Boat Talk January/February 2015

The official publication of Volunteer Marine Rescue Brisbane Inc

 

January/February 2015

BOAT TALK

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

INSIDE News and Activations ………………..……… 4 President’s Report ……………………..……. 5 Secretary’s Report ……………………..……. 6 UTC’s Report ………………………………… 7 Treasurer’s Report ………………..………… 8 Sandgate Yacht Club Report ………....…… 9 ANZAC Day Articles …………………....…. 10 Crews News ………………………………11-12 Boat Launch Safety Checklist…………...… 13 Guide to Towing Your Boat Trailer ……...… 14 Thank You Page…………………..….…..…. 15 Social…………………………………………. 16

Submissions

Order Your Club Shirts Now We are still taking orders for the VMR Brisbane club shirts.

The shirts are lightweight fabric that allows the shirt to breath and wicks away moisture so that it is cool and comfortable to wear. Orders close at the end of March. To order, leave a note in the `Crew Room’ MAIL cupboard addressed to Linda or send your order by email to editor@vmrbrisbane.com.au.

Editorial and photographic contribution are welcome. Please contact the editor for guidelines. Preference will be given to electronic submissions and those articles adhering to word limits. Originals of all material should be retained by contributors and only copies sent to Boat Talk.

Disclaimer Advertisers and contributors to Boat Talk acknowledge that they are aware of the provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and the Competition and Consumer Act 2000 in relation to false and misleading advertising or statements breach of provisions of these Acts.

The publisher accepts no responsibility for such breaches. Opinions expressed by contributors are their own and not necessarily endorsed by Boat Talk or the publishers. All material in Boat Talk is copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publishers. All articles are general in nature. Individuals should seek expert advice before acting on any information.

Our New Website Is Live

Front Cover The new home page of the Volunteer Marine Rescue Brisbane website.

We have actively concentrated on bringing our website, social media, Boat Talk and marketing materials up to date and present it in a fresh new way.

VMR BRISBANE

Our new website www.vmrbrisbane.com.au is up and running although more work needs to be done on the mobile site. You will notice Crew Qualifications, Crew Roster and other features are missing from Boat Talk. They can all be found on the website and logging under the `Crew' page. This allows more space for articles which hopefully everyone will find more interesting. Boat Talk will be also added to the website under the `Boat Talk’ page. You will also notice links in the magazine. This is for the online version and these links will take you to other websites or articles to give you more information on the topic.

New features will be added over the next few months. If you would like to see anything in particular added, please contact Kelly at admin@vmrbrisbane.co.au.

2

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

Volunteer Marine Rescue Brisbane Inc 95 Allpass Parade, Shorncliffe Qld 4017 PO Box 201, Sandgate Qld 4017 Ph: 07 3269 888 Fax: 07 3269 2245 Web: vmrbrisbane.com.au

Volunteer Marine Rescue Brisbane is a member of the Volunteer Marine Rescue Association of Queensland.

VMR Brisbane management meetings occurs on the 4th Tuesday of each month.

Call Sign: VMR Brisbane (401)

Executive Positions President: Snr Vice President: Jnr Vice President: Treasurer: Secretary:

Thomas Grice Joe McCoy Luke Hillyard Col Neilsen David Massam

president@vmrbrisbane.com.au snr.vice.president@vmrbrisbane.com.au jnr.vice.president@vmrbrisbane.com.au treasurer@vmrbrisbane.com.au secretary@vmrbrisbane.com.au

Nominated Positions Unit Training Co-ordinator: Crew Liaison: WHS Officer: Membership Officer: Vessel and Equipment Officer: Buildings and Grounds Officer: IT and Communications: Publicity: Editor: Website: Social Media: Squadron Historian: Hall Hire: Providor: Social Activities: Fishing & Cruising Members Representatives: “ Zone Delegates: “ Duty Roster: Sandgate Yacht Club Delegate: Sandgate Canoe Club Delegate: Lionfish Dive Club Delegate:

Dean Steinback Glenn Philip David Massam Ben Gillespie Bill Hirn Greg Henderson Thomas Grice Linda Frankland Linda Frankland Glenn Philip Kelly Williams Kelly Williams Tom Begbie Tom Begbie Rae Hirn Paul Hollingdale Les Pascoe Bill Hirn Thomas Grice Luke Hillyard Ray Langdon Andrew Pearson Kaye Watson Kathryn McDonald

Patrons Police Commissioner Member for Deagon Past Member for Sandgate Unit Chaplain

