Rescue crews to stage emergency simulation off Tweed Heads

MORE than 50 volunteers and staff from Marine Rescue NSW will take part in a full-scale emergency simulation off the coast of Tweed Heads this Saturday.

The multi-agency search and rescue exercise (SAREX) will bring together teams from Point Danger, Brunswick, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba and Wooli to test offshore rescue skills.

Agencies from both states will also take part. These include NSW Police Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue Queensland, Queensland Water Police and Surf Life Saving NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW northern zone commander Darren Hulm said the simulation was a vital opportunity to put training into practice.

“It is really important for our crews to make sure that their training and skills are put into practice for these major search and rescue exercises,” he said.

“Because we’re on the border, we’ve included our neighbouring agencies. It is a perfect opportunity for inter-agency participation, so that when something does happen, our units are well placed to respond.”

Seven vessels and four rescue watercraft will take part, alongside a NSW Police helicopter and a Lifesaver Rescue helicopter.

The simulated search will run from 8.30am to midday, from Cook Island to Rainbow Bay Beach and up to 7km offshore.

Marine Rescue NSW inspector John Murray said crews would be given a scenario on the day, simulating a real offshore emergency.

“People will enjoy great viewing opportunities of the offshore exercise from the Captain Cook Lighthouse at Point Danger,” he said.

“Vessels will be travelling at 10 knots in a line, a quarter mile apart, searching for objects in the water — manikins and debris — which are the targets they will be trying to retrieve.”

Meanwhile, radio operators will take part in a desktop simulation at the Marine Rescue Point Danger training facility at Duranbah Beach.

“It is important for our radio operators to practise in a controlled environment with simulated pressure so they can develop and execute communication and navigation plans effectively,” Inspector Murray said.

Hulm said Marine Rescue NSW units would remain ready to respond to real emergencies during the exercise.

The simulation follows the launch earlier this month of Marine Rescue 30, a purpose-built vessel featuring advanced navigation systems and infrared search technology.

The vessel was designed specifically for offshore rescue and will be used in major training exercises like this one.

It also coincides with the organisation’s annual MAYDAY fundraising campaign, which aims to raise $45,000 to support Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state.

“This May, we’ve been asking people to answer the call and support Marine Rescue NSW,” Hulm said.

“Every dollar donated helps our volunteers save lives on the water.”