Simulated rescue tests marine crews in wild weather

CREWS from five Marine Rescue NSW units braved rough seas off Tweed Heads during a large-scale training exercise to sharpen their search and rescue skills.

Sixty volunteers from the Northern Rivers joined counterparts from Queensland on Sunday for the offshore simulation, which involved multiple agencies and took place in 1.5-metre swells and poor visibility.

The operation was led by NSW Police Marine Area Command, with Marine Rescue NSW boats working alongside Marine Rescue Queensland, Surf Life Saving NSW and QLD, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Marine Rescue NSW deputy commissioner Darren Schott said the exercise was essential for real-world preparation.

“When we assist in a live, multi-agency search and rescue operation, our crews must be able to respond effectively,” he said.

Crews were tasked with locating five people believed to be in the water after a distress call was received from a 10-metre vessel off Cook Island. The scenario involved a simulated MAYDAY call during a routine fishing trip, prompting an immediate coordinated response.

NSW Police Marine Area Command inspector Dave Carlin said the search was launched quickly.

“This simulation saw multiple agencies and assets deployed to conduct an immediate search of the highest-probability area, aiming to locate and rescue survivors and recover all missing persons,” he said.

Six water-based search zones were covered during the operation, with aerial support from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Crews launched from Point Danger, Brunswick and Ballina. Queensland teams from Currumbin were also involved.

Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone commander Darren Hulm said conditions tested volunteers.

“It was wet, unpleasant, and visibility was poor,” he said.

“Drift modelling was conducted by Marine Area Command, with the search area extending from Kingscliff Beach to Currumbin and up to five nautical miles (9 km) offshore – covering an area of 102 square nautical miles.”

Manikins and PVC targets were deployed to mimic missing persons. As the first phase of the simulation unfolded, crews were handed a second task — to search for two missing spearfishers off Cook Island. Both were found during the exercise.

“This additional tasking highlights the unpredictable nature of emergencies and provided an excellent test for our volunteers, who responded swiftly and professionally,” Commander Hulm said.

While boats searched at sea, radio operators from five units took part in a desktop simulation onshore to test communication and coordination systems.

“Our radio operators are the backbone of the Service,” deputy commissioner Schott said.

“They are the link between land and sea, and practising their navigation and communication management skills will serve them well during live incidents.”

Inspector Carlin said the drill was a success.

“The agencies worked together exceptionally well to successfully locate the targets and complete the SAREX,” he said.

“Exercises like these allow us to fine-tune inter-agency processes for real-life events.”