Batemans Bay Marine Rescue has just signed up a handy recruit - an Ocean Cylinder rescue boat, which has received the designation BM20.
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The boat was built by Yamba Welding and Engineering and Batemans Bay unit commander Michael Syrek took two other Marine Rescue members up to Yamba (on the NSW Far North Coast) last week to put it through sea trials and bring it back to Batemans Bay.
“It handled extremely well and while it will take a bit of getting used to, when it is up and running it will be fantastic,” Mr Syrek said.
The vessel will need an operating certificate and Batemans Bay Marine Rescue will have to induct each member onto it before it can take part in rescue jobs.
Once operational, it is expected to be busier than the unit’s current Steber and rigid inflatable boat.
“This will be our main bread and butter rescue vessel,” Mr Syrek said.
“It can take up to six crew, but three will be more ideal.
“We can take it 15 nautical miles off shore or further if required by police.”
The vessel is built largely of aluminium, powered by two 150 horsepower outboard motors and is worth around $300, 000.
It will soon have a air berth at Batemans Bay Marina where it is based, which will lift it out of the water and keep the hull clean.