Ian Stewart Cr Victoria Newton Kerry Millard Rev Ron Holt

utc@vmrbrisbane.com.au crew.liaison@vmrbrisbane.com.au secretary@vmrbrisbane.com.au membership@vmrbrisbane.com.au equipment@vmrbrisbane.com.au maintenance@vmrbrisbane.com.au it@vmrbrisbane.com.au publicity@vmrbrisbane.com.au editor@vmrbrisbane.com.au webmaster@vmrsandgate.net.au social.media@vmrbrisbane.com.au admin@vmrbrisbane.com.au hallhire@vmrbrisbane.com.au hallhire@vmrbrisbane.com.au social@vmrbrisbane.com.au fishing.cruising@vmrbrisbane.com.au members.reps@vmrbrisabne.com.au members.reps@vmrbrisabne.com.au president@vmrbrisbane.com.au jnr.vice.president@vmrbrisbane.com.au commodore@syc.org.au sandgatecanoeclubnews@gmail.com lionfish.secretary@gmail.com

BOAT TALK Publicity: Linda Frankland Email: publicity@vmrbrisbane.com.au Editor: Linda Frankland Email: editor@vmrbrisbane.com.au ……………………………………………

Layout Design by Miss 360 Mobile: 0406 701 384 Email: kelly@miss360.com.au ……………………………………………

Volunteer Marine Rescue Brisbane would like to thank our major sponsors Energex and Port of Brisbane for their continued sponsorship and support over the years.

VMR BRISBANE

Printed by Redback Print Phone: 07 3261 4035 Mobile: 0490 013 520 Email: rbprint@bigpond.net.au

3

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

Activations Report

January 2015

Welcome Aboard Welcome aboard to our newest members. We look forward to meeting you at the base and social activities.

Deborah Kaiser Stewart Galway Jean-Paul Cordosa

Clive Oldfield Ian Spruce Ryan Massingham

What’s Coming Up MARCH Members Forum Meeting - 24th March

Come along and find out what we are working on, what our goals are and raise your hand if you wish to become more involved. Meet our Management Committee and other Crew Members. Refreshments will be available.

Crew BBQ - 27th March

APRIL Bluewater Festival - 2nd and 3rd April

VMR Brisbane will be part of the festival this year along with providing security for the fireworks vessel.

We are calling for expressions of interest from Crew Members to help out over this festival with traffic control duties. Please phone or email Kelly at admin@vmrbrisbane.com.au for more information.

Bunnings BBQ - 12th April

VMR Brisbane will be hosting a BBQ at Bunnings Carseldine on the 12th April, 2015 to raise money for the roadside painting of the Clubhouse. Come down and meet the team and buy a sausage or two to show your support!

Memorial Stone Dedication - 19th April

VMR Brisbane will be holding an unveiling of the WW2 memorial stone which has been recently been made into a feature in the foyer wall. This will commence at midday and BBQ will be held afterwards. We are encouraging our members who have fought in the Wars to attend to meet our Naval Association guests. Please email Kelly at admin@vmrbrisbane.com.au for more information.

Crew BBQ - 24th April ANZAC Day March - 25th April

VMR Brisbane is honoured to be marching at the Dawn Service in Sandgate this year. Please contact Bob Chapman if you would like to march.

VMR BRISBANE

6th - Energex Sandgate 1 was tasked to assist yacht number 16 which was competing in the Flying Fifteen Championships. The vessel became swamped and was towed back to Cabbage Tree Creek and was pumped out.

10th - Energex Sandgate 1 was tasked to assist a broken down vessel with four persons onboard, from the Measured Mile back to Whyte Island.

24th - Energex Sandgate 1 was tasked to located a vessel from the Koopa Channel area back to Nudgee Floodway Ramp.

27th - Energex Sandgate 1 and Sandgate Rescue 2 were tasked to help the Brisbane Water Police to attend the capsized sailing boat near the Ted Smout Bridge off Redcliffe. Both men were transported to Redcliffe Hospital for multiple jellyfish stings.

31st - Energex Sandgate 1 was tasked to tow a broken down vessel from the Brisbane River back to the boat ramp at Whyte Island.

February 2015 14th - Sandgate Rescue 2 was tasked to tow a vessel of the sandbank in Cabbage Tree Creek.

15th - Energex Sandgate 1 was tasked to tow a jet-ski from the Brisbane River outside the Maritime Museum to Bulimba.

15th - Energex Sandgate 1 was deployed for a second time to tow a vessel at the Measured Mile which was experiencing and electrical fault. The boat was towed back to the Shorncliffe public boat ramp.

22nd - Energex Sandgate 1 was tasked to tow moorings back to their original place after a log was caught up in them and had dragged them towards another vessel.

22nd - Energex Sandgate 1 was tasked after Victoria Newton had posted photos on Facebook that a vessel in Cabbage Tree Creek was in the process of sinking. The Crew spent 45 mins draining the water from it’s bunk.

28th - Sandgate Rescue 2 was tasked to retrieve a vessel which sunk overnight and was beached at Cowan.

Sandgate Rescue 2 towed the vessel as far as the Pearl Channel where Coast Guard Redcliffe took over the tow.

Call Out for Help If you know of anyone who is willing to help with articles for Boat Talk, Admin or helping to organise functions, please contact Kelly by email at admin@vmrbrisbane.com.au.

