Million dollar boost for MR Point Danger

New vessel and base renovation for our northernmost unit

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos, Coxswain Nicole Lockie, Trainee Crew Kathleen Weissel, Trainee Crew Sarah Bell, Coxswain Courtney Greenslade, and State Member for Tweed Geoff Provest MP.

MR Point Danger has received a million dollar boost with the commissioning of their new $819,000 rescue vessel, PD31 and the $200,000 renovation of their radio base.

Mr Elliott was joined by MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos, Deputy Commissioner Operations and Capability Alex Barrell, Deputy Commissioner Corporate Services Todd Andrews, and Point Danger volunteers to officially welcome Point Danger 31, a 12.5 metre Naiad, to the MRNSW fleet.

Mr Elliott praised the professionalism and dedication of the Point Danger volunteers as they undertake their vital work.

“This new vessel is a great asset not only for the Point Danger volunteers but also for the many boaters in this area of the far North Coast, which is a significant drawcard for locals and visitors alike.

“With triple 325hp Suzuki engines and a top speed of 42 knots, Point Danger 31 has the power and reliability to ensure the unit’s crews can be on the scene of an emergency more rapidly than ever.”

Marine Rescue Commissioner Stacey Tannos thanked the State Government and the boating community for their generous financial support for Marine Rescue NSW.

“This support means we can continue to deliver our volunteers modern, safe and reliable boats like this one, purpose-built to meet local operating conditions both on the Tweed River and its bar, and out to sea,” he said.

“This means both our volunteers and local boaters alike will be safer.”

Built by Yamba Welding & Engineering on the NSW North Coast, Point Danger 31 is equipped with the latest search and rescue technology including Raymarine Axiom Suite, FLIR, radio direction finder, radar and side scan sonar, and provides greater manoeuvrability and endurance, enabling crews to search for longer. It also features a full first aid fit-out, including a defibrillator and oxygen kit.

Unit Commander Glenda Ashby said that the new vessel would be a tremendous boost for local boating safety.

“The updated technology and equipment on board will greatly improve our search capability,” she said.

“It is more robust than our previous boat and with a range of 350nm has greater endurance, meaning we can operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions.”

The new vessel replaces PD30 which is being refitted to take up a new role at the other end of the state as the first rescue vessel for MR Eden.

At the commissioning, Minister Elliott took the opportunity to present several members with awards. These included Coxswain Nicole Lockie who was presented with her 25 year service medal pin, Elaine Fowler who received her 20 year service award, and Pat Watkins who received her five year service pin.

Unit Commander Glenda Ashby received a special citation for her many years of service as Unit Commander, a role from which she retired on 1 December.

After the formal proceedings, an all-female crew took guests on the water to experience the new vessel in person.