Marine Rescue Tuross welcomed their new $400,000 vessel, which will be moored close to the mouth of the Moruya River.
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On Friday, April 9, Bega MP Andrew Constance joined Marine Rescue volunteers, Marine Rescue deputy commissioner Alex Barrell and Monaro regional director Glenn Felkin to officially welcome Tuross 21 - a 7.5 metre Ocean Cylinder, to the fleet.
Unit commander Alan Blessington said the rescue vessel will be used to get crews out quickly to emergencies on the Moruya bar and beyond.
"The updated technology and equipment on board will improve our search capability," Mr Blessington said.
"It is more robust than our previous boat and has greater endurance, which means we can operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions."
The boat's search and rescue equipment includes modern marine communications, radar, thermal imaging camera and a full first aid fit-out, including a defibrillator and oxygen kit.
Tuross 21 has been decked out with the latest search and rescue technology which provides greater manoeuvrability and endurance, enabling crews to search for longer.
Mr Constance said the new vessel was one of 38 rescue boats funded thanks to a record $37.6 million, four-year NSW Government investment to support the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
"This new vessel is a great asset not only for the Tuross volunteers but also boaters in this area of the South Coast, which is a drawcard for locals and visitors alike," he said.
"Tuross 21 has the power and reliability to ensure the unit's crews can be able to be on the scene of an emergency more rapidly than ever."
Deputy Commissioner Barrell thanked the State Government and the boating community for their generous financial support for Marine Rescue NSW.
"This support means we can continue to deliver our volunteers modern, safe and reliable boats like this one, purpose-built to meet local operating conditions both on the Moruya River and up to 15 nautical miles out to sea," he said.
"This means both our volunteers and local boaters will be safer."
The vessel was built by Yamba Welding and Engineering on the NSW North Coast. It is powered by Suzuki outboards.