4

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

President’s Report Thomas Grice

Well this year proves to be

an exciting one. Firstly I’d like to thank all the members that work tirelessly in the back ground to keep VMR Brisbane ticking along. There is a growing number of you which is extremely heart-warming to see the passion and dedication to make VMR Brisbane the very best that it can be.

One of these is Kelly Williams who has taken on the role of Historian. As part of this Kelly was able to track down the memorial stone that was in the foyer of the club house and also secured some funding to have the stone tidied up and mounted back in the foyer under the honour board where it should be. Lest we Forget.

If you are prepared to help with any of these during the year please let me know so we can take advantage of these BBQ’s when they do come up.

Thank you to Bob Chapman for looking into being part of the Sandgate ANZAC day parade this year. If you would like to march with us, please let us know so we can keep you informed.

I’m hoping we can be part of Einbunpin Festival again this year. Thanks to the crew that gave of their time over and above their normal crew days last year. We had a great time and Sandgate Rescue 2 was a great hit with the kids, big and small.

Open Day this year should also be an event to look forward to. Both Energex and Port of Brisbane have We have been working hard at building on what we expressed interest in being part of something a little achieved last year in raising our profile in the local different to our normal Open Day so community. Why do we do this?

I THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE watch this space. If you would like to Because we have something in VMR assist with the Open Day please let me AS WE TRANSORMED YOUR Brisbane to be very proud of so why not know.

MAGAZINE INTO A MODERN, let other people know about it. It also gives us the opportunity to show our generous sponsors why VMR Brisbane is more than worthy of their sponsorship.

RELEVANT AND TREASURED PUBLICATION.

We have been offered a stand at Blue Water Festival in Upper Moura Park this year as an operational partner. As part of this we have an opportunity to help with the setup of the Festival and also to assist in the running of the festival. To do this we need 4 volunteers for 2 or 3 shifts on Thursday and Friday. This would entail some basic traffic and pedestrian control for the stall holders to get in and setup. So if you would like to help out please let management know or there will be sign-up sheets in your crew folders. We have also been offered the opportunity to jiggle our buckets on the Friday through the entire Upper Moura park area as long as we do some counting of how many people are attending the festival. This will assist Sally Faux to apply for some State Tourism funding to make Blue Water Festival bigger and better for next year which hopefully will include the opening of the new pier.

We have also been lucky enough to secure another Bunnings BBQ for the 12th of April and you guessed it, the sign-up sheets are already in your crew folders. For me it was incredible to see the amount of members that put their hand up to help on the last Bunnings BBQ and what was even more fantastic was to see was members from different crews getting to know each other and have a good time in the process. This is what VMR Brisbane should be about: Creating new friendships around a common interest be it sailing, canoeing, diving, boating, fishing, cruising or just being on crew.

While on the subject of Bunnings BBQ’s, we do get called from time to time to fill in for a BBQ that someone has been unable to fulfil. These come about with reasonably short notice, approximately 3 to 4 days.

VMR BRISBANE

The new website is now up and running.

We have spent a lot of time on bringing a fresher and more professional look to VMR Brisbane for marketing purposes and to hopefully bring a new sense of pride to all of our members. This should be the go-to place to keep up to date with what is happening within our organisation. Go and check it out by logging onto www.vmrbrisbane.com.au.

Finally, we will be running some Members Forum nights this year, the first being in March. If you would like to hear about your Association, please come along and I hear a rumour the bar may be open a little later in the night. We look forward to seeing you there.

Safe Boating, Thomas Grice president@vmrbrisbane.com.au

We would like to thank and congratulate our following members for their dedicated service: Ray Henery Graham Makin Nigel Turner Joe McCoy Joe Myatt Karl Nast Greg Keogh Michael Gil-Bailey Cameron Pegler

28 years 28 years 23 years 18 years 14 years 10 years 9 years 9 years 8 years

5

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

Secretary’s Report David Massam

The

Management

Committee have been working tirelessly to make improvements to the Clubhouse, boat-ramp, hardstand and our rescue vessels. We have many things on the go and to keep our members up to date on what has been discussed and our plans, what better way to publish points in Boat Talk and get the word out there.

We are also looking for anyone who would like to help our Admin person or if you have an interest for history, our Club Historian to research for WE ARE ALL HERE ON EARTH articles which will be published in Boat TO HELP OTHERS; WHAT ON Talk and on social media.

EARTH THE OTHERS ARE HERE FOR I DON'T KNOW. W. H. AUDEN

David Massam secretary@vmrbrisbane.com.au

Below is a list that the Management Committee are working on at the moment: • Renegotiation of sub-lease of area in hardstand to Telstra for mobile tower.

• Successful renegotiation of lease with Transport and Main Roads for hardstand area.

• Negotiation of adding pontoon, members launch ramp and rescue launch ramp to existing lease.

• Overhaul of security access system for boom gate, keyed areas of building and hardstand area.

• Obtained three quotes for two new motors for Energex Sandgate 1. VMR Brisbane has opted to go with Suzuki motors again.

• Replaced the motor on Sandgate Rescue 2 with grant funding from Port of Brisbane Authority.

