Catherine Hill Bay Tradegdy
Although a shocking tragedy, the incident at Catherine Hill Bay last weekend is a primary focus of Marine Rescue’s work.
Our task last weekend was to sweep the coast (as close as we could safely do so) from the Mawson breakwall till we met up with the rest of the search fleet. Unfortunately on this occassion the ending was not a happy one with police recovering the bodies of three men washed up at Flat Rock.
This therefore is a untimely reminder that BEFORE going out
a) check the weather
b) check your equipment and supplies
c) log on and log off with Marine Rescue, so we can keep track of you
…. and keep in contact during your trip.
This is a volunteer (read: free) service offered to the public, so take a few minutes to let us know what your plans are so you’ve got a better chance of getting home safely.
Marine Rescue: Interim Regional Coordinators
As at 1600 hrs Wednesday 7th April 2010, interim Regional Coordinators will take their place within the structure of Marine Rescue NSW. Those appointed in the interim are:
Northern Rivers: Stephen Reading
Mid North Coast: Linda Jones
Hunter/ Central Coast: Neil Grieves (immediate-past Commander of AVCGA Swansea Flotilla)
Sydney: Chris Gillett
Illawarra: Bruce Mitchell
Monaro: Bob Herbert
Toronto BoatFest
It’s on again, this Easter weekend, so come along and say “Hi” to the folk of Marine Rescue.
Full programme is available at -
http://www.classicboatfest.com.au/program.html
Round the World - again
Just shows what can be accomplished by two incredible guys (Whitworth & Crozier) in an old 33ft Boat (Joubert, 1977 build).
…. Australia to the UK via Alaska and the North West Passage (the first to do so?)
March 2010 Calendar
Bookings essential!
To register, or for further information, please call the Radio Base on 4971 3498
Mon 1, 1830
Essential Shipboard Safety theory (Members only)
Tue 9, 1900
Flotilla Meeting (Members Only)
Wed 10 - Thu 11, 0800
First Aid (Members only)
Mon 15 - Wed 17, 1830
MROCP - Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency
Wed 17 Mar 10, 0900
Practical boat training (Members only)
Thu 18 & Tue 23, 1830
MROVCP - Radio Licence: 2 Night intensive for the public
Fri 19 - Sun 21
Inaugural Lakefest 2010 www.lakefest.com.au
Mon 22 - Tue 23, 1830
MROCP continued
Thu 25, 1000
Executive Meeting
Wed 31, 1830
Monthly social at Belmont Golf Club (RSVP to J Magrie)
Starting on 12 April - a 9 week full Coastal Navigation course, open to all.
A Rose By Any Other Name
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”
Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)
You will have noticed over the last few months a few different call signs being used by the various volunteer groups looking after the maritime communities.
For decades we’ve been called ‘Coast Guard Swansea’ and, for those passing through offshore & SARC, ‘VMR Swansea’.
With machinations taking place to amalgamate the services, or whatever the boffins want to call it, in mid-January 2010 we started using ‘VMR Swansea’ exclusively and then in February the local callsign of ‘Marine Rescue Swansea’ was implemented by the former Coast Guard. Our colleagues at Coastal Patrol have also morphed into Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie.
Obviously this has caused a bit of confusion for both the boating public and radio operators alike, however, please be assured that - as always - if you call, we are listening and will respond!
Also, keep an eye out for the new uniforms: royal blue with illuminous ‘Marine Rescue’ emblazoned across them and the wet weather/night kit is a not-to-be-missed illuminous yellow.
Interactive Navigation Tool
NSW Maritime has recently launched an interactive navigation tool, which can be found at:
http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/vessel_navigation_tool/nav_home.html
…. go on, test yourself!
Handy Hint
Whilst you can spend a variable number of dollars ($17-35) for a water proof case for your mobile phone etc, why not try this simple and inexpensive idea, from P Jenkins of Merimbula and first published in “Soundings” (Dec 09) …
seal your phone in a zip lock bag, the type available from supermarkets.
Depending on the design of the phone it can be used without opening the bag - converstaion is still able to be heard by both parties.
and whilst you’re at it, program the number for VMR Swansea into the quick dial: 02 4971 3498...
Even if you’re not in our area we can relay any request for assistance to the closest base.
Why you should “log on”
The following excerpt is from an article published in “Soundings” the magazine of Marine Rescue NSW (Dec 09). It has been abbreviated for this site.
At 0600 a 6m recreational fishing vessel, “U”, left Port with 3 persons on board for a days fishing with an ETR of 1600. They answered both the 0900 and 1300 skeds as arranged, reporting no change.
At 1600 when U failed to advise its return to Port, attempts were made to contact the vessel. This proved unsuccessful and at 1630 it was declared an overdue vessel and appropriate procedures were initiated, including the dispatch of a rescue vessel.
At 2130 after 2 hours steaming the rescue vessel arrived at the approximate last known location. After 15 minutes the skipper reported seeing ‘a small red light’ in the distance so proceeded in that direction and turned the spot light on - to find U lying side-on, completely awash with three persons in the water.
At 2150 they were found after capsizing at 1430 - that’s 7 hours 20 minutes in the water for the crew. They had DRIFTED 13.5nm at an average speed of 1.8knots from their original location.
This highlights the vital importance of logging-on with your local Marine Rescue unit each and every time you are on the water. This is a FREE service and takes only a few minutes of your time.
(NB Vessel EPIRBS are mandatory when travelling more than 2nm offshore and individual EPIRBS are highly recommended.)
Crossing The Bar
In ‘Afloat’ magazine (Oct 2009), Malcolm Riley of the Bureau of Meteorology in Hobart, wrote an illuminating piece on crossing river bars. The link is here for your reference: we recommend you read it then read it again:
http://www.afloat.com.au/afloat-magazine/2009/october-2009/Weather
With thanks to Malcom for approval to relay his always informative articles.
