Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) units and volunteers across the state have benefitted from the roll out of new digital radios this month to improve their communication on the water thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
The Labor Government has invested more than $1.3 million to deliver 130 portable radios for volunteers and to install radios on 22 vessels and in eight vehicles.
This equipment has been rolled out at all 26 MSAR units, including; the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad at Blairgowrie, the Volunteer Marine Rescue at Mornington, and the VF6 Coast Guard at Safety Beach.
The radios are connected to the Victorian Radio Network, giving MSAR units real-time communication with the Water Police Rescue Coordination Centre – a step up in connectivity when responding to rescue operations.
The radios also support the coordination centre to monitor and locate vessels and crews when they are in the water.
There are five fixed-base stations and a console at the Water Police Coordination Centre with two portable consoles available for use.
The Emergency Management Operational Communications Trust Fund delivered more than $760,000 to support the ongoing maintenance of the radios.
Victoria has an MSAR fleet of 48 marine response vessels across 26 locations, with around 800 volunteers. MSAR units responded to more than 1100 incidents in 2023/24.
Everyone visiting Victoria’s waterways should put their safety first by planning your visit by checking the Beachsafe app for hazards and safety ratings, swimming between the flags, never swimming alone or when you’ve been drinking and wear a lifejacket.
Quotes attributable to Member for Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“The radios deliver better communication capabilities to Marine Search and Rescue Units (MSAR), who do a massive job keeping Victorians safe on the water year-round. Thanks to all the volunteers who give up their time to assist others in the community.”
Quotes attributable to Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent
"Victoria's Marine Search and Rescue volunteers do an amazing job proving assistance to those in need, around our coastline, at sea, and our inland waterways.
"Equipping our volunteers with more than 180 digital radios will support greater coordination and information sharing between units during emergencies - helping to keep our community safe."
Quotes attributable to Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad Secretary Denis Baguley
“MSAR Digital Radios have been installed in SP1 and SP2 along with portable radios for use by our emergency phone operator. These radios have greatly improved communication with the Water Police Rescue Coordination Centre who can now communicate directly with our rescue boats on the water.”
“They also provide a direct communication link with the Police Air Wing and other rescue units in Port Phillip Bay critical during multi-unit tasks. In summary, they greatly improve our capacity to save lives on the Southern Mornington Peninsula.”