• Purchased and installed AIS tracking system on Energex Sandgate 1 and Sandgate Rescue 2.

• Changed our Call Sign to `Marine Rescue Brisbane’ to make it easier for the public to remember and for marketing and publicity purposes.

• Set out to overhaul our social media outlets, new website, new Boat Talk layout to look more modern and professional.

• Establishing closer ties with local businesses and media to network and obtain more exposure. This has worked well with Channel 7 broadcasting the weather from our base.

• Appointed Sally Faux from Funding Tree as our Grants Co-ordinator.

• Looking into the painting of the Clubhouse wall on the roadside.

• Reviewing hardstand fees and the rules and bylaws of using a hardstand space.

These are some of the main topics we are working on to build a better and more transparent organisation for all of our members. We aim to hold more Members Forums if the one in March is successful. If you would like to make a suggestion or bring up a problem to be addressed at a Management Meeting, please feel free to email me.

We are also currently looking for a person who can help with the organisation of events which are coming up, Blue Water Festival, Members Forum, the Memorial Stone Dedication, Bunnings BBQ and Open Day to name a few.

VMR BRISBANE

VMR Brisbane has been given another wonderful opportunity to raise much needed funds by holding another BBQ at Bunnings Carseldine on Sunday, 12th of April. Please put your name down on sheets in your crew folder or email Kelly with your availability. Any volunteered outside of your Crew Duty is very much appreciated.

Can you help out for the Bluewater Festival on the 2nd and 3rd of April? We need at least 8 crew members per day (4 for morning and 4 for afternoon) to do basic traffic and pedestrian control to ensure stallholders setup safely.

Festival duties: Thursday from 10:00 to 21:00 hrs Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 hrs Duties required Pedestrian and Traffic control Attendance estimates Donation collections Assist with information booth We are working hard to promote VMR Brisbane and become more well known in the local area.

This gives us an opportunity to do that just and to recruit new members and to promote Waterside Assist. It also gives us the chance to collect for donations to upgrade facilities on the base.

If you can help, please put your name down on the form on the whiteboard in the Crew Room or email Kelly at admin@vmrbrisbane.com.au.

6

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

UTC’s Report Dean Steinback

Training

is well under

all be up to date especially with any new changes. For this training, we have been given a very generous rate by a local RTO and we need to achieve a minimum number.

way with the first subjects in each of the One to Two Stripe and Two to Three Stripe programmes almost complete. The first I APPRECIATE THE of these two modules was well attended and PATIENCE OF CREW the second had a good size small group which made group discussions very MEMBERS AS WE CHANGE OVER TO beneficial.

THE NEW

On the 23rd of May, we are also going to be running a MROCP (Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency – Radio Licence).

Those wishing to attend this course, please email me and I will add your name to the list.

Please remember to check the website for any changes to the Training Programme. Even though calendar invites are sent out via email, this can sometimes be a difficult especially if we don’t have contact details for all active crew members.

Thank you to Glenn Philip who has assisted ACCREDITATION me with the Theory so far. Also, thank you to AND WHILST WE Peter Leech who has re-written most, if not GET NEW all, of the Assignments and Exams for the MAR training for VMRAQ. This was a long PROCEDURES INTO process and the assessments’ main focus PLACE TO MAKE Dean Steinback now is on VMR and not as much on the utc@vmrbrisbane.com.au THE TRAINING Commercial side of things.

PROCESS MORE EFFICIENT.

First Aid courses are going to be in midMarch and an email will be sent out to all active crew members advising of this. We will be, at this stage, running 2 courses, 1 on a Saturday and a 1 on a Sunday. You will need to nominate for and attend one of these days. All crew members (including Radio Operators) need to be up to date and due to the varying expiry dates of certificates everyone has, it is much easier to put everyone through in one hit meaning we will

Last Months’ Question The International code signal for distress is indicated by which code flags?

Answer: N over C (picture to right) Question for this Month How many phases of the tide are there?

First Aid Course All Active Crew must have a current First Aid Certificate to remain compliant as an Active Crew member. We will be holding two courses on: 21st March 22nd March All Active Crew should have by now received an email for this training. If you haven’t, please email Dean at utc@vmrbrisbane.com.au with your preferred date.

Call Out Roster Please remember that if you are a Sunday crew you are on call from 0600 of your crew day till 0600 the following Sunday. If you are on a Saturday crew you are on call from 0600 the Sunday before your crew day till 0600 of the Sunday (day after) your crew day.

Any questions please do not hesitate to contact Glenn at crew.liaison@vmrbrisbane.com.au

VMR BRISBANE

7

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

Treasurer’s Report Col Neilsen

For my first report, I would

like to start by thanking you all for entrusting myself with this position. We are continuing to proceed along a stable and financial position with all sponsorships in place as per last financial year. We have also obtained a grant from last year for $35,000.00 enabling us to replace the motors on Energex Sandgate 1. Thank you to Neil Sheppard for putting so much time into this successful grant. This process is progressing as all three quotes have been obtained and management have now decided to purchase Suzuki motors.

