CONDITIONS were calm and happy as Camden Haven Marine Rescue's new vessel, Spirit of the Camden Haven II, was officially commissioned, blessed and named.
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Marine Rescue NSW has invested $400,000 in the safety of boaters on the Mid North Coast, officially commissioning a new rapid response offshore rescue vessel last weekend in the Camden Haven.
MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said local and visiting boaters would be even safer on the water following the commissioning of the vessel at the Laurieton United Services Club.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams, Member for Lyne David Gillespie and Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Cr Peter Besseling attended the commissioning of Camden Haven 30 (CH30), a 10m Naiad RHIB, built by Yamba Welding and Engineering, on Saturday.
Commissioner Tannos said the new boat, able to travel up to 30 nautical miles offshore, was a valuable addition to marine search and rescue resources in the popular boating region of the Mid North Coast.
“It provides greater speed and range for lengthy and challenging rescue operations,” he said.
“These vessel not only represents an investment in the safety of the many local and visiting boaters but also in the safety of the hard-working and skilled volunteer members of the Camden Haven unit.
“CH30 is among 39 new and refurbished rescue vessels delivered to date at a cost of more than $11 million as part of our ongoing project to upgrade our rescue fleet through the financial support of the NSW Government and the boating community.”
During Saturday’s ceremony, Camden Haven 30 was be christened ‘Spirit of Camden Haven II’ by two of the unit’s foundation members, Tom and Lilian Johnson.
MC John Murray, regional controller of Marine Rescue on the Mid North Coast, said boats were given names traditionally so God of the sea, King Neptune, could protect the vessel. The name of the vessel is said aloud so Neptune could hear it and champagne is poured on the deck to please him. Blessing a ship brings good luck to the new ship and those who sail on it.
Camden Haven Unit Commander Ken Clancy said CH30 was a great asset for the unit and for boaters in trouble on local waters.
“The vessel handles and responds beautifully. It has improved our emergency response as it is faster and carries more sophisticated electronic equipment on board than our previous vessel.
“It ensures our volunteers can work efficiently, safely and swiftly to help boaters in trouble on the water.”
CH 30 is powered by twin 250hp Suzuki outboards. She is fitted with state of the art navigation, multiple marine radios, Automatic Identification System and thermal imaging cameras, along with a cardiac defibrillator and oxygen therapy.
Commissioner Tannos paid tribute to the unit's volunteers for their dedication to serving the large boating community along the coastline.
“Our volunteers are committed to saving lives on the water, giving their time to respond to emergencies, as well as to attend regular training, keep their unit operating effectively and raise funds,” he said.
“The financial support we receive from the Government and through boaters’ registration and licence fees is essential to our work to provide NSW with a world-class marine search and rescue, radio network and education service for safer boating.
“The Camden Haven unit also enjoys a great deal of support from the local communities.
“The people of this region clearly value their local volunteers, donating generously and taking part in their fundraising activities such as market days and boat raffles. We thank them for this.”
Commissioner Tannos reminded boaters to always wear their lifejackets and to Log On and Off with their local Marine Rescue radio base whenever they were on the water. To find your local base, visit www.marinerescuensw.com.au
