ACROSS NSW 46 Marine Rescue units comprising 3,500 volunteers are gearing up for their busiest time of year as the weather warms up and boat owners take to coastal waters.
To ensure preparedness, this month 10 members of the crew at Marine Rescue Camden Haven refreshed their firefighting skills in a three-hour workshop at their Laurieton base.
The practice included using fire extinguishers and fire blankets, focussing on the risks of firefighting onboard a vessel or at the base, with Mitch Harvey, Marine Rescue’s Zone Training Manager, running the session.
Marine Rescue Camden Haven Deputy Unit Commander, Rick Stone, said the training reflected the reality of working in small teams, often far from immediate help.
“Once we leave the wharf, there is no fire brigade to call,” Mr Stone said.
“If a fire breaks out on board, our crew has to deal with it quickly and safely, while looking after everyone on the vessel.
“We often work as a small, self-reliant team.
“Every crew member needs to know what to do, and trust that the person beside them does too.
“Practising these skills regularly means we act fast when it counts.”
Across NSW over winter, Marine Rescue units completed 273 search and rescue missions in August, the busiest August on record. This included 97 emergency responses and 538 people returned safely to shore.
Engine, battery and fuel problems accounted for 55 per cent of August responses statewide, and these faults carry the potential to cause an onboard fire..
Regular servicing of engines and maintenance of fuel lines reduces the risk of an onboard fire.
Transport NSW Maritime rules mandate that a fire extinguisher must be carried on all vessels that include any of the following: any fuel storage, including a petrol tank for a line pull boat or winch motor; an electric-start engine or electric motor; and a battery or gas installation.
“We want everyone to enjoy the water this spring,” Mr Stone said. “Check your engine, fuel
and battery before you leave, carry a working fire extinguisher, wear a lifejacket and log on with Marine Rescue NSW every time you go out.”
Boaters can log on through the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF Channel 16.
By Rachael THORPE
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