We have some opportunities through fund raising with the Bluewater Festival and Bunnings BBQ.

This year we are updating our system of memberships so we will be emailing invoices to those we have on our data base and this will reduce our postage costs significantly.

If you have recently acquired an email address or have changed to a new one, could you please advise membership. For those members who don’t have email facilities we will continue to post invoices out.

Col Neilsen treasurer@vmrbrisbane.com.au

Goodhue v Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Incorporated Some of you may be aware of the Goodhue v Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Incorporated case.

This case has finally been decided and the decision can be found here http://archive.sclqld.org.au/qjudgment/ 2015/QDC15-029.pdf.

While I’m sure all of VMR Brisbane crew are capable of performing a wide range of tasks it is not our personal assessment of your abilities but as to what skills you have trained in and attained a qualification for and for our crew that have received their qualifications under TDM01 or earlier that you have kept current in your knowledge and skills.

VMR Brisbane have a wide range of Standard Operating Procedures or SOP’s that Bill Hirn has been good enough to write, manage and update as required. All new members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these SOP’s and understand their use and application. These include the Safety Management System or SMS on our vessels.

The above is what a court or coroner looks for. I refer you to the bottom of page 39 and top of Page 40 in particular of the above Court Decision: Section 42 of the Civil Liability Act 2003 (Qld) (CLA) relevantly provide: 42 Liability of volunteer not excluded if acting outside scope of activities or contrary to instructions This subdivision does not confer protection on a volunteer from personal liability in relation to an act or omission of a volunteer if the volunteer knew or ought reasonably to have known that he or she was acting(a) outside the scope of the activities authorised by the community organisation concerned; or (b) contrary to instructions given by the community organisation.

While I agree we are all volunteers, this unfortunately doesn’t give us absolute immunity. This is unfortunately the world we live in. So I encourage all of our new crew to attend Dean’s courses and for our crew that already hold qualifications to attend any of Dean’s courses that you feel you may benefit from even if it is just a theory night to keep your skills and knowledge current.

NOTICE We have had a few crew days recently that were very short handed. We would like a list of crew members who would be willing to fill in on another crew on an ad hoc basis to please let Kelly know so that we can let all the crew know who they can call on to fill in if they can’t make their usual crew day. If you would like to be on this “Fill In Crew” list, please send your details to admin@vmrbrisbane.com.au so that we can put the list together and let everyone know. Plus you get the advantage of meeting some of the other members and who knows you might actually have some fun and learn something new. This is also a great opportunity for crew who need to build up their Sea Time.

VMR BRISBANE

8

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

Sandgate Yacht Club Report

The

Sandgate Yacht Club

and our volunteers had a well deserved break after hosting a successful Flying Fifteen Nationals regatta. Since the Nationals regatta there has only been 1 event held.

Day 1 of the Vernon Shield was run on 8 February with a 505, a 12’ Skiff and 3 Flying Fifteens taking part.

Conditions in the first race were a sublime 5-8kts ESE. The second race was held in a very nice 10-12kt breeze which had the crews working – well most of the time anyway! Results of the Vernon Shield are being kept classified, top secret until completion of the 4 race series.

'Into the Fray’.

Day 2 of the Vernon shield, scheduled for 22 February, was called off due to the aftermath of TC Marcia. This rerunning of this event will be discussed at the upcoming General Meeting.

The Executive Committee would love to hear from the members and your comments are welcome - please come along to the General Meetings which are regularly held on the first Monday of each month. We promise we won’t enlist you into a committee position!

Start boat `Cape Moreton’ makes way to the race area.

We would also like to hear from members and nonmembers alike that would like to get involved in sailing, but may not necessarily want to sail.

SYC is a wholly volunteer run organisation and events require assistance from volunteers. Volunteers set out courses, provide assistance to vessels as required and conduct race starts. If you think you may like to help, please let us know how we can help you.

Stay safe on the water and I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events.

Chris Howell secretary@syc.org.au

VMR BRISBANE

The article featured in The Northside Chronicle dated January 14, 2015 page 54. For a copy, please email admin@vmrbrisbane.com.au.

9

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

WW2 Memorial Stone

ANZAC Day March

The WW2 Memorial Stone which is featured in `The History of the Sandgate Yacht Club’ was tracked down recently to a member of the Sandgate Yacht Club who was safeguarding it after he found it near a pile of rubbish. The Club Historian set out to find some sponsors to mount it in the foyer wall as a feature. Thank you to the ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee and the Naval Association Sub Brach for supplying grants to do this.

Bob Chapman is in the process of organising VMR Brisbane to march this year at the Dawn Service at Sandgate, to celebrate the centenary of WW1.

Please let Bob know if you are interested or email Kelly at admin@vmrbrisbane.com.au. Full uniform must be worn and below is an article on how to wear any medals you may have.

