A new state-of-the-art replacement rescue vessel for Marine Rescue Ballina has moved a step closer to entering operational service, following a successful sea trial and unit induction at Yamba.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said the new 10-metre Naiad boat would replace the unit’s existing large offshore rescue vessel, Ballina 30, which has undertaken hundreds of missions since it was built in 2013.
“This replacement vessel is a modern version of the boat that has performed exceptionally well for the unit for more than 12 years,” Parkin said.
Built in Newcastle by Yamba Welding and Engineering, the 10-metre Naiad rescue boat is powered by twin 300-horsepower Suzuki duo-prop engines, capable of reaching a top speed of 42 knots.
“The vessel offers improved on-water stability and an axe-head bow, making it capable of handling heavy bar crossings and long-distance offshore missions,” Parkin said.
“The new Ballina 30 has exceeded expectations. It has excellent manoeuvrability, rapid acceleration and ergonomic cabin arrangements designed to reduce crew fatigue — all of which will prove invaluable in rough weather and during extended rescue operations.”
New BA 30 crew in cabin during induction
Marine Rescue Ballina Unit Commander Peter Hill said volunteer crew members were immediately impressed by the vessel.
“This vessel will be a valuable life-saving asset for the Ballina community.
“It will enhance boating safety around Ballina waters; it’s a state-of-the-art vessel with the latest marine navigation and communications technology, and it will perform search and rescue operations much better during the day and especially at night,” Hill said.
The new BA 30 has the latest in marine navigation technology
He added that volunteers at the unit had spent the past year fundraising to help meet a $150,000 contribution towards the cost of the replacement vessel.
“We’ve held raffles with some fabulous prizes. One of our Master Skippers has written a book, Shipwrecked, about the 90 shipwrecks that have occurred on the Ballina Bar.
“Our Ballina volunteers, community organisations and the community in general have been very generous in their support for us,” Unit Commander Hill said.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ballina are shown the ropes on the new BA 30
The NSW Government has also contributed to the cost of this vessel to support the vital work of Marine Rescue NSW and its 3,500 volunteers.
Marine Rescue Ballina will take delivery of the new replacement vessel next week. Further crew inductions will be held with the vessel expected to be operational before the end of the month.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
