Specialists with Marine Rescue NSW put their skills to the test last weekend in a major maritime capability operation aimed at safety at sea.
Overseen by Deputy Commissioner of Marine Rescue NSW, Alex Barrell the tests on Pittwater helped prepare crews for real-life on-water emergencies.
“The exercise was the largest of three held across the State this winter to test the readiness of search and rescue crews,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
“This weekend’s event is a major component of our ongoing professional training program for our highly skilled boat crew and radio operators, in the State’s busiest boating region,” he said.
“Our volunteers are trained to the highest standards for their roles and the on-water experience they gain from this exercise helps keep them rescue-ready around the clock.”
Deputy Commissioner Barrell said the scenario for the two-day Search and Rescue Exercise tests (SAREX) involved a search for multiple victims of a missing recreational fishing boat off the coast.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, Steph Cooke said SAREX tested the training and coordination of multiple emergency services organisations.
Ms Cooke said more than 115 search and rescue specialists, including 70 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from eight units across Greater Sydney and the Central Coast, took part in the operation.
“Training opportunities like this are vital to help our crews stay sharp and ready to save lives when more people take to the water in the warmer months,” Ms Cooke said.
