Search And Rescue Training Exercises On The Hawkesbury River

Sixteen Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) volunteers from the Hawkesbury and Cottage Point units took part in a joint Search and Rescue training exercise with multiple NSW Rural Fire Service brigades around Milson Island on the Hawkesbury River recently.

The exercise saw MRNSW crews conduct search pattern training and rescue methods for a simulated person missing in the water.

The MRNSW crews onboard HW 30, HW 22, CP 30 and CP 31 also took part in a simulated ferry fire involving multiple casualties requiring first aid and transporting.

MRNSW Hawkesbury Unit Commander, Peter Moore said joint operations were held regularly so agencies were familiar with processes during emergency responses.

“The exercise was a great success,” Commander Moore said.

“Marine Rescue showed the RFS ways to conduct search patterns while our crews got a better understanding of their vessels and how to transfer patients if required during an emergency situation.”

The Hawkesbury Unit Commander said cross-agency training exercises were invaluable.

“Because there are several hundred homes in the area that don’t have road access we share a numbering system among multiple agencies which enables us to act quickly in the event of an emergency,” Commander Moore said.

“We look forward to more joint training exercises and value our relationship with the RFS.”

IMAGE: Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) volunteers from Hawkesbury and Cottage Point units take part in a joint Search and Rescue training exercise.

• Topics:

• Emergency Services
• Volunteering