Heading out on the water off the Bellarine just got safer.
The Queenscliff Coast Guard has received a new vessel, handed over to local Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) volunteers.
The new boat is purpose built to respond quickly in emergency situations, able to travel up to 60 nautical miles from the coast in harsh conditions.
It’s been designed to help vessels in distress, tow damaged boats, help with on-shore recovery operations, and transport people who are sick or injured.
The boat was built with features to help locate missing people, including state-of-the-art navigation sustems, forward-looking infared radar, and radio direction-finding equipment.
The 12M Vessel Rescue 203 was officially handed over to volunteers on Monday by Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward and Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant.
“With so many Victorians holding recreational vessel licenses and enjoying the water, it’s essential that we do all we can to keep them safe,” Ms Ward said.
“I’m proud to say that this vessel was designed and built right here in Victoria, helping local businesses deliver for our communities.”
