SAREX (Search & Rescue Exercise)
In September, five Coast Guard members participated in a joint SAREX with other emergency services personnel. Following is an outline of the weekend, as reported by K Steel:
Saturday
A theory instruction was held at SES headquarters in Tighes Hill from 0830 hrs. to 1600 hrs and the element for instruction was Coastal SAR Datum Planning.
The session included the method of determining the search area based on information received, being able identify local area conditions prevailing, i.e. currents, winds and any navigational problems that may exist.
The number of assets ( boats, aircraft ) required was determined and a search grid established in a designated area, with visibility determining position of vessels in search sweep.
Charts of Port Stephens to Crowdy Head area were supplied and a theoretical SARCC base was established to locate a vessel overdue in the area. Documents were supplied to complete the scenario.
All information as received during the lecture was applied to the scenario and the attendees as listed formed a SARC group and obtained the required information to be able to deploy the required search group.
Sunday
A briefing was held at Newcastle Water Police Building at 0900 hrs: A scenario was set by Water Police indicating that two persons had gone overboard from a small fishing vessel in the Hunter River one person still in vessel.
Information received by occupant was that they could not identify the location as he was new to the area but could see large bridge in the distance, one person overboard had lifejacket other person last seen holding boat fender drifting away. No further communication from vessel.
One person from each rescue boat ( 7 ) was placed on Water Police vessel WP33 as a command group.
A member of Coastal Patrol Gosford was aboard CG091.
Command frequency was designated VHF #.
CG091 was tasked to proceed at speed in company with Coastal Patrol vessel HLB1 to Hexam bridge and begin sweep down river to harbour entrance. CG091 arrived at Hexam bridge at 1008 hrs and commenced sweep. The simulated bodies (other deployed vessels ) were located in the area adjacent to Stockton Bridge and transferred to WP33.
Instruction was radioed to all vessels to return to Water Police wharf and arrived at 1110 hrs.
De-briefing was held at Water Police building by Sgt. and WP vessel crew.
All members present were given the opportunity to have input as to the handling of the operation and a great deal of constructive comments were received and accepted as relevant by Water Police.
CG091 departed Water Police wharf at 1237 hrs. and arrived C.G. boatshed at 1315 hrs.
On way home CG091 assisted a vessel by escorting it into the CG boatshed pontoon and supplied them with a quantity of engine oil for which they were grateful.
CG091 crew stood down at approx. 1700 hrs.
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