations, from the Royal National Park south to Kioloa.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said: “Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready around the clock to respond when boaters need help, but everyone who takes to the water has a responsibility to make safety their priority.

“I encourage every boater to log on every trip, every time, whether heading offshore, fishing on an estuary or enjoying an inland waterway.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said the Port Kembla 20 was “another important investment" in Marine Rescue NSW.

“Port Kembla 20 is a fantastic addition to that capability. It is specifically designed to operate in the challenging shallow waters of Lake Illawarra, while also providing another response option offshore and across the wider region.

“I thank the dedicated volunteers who give their time to keep our community safe and who are ready to respond whenever the call comes.” 

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews reiterated what he told The Flame in a recent interview: skippers should ensure they complete thorough safety checks of their vessels, especially if those vessels haven’t been used during the cooler months.

“The ‘she’ll be right’ attitude doesn’t cut it when you’re stranded 20 nautical miles offshore in deteriorating weather conditions because you used old fuel or didn’t check your battery.

“Engine and battery failures and running out of fuel account for almost 60 per cent of our responses across NSW.

“Before you launch, service your boat, check your battery, inspect your safety equipment, make sure you have enough fuel to complete your trip with some in reserve, and check and monitor the weather.

“Poor preparation can turn a great day on the water into a life-threatening incident, and many of the problems we respond to are preventable. Don’t let complacency cut your day or possibly your life short.”

Following the second busiest winter in Marine Rescue NSW history, volunteers are expected to be in high demand as more boaters return to the water this boating season, which runs through to ANZAC Day 2027.

Last boating season, volunteers across the Illawarra region completed 303 search and rescue missions, including 141 emergency responses, safely returning 660 people to shore.