Guide to Wearing Medals Only defence medals are to be worn on the left hand side. Any State or Territory medals are to be worn on the right side. Doing this will ensure not to bring offence to anyone who has served in the Wars and they can be honoured for their service to our country.

Awards Made to Next-of-Kin

The memorial stone had developed a fracture when being handled, so our Publicist Linda Frankland set out and contacted a friend, Michael Ryan from All Stone and he kindly agreed to restore it back to how it was originally, also as a donation to VMR Brisbane.

VMR Brisbane is in the process of planning on the 19th of April, an unveiling of the stone followed by a BBQ. Members of the Sandgate Naval Association and ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee will be in attendance and we encourage as many crew members to attend on the day to see the work that has gone into this project and to meet our Veteran guests. Further details will be posted to Facebook and for non-Facebook users, you can keep up to date by logging on to the new website page and go to `VMR 401’ and `News and Events’.

VMR Brisbane would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their generosity and what better way to display our gratitude for the men, women and animals that served in the Wars.

The full story of the stone will feature in the next edition.

Who Was Hon EP Decker MLA?

A custom has evolved for people to wear the awards of deceased family members when marching in their place at commemorative events such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. The Returned and Services League (RSL) encourages people to wear their forebears medals on the right breast, which indicates the awards are not their own.

Unofficial Medals Ex-service organisations sometimes commission their own unofficial medals to mark participation in particular military campaigns, periods of service or types of service that have not been recognised through the Australian honours system. Awards made by foreign governments which have not been approved by the Governor-General for acceptance and wear are also "unofficial". There is no impediment to wearing such medals in appropriate private settings, such as a meeting of the relevant ex-service association, or a reception hosted by the relevant foreign government. Ideally, unofficial medals should not be worn at public ceremonial and commemorative events, but if they are worn as the occasion demands, the convention is that they are worn on the right breast.

State Awards Medals awarded by Australian State and Territory governments are not considered `unofficial’ and may be worn on the right breast.

Eric Paul Decker was born to Edward Herman Decker and Kate nee Johnson in Queensland on the 23 November 1886. Growing up, he resided in Aspley, Zillmere and Sandgate and attended state schools in those areas and then attended Brisbane Boys Grammar School. He enlisted for WW1 as a Private and set off for the Western Front embarking from Sydney on board the HMAT A72 Beltana on the 25 November 1916 and returned to Australia on the 23 July 1918. Paul was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Between 1918 and 1926, he became a well-known auctioneer for houses and land in the Sandgate area, having his main office in Post Office Square in Sandgate Central and a branch office in Yundah Street. He commenced his political career in 1931 where he stood for the Brisbane Municipal elections as a Nonparty Citizens candidate. His political careers spanned approximately 15 years. Eric passed away in 1970.

Right: Photo of EP Decker Brisbane City Council Library Services.

VMR BRISBANE

10

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

Crew News

Sierra Crew Report We started our crew day with a navigation exercise commencing from CTC then on to Tangalooma. We returned home via South West Spit beacon. The exercise was conducted with all electronics disabled. The trip to Tangalooma was uneventful however the leg to South West Spit caused some issues as we found ourselves off course ending up about a nautical mile north of the target. The exercise taught us the importance of triple checking our chart work before commencing our journey and the need for more regular location checks along the way. No harm done so a good exercise for all.

In the afternoon we received a call out to assist the owner of a jet ski and his passenger who had a flat battery located at the Maritime Museum at South Brisbane. Fortunately we were near the mouth of the Brisbane River. We provided a jump start to the jet ski – problem solved.

On the way back from the Brisbane River we received a call to assist a vessel with engine trouble. The vessel was located just north of the Outer Measured Mile beacon. The crew on the stricken vessel were very happy to see us. After trying to diagnose the problem we took the vessel under tow and returned the three occupants safely back to CTC around 5.30pm.

The sinking vessel in Cabbage Tree Creek which was brought to VMR Brisbane’s attention by Victoria Newton’s Facebook page. Social media is not monitored 24/7 so we encourage all local boat users to have our office number and After Hours Emergency number in their mobiles.

Cabbage Tree Creek v’s the Snooty Fox Sandgate Police partnership with the VMR Brisbane to solve the problem of the “Snooty Fox”.

Sandgate Police work in partnership with their local Volunteer Marine Rescue crew to investigate a houseboat in the Cabbage Tree Creek, Deagon. Police received information from a concerned member of the public in relation to a large two story house boat located at Cabbage Tree Creek.

Sandgate Police Officers Senior Constable Chris Akacich and Constable Kate Herrat attended their local VMR Brisbane based at Shorncliffe and took up with Rob Wood and Noel Luxton and headed down the creek to investigate. Upon Arrival Police inspected the vessel, the “Snooty Fox” which was found to be partially submerged and abandoned. Police are making follow up enquiries to locate the vessel’s owner.

Photo of Sandgate Rescue 2 which towed the vessel off the sandbank and back into Cabbage Tree Creek by Bravo Crew.

