The Port Kembla station of Australian volunteer search and rescue (SAR) organisation Marine Rescue NSW has taken delivery of a new compact response boat.
Port Kembla 20 was built by Sentinel Boats based in Tasmania. Measuring 5.5 metres (18 feet) long by 2.47 metres (8.1 feet) wide and with a draught of only 0.42 metre (1.4 feet), the centre console boat will be stationed at Marine Rescue Port Kembla's Lake Illawarra base at Oak Flats in New South Wales.
The new boat is a fast response rescue craft, designed to tow disabled vessels and recover people from the water, while also operating effectively in the lake’s often challenging and shallow conditions.
Sentinel said the boat was designed from the outset to be capable of operating in both inshore and near-shore waters and features a highly configurable layout as well as the ability to house enhancements to suit operational requirements.
Examples of boats from the same series are already in use with other police and fisheries enforcement operators throughout Australia.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said that Port Kembla 20 is the first vessel of her kind in the Marine Rescue NSW fleet and introduces a number of features that make her exceptionally well suited to the conditions on Lake Illawarra.
Parkin added that the boat's hull has a lifespan upward of 40 years and is constructed from high-density polyethylene, making it corrosion resistant, highly durable and fully recyclable. It also requires significantly less maintenance, with antifouling not required.
The SAR vessel is also fitted with a jacking plate system, which will allow the engines to be vertically trimmed. This will provide improved manoeuvrability and access in shallow waters.
The boat is equipped with a Seakeeper ride system to improve stability in choppy conditions, as well as a plotter and other electronics from Raymarine. Power is provided by two Suzuki 90hp (67kW) outboard engines, which can deliver a top speed of 35 knots, while fuel is fed from a 150-litre (33-gallon) tank.
Crew safety and comfort have also been prioritised, with a spray dodger and side windscreen providing protection from wind and spray, and shock-mitigating seats to reduce fatigue.
Port Kembla 20 will be operated primarily on Lake Illawara and nearby waters. The boat was built in compliance with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s NSCV 2C and 2D requirements, which cover restricted offshore and sheltered water navigation by non-commercial passenger vessels.
| Port Kembla 20 | |
|---|---|
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Type of vessel: | Rescue vessel |
| Classification: | NSCV 2C/2D |
| Flag: | Australia |
| Owner: | Marine Rescue NSW, Australia |
| Builder: | Sentinel Boats, Australia |
| Hull construction material: | HDPE |
| Length overall: | 5.5 metres (18 feet) |
| Beam: | 2.47 metres (8.1 feet) |
| Draught: | 0.42 metre (1.4 feet) |
| Main engines: | 2 x Suzuki outboards, each 90 hp (67 kW) |
| Maximum speed: | 35 knots |
| Plotter: | Raymarine |
| Fuel capacity: | 150 litres (33 gallons) |
| Crew: | 2 |
| Operational area: | Lake Illawarra, Australia |