AMSA to support Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race fleet

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will continue its vital role providing emergency search and rescue (SAR) and safety support for the 2022 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, to be run from December 26, 2022.

As in previous years, the AMSA’s Response Centre in Canberra, which operates 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, will be working closely with race organisers.

AMSA will deliver a “virtual” safety briefing to crew and officials on December 23.

The Manager of AMSA’s Response Centre, Kevin McEvoy, said the safety principles for the crews were the same that everyday boaties should follow including having registered emergency beacons on board, crew wearing life jackets, and having correct safety equipment on board.

“AMSA will work closely with state-based partner agencies to task medical or search and rescue aircraft, and marine vessels from Victoria, NSW and Tasmania, if they are needed,” Mr McEvoy said.

The AMSA Response Centre leads and coordinates search and rescue activities in Australia’s search and rescue region – around 53 million square kilometres – or the equivalent of about 10 per cent of the earth’s surface.