Left: Sandgate Rescue 2 was tasked to retrieve a vessel which had reportedly sunk overnight and was beached at Cowan.

Sandgate Rescue 2 was used to get into the shallow water for the initial part of the tow and then continued to tow the vessel as far as the Pearl Channel where Coast Guard Redcliffe then took over.

VMR BRISBANE

Rob Wood and Senior Constable Chris Akacich onboard Energex Sandgate 1 with the Snooty Fox in the background.

11

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

Ben Gillespie from Tango Crew will be marching with his family in honour of his sister Nicole, who passed away last year after for long and courageous flight against Melanoma. If you are free on the 22nd, you too can go and march and if you need to do your First Aid Course instead on this date, please donate by going to http:// melanomamarch.gofundraise.com.au The Foxtrot Crew had a very welcomed guest on

  Australia Day who presented us with a cheque for a

grant that Neil Sheppard worked on tirelessly for us to replace the engines of Energex Sandgate 1. Well done Neil!

The new outside wall to our Clubhouse entrance.

Attention Active Crew The new blinds outside the crew room to protect our active crew members from the elements.

Above: Callum Baird receiving his 20 years of service award.

VMR BRISBANE

If you are on a Call Out (Activation), please send photos and a description of the Activation to editor@vmrbrisbane.com.au so it can be posted immediately on Facebook and the next edition of Boat Talk. If you use the crew camera, please download the photos from the base and send by email whilst on duty.

A rare sighting of a turtle making it’s way in to visit the guys at VMR Brisbane.

12

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

Boat Launch Safety Check Every happy water excursion should be underscored with a consistent theme of safety. Let’s look at what you need to remember about your boat launch before you get your feet wet.

Safety Equipment Regardless of whether you’re going for a short punt around the heads or a three-night deep-sea fishing expedition, you need all the safety gear. The requirements vary slightly for each state and territory, but here’s a rough guide: Life vests – one for each person. Check they are in good condition Distress flares – two red Smoke signals – two orange Distress beacon or emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) Marine two-way radio Analogue compass Paper map and charts Bailing bucket – can be used to bail water from open bilges (smaller boats) and to extinguish fires Bilge pump – for covered bilges First-aid kit Fire extinguisher Pair of oars or paddles Anchor Life buoy Bottled water Floating, waterproof torch

Additionally, mobile phones can be used as a last resort. They can have surprising range at sea.

Note that there are fewer requirements for boating in enclosed waters (rivers, bays and harbours). For more information on boat launch safety, check with your local marine authority.

Pre-launch Checklist Here are some of the things you need to remember before you hit the road and launch that boat.

Planning: Before you leave home, plan your trip. Check the charts and Google the area. Have an idea where you might anchor.

Backup: Tell someone where you’re going and when to expect you back.

Tools: Do you have enough basics to get your motor running?

Fuel: Are your tanks full? Even if you’re experienced, don’t risk launching without adequate reserves.

Batteries: Are they fully charged?

Weather: Keep an eye on it. For the most up-to-date reports, only use www.bom.gov.au or Australian-made smartphone apps that clearly indicate that they use a direct Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) feed. Many foreign apps use syndicated weather feeds, which can run hours late.

Bungs: Check they’re all screwed in firmly.

Queuing: Make sure you prep your boat and unstrap it from the boat trailer before you reach the boat launch ramp. This is mainly to ensure you don’t forget anything important when you’re in a rush but it’s also a courtesy to other boaters in the queue.

Ramp: Check where the tide is and the condition of the launch area before reversing into it. (How to reverse with a boat trailer).

Painter: Tie a painter (rope) to the bow to maintain control of the boat as it comes off the trailer.

Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

There’s a lot to remember, but it’s vital that you don’t take chances. Make sure you hit the water fully prepared.

For the online version of this article, please go to http://withoutahitch.com.au/marine/boat-launch-safety-check/

VMR BRISBANE

13

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

Guide to Towing Your Boat Trailer When you hitch the boat to your tow vehicle and head to the water, the last thing you want is for your boat to end up on the side of the road or worse still, ploughed into someone else’s car.

Drive Carefully When boat towing, remember your boat and trailer carry considerable weight and can potentially jackknife at the worst time – probably when you’re trying to cope with a traffic incident, such as someone suddenly pulling out in front of you.

Drive more conservatively than you normally would. There are no specific speed limits for boat trailers; it just makes sense to drive more slowly because the weight you’re hauling means you’ll take longer to stop.

Keep plenty of distance between your vehicle and those ahead of you.

Avoid sudden evasive swerving or braking.

Ease around corners gently.

Avoid overtaking.

When coming up to traffic lights, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and school zones plan to stop – don’t floor the accelerator to get through before it turns red.

Secure Your Load The way you pack and secure your boat trailer will affect the way it handles on the road.

Pack the boat carefully, spreading the load evenly with heaviest items over the axle/s in the centre. Keep the contents secure so they don’t move around and affect the vehicle’s handling and safety.

Check and tighten all tie-downs – front, rear and side.

