Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Marine Rescue Port Jackson volunteers are now providing seven-day-a-week coverage during daylight hours across December and January to assist boaters on Sydney Harbour. Volunteer crews will also be on call overnight.
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer said the service has increased its presence over the peak summer period, with large numbers of recreational boaters expected on Sydney Harbour.
“The Greater Sydney region is the busiest boating area in the state, and volunteers and vessels from either Marine Rescue Middle Harbour at The Spit or Marine Rescue Port Jackson at Birkenhead Point will be on the water for 62 days straight to assist boaters in need, significantly reducing response times.”
“So far this year, volunteers from both of Marine Rescue NSW’s Sydney Harbour-based units have completed 357 search and rescue missions, including 28 emergency responses, and have safely returned 992 people to shore,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer said.
“More than half of these missions were due to engine and battery failures or running out of fuel.
“Many of these issues are preventable, and we urge all boaters to ensure their vessels are in good working order before heading out and to always carry enough clean fuel with plenty in reserve.
“With the amount of traffic on Sydney Harbour, including large commercial vessels, boaters need to be aware of the dangers if their vessel fails on such a busy waterway,” he said.
Marine Rescue NSW crews from the Middle Harbour and Port Jackson units have four rescue vessels at their disposal, servicing not only the enclosed waters of Sydney Harbour but also having the capability to assist boaters offshore.
“Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s 11.5-metre Steber and both of Marine Rescue Port Jackson’s Naiad vessels are capable of assisting boaters up to 30 nautical miles (55 km) offshore,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer said.
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Deputy Unit Commander Glen Lighton emphasised the importance of safety and weather awareness for boaters.
“Whether heading out on the harbour or offshore, it is vitally important for boaters to carry the correct safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, and continually monitor the weather.
“A sudden change in conditions can lead to life-threatening incidents, such as capsizing or running aground on rocks.
“Volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Port Jackson are well-trained, highly skilled, and rescue-ready in case a boater needs our help,” Deputy Unit Commander Lighton said.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer also encouraged boaters to always Log On with Marine Rescue NSW, either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or marine radio VHF channel 16.
“There is definite room for improvement from the Greater Sydney boating community in Logging On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW.
“Logging On provides details of their trip, and in the event they don’t return as planned, a search can be initiated. Logging On saves precious time in an emergency. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime,” he said.
Volunteer radio operators and watch officers at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre manage radio communications on Sydney Harbour and operate 24/7, 365 days a year.
“Our radio operators are the link between the land and the sea and are often the first voice a boater in distress hears. They play a crucial role in search and rescue responses, and boaters should feel assured that the dedicated team at Marine Rescue Sydney are available round the clock.
“We would like to see all boaters on Sydney Harbour have an enjoyable day on the water and return home safely without incident, in the event they do need assistance our crews from Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Marine Rescue Port Jackson will rapidly respond,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer said.
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