Moama Marine Rescue's updated vessel is an improved asset for public safety. Pictured is unit commander Luke Sharrock, and crew Courtney Gardiner and Darren Woods.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Moama Marine Rescue has received an updated vessel following one of the busiest years on record for the service across NSW.
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Volunteers from Moama conducted 14 search and rescue missions last year, sparked by missing persons or mechanical failures on boats.
The unit also assisted NSW Police, Victoria Police, SES and other emergency services with prolonged search missions.
Unit commander Luke Sharrock said the updated vessel arrived about two months ago, and has been crucial in assisting with recent missions.
“It’s been quite timely and instrumental coming into the boating season,” he said.
“The new equipment and electronics that’s been fitted out on the larger vessel, that’s made quite a difference,” he said.
On-board technology, such as sonar, radar and an infrared camera atop the boat, has been updated to modern standards, making the equipment more accurate and reliable.
Mapping and GPS capability has been improved, with markers that outline points of interest during search missions able to be placed and shared with other agencies.
The vessel can also be used as a staging platform on water during missions, allowing multi-agency searches to work with mobility along the river.
“The ability to complement all other emergency services in this area and make all their jobs easier really has made a huge difference,” Mr Sharrock said.
Luke Sharrock using the updated infrared camera, fitted atop the vessel.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Courtney Gardiner and Luke Sharrock on the Murray River, flicking between different technological readings.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
The crew in Moama have had a difficult start to the year with recent tragedies, assisting in three search missions since December.
But Mr Sharrock said the volunteers were always on-call to help with any issues boaters run into, from Swan Hill to Yarrawonga and beyond.
“Certainly get out there and enjoy [the river], just be mindful of your surrounds,” he said.
“I can’t stress enough to have some sort of flotation device: a PFD or jacket, or even just a blown-up rubber tyre.”
Across the state, Marine Rescue crews performed 4735 search and rescue missions last year, making it the second-busiest year on record for the service.
The majority of call-outs could have been prevented with better boat maintenance as engine, battery and fuel issues made up 60 per cent of incidents.
Over the past decade, Mr Sharrock has seen the Moama unit grow from five volunteers to about 30 today.
Darren Woods has been a crew member for six years, Courtney Gardiner is in her fifth month of crew training and Luke Sharrock has been with the unit for over 10 years.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
The unit's vessel on the river at Five Mile Boat Ramp with a water skier cruising by behind them.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
New recruits become uniformed members after six months of training which begins straight away, covering all aspects of the service.
Volunteers receive training in first aid, but can also undertake more technical training in advanced resuscitation and sea survival, among other qualifications.
“There’s a number of other tickets that you can actually take to your own employment,” Mr Sharrock said.
The Moama unit welcomes all walks of life for volunteering, including different skill levels and ages, and donations go directly to the unit.
For more information or to volunteer, ring 0499 577 633.
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