Check that the coupling and safety chains are secure.

Test the trailer’s lights to ensure they’re all working.

Have the Right Equipment If you’re just taking the tinny to the river, a small single–axle boat trailer is sufficient. But to move a larger vessel it’s advisable to investigate what is required, such as a higher capacity tow bar, brakes or heavy-duty suspension.

For extra safety it’s also a good idea to install extended side-view mirrors so you can see around any blind spots created by the boat or trailer.

Keep an eye on your trailer’s tyres and change them as soon as the tread starts to wear. Investing in good quality tyres will repay you in increased traction and safety on the road.

On Road Checks On a long journey, pull over every now & then to check your boat towing rig.

Make sure the boat is still securely in place and tighten straps where necessary.

Feel the wheel hubs, as overheating could be an indication of excessive friction in the wheel bearings and it’s better to catch it before the wheel falls off.

Towing your boat to water should be part of the pleasure, not a cause for pain. To ensure you arrive at your destination intact, be prepared, think ahead at all times when you’re driving and give yourself plenty of room to stop if necessary.

Feeling a little wobbly? Take a look at these innovations designed to keep your boat trailer stable on the road.

For the online version of this article, please go to http://withoutahitch.com.au/marine/guide-for-safely-towing-a-boattrailer/.

VMR BRISBANE

14

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

Thank You Page

Thank you to Nino and Michael Aceto from L&D Earthmoving. The father and son team moved the anchor outside the Clubhouse foyer to make a feature near the newly decorated entrance.

Thank you to John and Jason from Ideal Shade Solutions for their professional services and looking after VMR Brisbane cost-wise when they found out that we were a volunteer and non-profit organisation. The blinds look great and will give the crew members protection rom the sun and rain whilst on crew.

Thank you to the Naval Association of Australia (Sandgate Sub-Branch) and the Anzac Day Commemoration Committee for their grants for mounting the WW2 Memorial Stone into our hall foyer.

VMR BRISBANE

Foxtrot Crew would like to thank Deagon Bulk Meats and their volunteers for donating a warm hearty lunch for the Saturday and Sunday crews recently. It is fantastic to see a group of people donating their time and effort to support the local rescue organisations during Cyclone Marcia.

Thank you to Michael Ryan of All Stone in Hendra. Michael kindly donated his labour in restoring the WW2 Memorial Stone which was damaged before mounting into the foyer wall. This is a photo beforehand and we can't wait to show you next edition of the stone in it’s rightful place.

Thank you to Mark Templeton and his crew at Tackle Land in Sandgate for actively promoting VMR Brisbane to his customers, especially Waterside Assist. Mark has kindly donated a free Waterside Assist membership for any of his customers purchasing one in March. Mark is also interested in joining forces in the future for fishing trips and safety demonstrations for the boating public.

15

BOAT TALK

January/February 2015

Social Page

Sandgate Yacht Club Sailing BBQ

Alpha Aussie Beach BBQ The Aussie Beach Party scene was set. Alpha Crew had the stage set with Aussie beach sun shelter, Aussie beach balls, esky and sun lounges, and the beach music played.

Everyone was happy with the chance to wear Aussie Beach Gear too, so nice to feel cool. Nibbles served, tropical breeze happening, casual drinks and chats.

Then, HERE THIS! HERE THIS! HERE THIS! Alpha Crew Duty Master and Snr Vice President, Joe McCoy gives us the run down for the evening.

Salads were just delightful, delicious and different, put together to add the extra zing to the meal! Needless to say the deserts did not disappoint.

Well done to the guys from the Sandgate Yacht Club who agreed to hold a BBQ on the 27th February in absence of Papa Crew. Everyone raved about the fantastic variety and the quality of the food. We suggest that if they throw another one, everyone should go to as not to miss out on a fantastic night.

Jill and Joe McCoy once again donated a sought after prize, a board full of ‘scratchy’ tickets, and the chance to win millions! Goose club draw was announced without a cheer, so the cash prize jackpots! You have to be there to win!

Good to see some new people come along to support Jill and Joe McCoy, Alpha Crew and VMR Brisbane.

Alpha crew put in a great effort and we all had a great night! AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OI OI OI! Well done Alpha Crew! Invite your family and friends to our Crew dinners. Remember it’s the last Friday of the month!

Members and helpers of Alpha Crew’s BBQ.

The team busy preparing the vast array of salads and meats.

A very happy winner at the Sandgate Yacht Club BBQ.

Proposed Ghost Tour to Boggo Road Gaol Friday 19th June 2015 8:30pm – 10:30pm Cost $35 p/p

Please indicate your interest in the tour and if you would like pre-tour dinner at the redbrick Hotel from 6:30pm.

Please call Angie Aceto 3264 6104 or Paul Hollingdale on 0416 699 959 This is a special price for minimum of 20 guests at HMA prison..The site closes on 30 June for redevelopment so discover a part of Brisbanes history before it goes….

VMR BRISBANE

16