VESSEL REVIEW | Marine Rescue 30 – Australian rescue organisation's fast response boat built for offshore waters

Australian volunteer marine search and rescue (SAR) organisation Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) has taken delivery of a new response boat supplied by local company Yamba Welding and Engineering (YWE) via its recently established Vycor brand.

Designed, developed and built in New South Wales, the 11.4-metre (37.4-foot) Marine Rescue 30 is capable of operating in offshore waters. The boat can be deployed to any MRNSW unit along the state's east coast from Point Danger to Eden.

Durable offshore vessel with onboard layout centred on safety

The vessel is the first in a new series of fast response boats developed by YWE in collaboration with MRNSW crews.

“We worked closely with the architect and incorporated learnings from our volunteer crew,” Kelvin Parkin, MRNSW’s Senior Manager Fleet, told Baird Maritime. “MR30 has been designed purely for offshore capability and SAR enhancement.”

Parkin said the vessel addresses the ongoing challenge of safe movement. A wide walkaround deck and safety railings provide secure and efficient access to the foredeck and improve line handling, all without compromising cabin space.

The vessel also features large windows for improved visibility and an Optimus joystick helm system to assist with berthing. The hull meanwhile includes an exaggerated flare to reduce spray on deck and has been designed internally for crew comfort and ergonomic efficiency.

“We required a vessel that pushed the boundaries of typical SAR vessels,” added Parkin. “From the outset, we specified the need for diesel outboard engines, given the operational area the vessel was planned for and the anticipated fuel efficiency benefits.”

Diesel outboards were also selected due to the limited availability of unleaded petrol in some of MRNSW’s more remote operational ports.

MR30 is powered by Cox CXO300 diesel outboards, marking the first time MRNSW has installed diesel outboards on any of its boats, according to Parkin. The outboards can deliver a top speed of 34 knots

“The standout feature of the Cox outboards so far is fuel efficiency,” said Parkin. “We are seeing fuel consumption approximately 30 per cent to 40 per cent lower than equivalent petrol outboards.”

He also said that MRNSW wanted an alternative to the collared vessel style, which he believes is not always suitable for berthing arrangements and prevailing conditions in some locations.

The new boat features a full suite of Raymarine search and navigation technology. Other sensors include FLIR cameras, depth sounders, and a sonar.

Also, as with other MRNSW vessels, the boat has additional lifesaving equipment in the form of a winch that can be used for man overboard recovery and for lifting heavy debris out of the water.

Close collaboration with builder ensuring availability of support and effectiveness of design

“As this was a completely new design, one of the main challenges was ensuring the vessel functioned well from an operational perspective — that it was practical, not just visually impressive,” Parkin told Baird Maritime. “Certain aspects, such as hull performance and stability, could only be validated during testing.”

To prepare for this, MRNSW included internal supports for a potential gyro and installed a Seakeeper Ride system, which allows fine-tuning of trim underway. Parkin said that, unlike standard trim systems, this system is finely tuned and can significantly improve the vessel’s ride stability and performance.

“Another significant challenge was managing the power demands of the vessel’s electronic systems with diesel outboards. By incorporating solar panels and enhanced battery capacity, we’ve seen excellent results so far.”

Parkin remarked that, with a comprehensive build and refurbishment programme in place, one of the biggest challenges was in managing the build schedule around operational unit priorities. MRNSW also had to ensure the vessel remained within scope and aligned with its budget.

“We had a comprehensive set of requirements and arrangements to build a successful vessel,” said Parkin. “The Whiskey Project Group [YWE’s parent company] took our concepts and design specifications and turned them into reality.”

Parkin said it is important that MRNSW collaborates with Australian builders, not only to support local industry but also to ensure that the organisation receives the operational support needed to maintain its vessel fleet.

“We learnt that by incorporating years of feedback from our volunteers, introducing practical new technologies, and listening to advice from industry experts, we can design and deliver an exceptional SAR vessel,” he told Baird Maritime.