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 Port Kembla harbour base, strengthening 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.
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.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said:
“The start of the new boating season is a timely reminder that preparation can prevent a day on the water from becoming an emergency.
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready around the clock to respond when boaters need help, but everyone who takes to the water has a responsibility to make safety their priority.
“I encourage every boater to log on every trip, every time, whether heading offshore, fishing on an estuary or enjoying an inland waterway.”
Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
“The commissioning of Port Kembla 20 is a significant boost to the local boating community and another important investment in the capability of Marine Rescue NSW.
“Port Kembla 20 is a fantastic addition to that capability. It is specifically designed to operate in the challenging shallow waters of Lake Illawarra, while also providing another response option offshore and across the wider region.
“I thank the dedicated volunteers who give their time to keep our community safe and who are ready to respond whenever the call comes.”
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said:
“The ‘she’ll be right’ attitude doesn’t cut it when you’re stranded 20 nautical miles offshore in deteriorating weather conditions because you used old fuel or didn’t check your battery.
“Engine and battery failures and running out of fuel account for almost 60 per cent of our responses across NSW.
“Before you launch, service your boat, check your battery, inspect your safety equipment, make sure you have enough fuel to complete your trip with some in reserve, and check and monitor the weather.
“Poor preparation can turn a great day on the water into a life-threatening incident, and many of the problems we respond to are preventable.
“Don’t let complacency turn what could be one of the best days of your life out on the water to one of your worst days or possibly the last day of your life.”
Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley said:
“Lake Illawarra presents some extremely challenging shallow-water conditions and those conditions can change rapidly, with strong winds and confused swell catching boaters off guard.
“Port Kembla 20 is the first vessel of its kind in the Marine Rescue NSW fleet and its design is a game changer for our response capability on the lake.
“It can operate up to seven nautical miles offshore, complementing our larger rescue vessel and two rescue watercraft, and its 150-litre fuel capacity allows crews to remain on the water for longer during extended searches.”
