Search for three ‘victims’ in challenging marine rescue test

by Ken McManus on 26 Mar 2015 Marine rescue specialists from the Hunter-Central Coast will take to the water off Newcastle to search for three “victims” missing at sea as part of a major capability exercise this Sunday, March 29.

The search will be the culmination of a two-day regional Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) designed to test agencies’ marine search and rescue practices and coordination.

Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey said 70 volunteers from eight MRNSW units in the Hunter-Central Coast region would take part in the two days of theoretical and practical training sessions.

“This SAREX is the first in our 2015 series of exercises to be held along the coastline to hone marine rescue search and rescue skills and cooperation between rescue agencies,” Deputy Commissioner Storey said.

“It’s a major component of our ongoing annual training program for our volunteers from this busy region of the coastline, which includes Brisbane Water, Nelson Bay, Tuggerah Lakes and Lake Macquarie.

“Members of Marine Rescue Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Lemon Tree Passage, Newcastle, Norah Head, Port Stephens, Terrigal and Tuggerah Lakes will assemble for the weekend.”

The event will also involve personnel from the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Surf Life Saving NSW.

The weekend will start with a day of table-top exercises and lectures at the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club on Saturday.

On Sunday morning, the fleet of six MRNSW vessels, along with Police and Surf Life Saving resources, will work together in a practical exercise aimed at locating and retrieving three manikins dropped into the ocean off Newcastle to simulate people missing at sea in a major emergency.

Deputy Commissioner Storey said the SAREX series helped strengthen joint agency capability.

“Every minute counts in an emergency on the water. These exercises are essential to ensure that we have the best possible chance of finding and rescuing someone in the water as soon as possible, which could mean the difference between life and death,” he said.