Illawarra boaters are being urged to put safety first as the 2026-27 boating season gets underway, with a new rescue vessel launched to help keep people safe on the water.
The new $343,915 vessel, Port Kembla 20, was officially commissioned today at the Marine Rescue NSW Port Kembla harbour base, and it will strengthen the capability of volunteers across the Illawarra.
It comes ahead of the official boating season beginning on Thursday, 1 October, with boaters reminded to complete essential safety checks, log on with Marine Rescue NSW and prepare for the conditions before heading out on the water.
Skippers are urged not to let excitement about the new boating season override essential safety checks, especially if vessels haven’t been used during the cooler months.
Following the second busiest winter in Marine Rescue NSW history, volunteers are expected to be in high demand as more boaters return to the water this boating season, which runs through to ANZAC Day 2027.
More than 475 volunteers support the Illawarra region’s maritime safety operations, from the Royal National Park south to Kioloa.
Last boating season, volunteers across the Illawarra region completed 303 search and rescue missions, including 141 emergency responses, safely returning 660 people to shore.
The Port Kembla 20 is a 5.5-metre, fast-response rescue craft designed to tow disabled vessels and recover people from the water, with its design particularly suited to the shallow waters of Lake Illawarra.
The vessel is also equipped with a thermal imaging camera, enhancing the crew’s ability to search for people and vessels at night or in poor visibility. Its Aqua Truck hull is constructed from high-density polyethylene, making it strong, corrosion resistant, highly durable and fully recyclable, while eliminating the need for antifouling.
