VESSEL REVIEW | MR20, MR21 & MR22 – Flood response boats for Australian volunteer rescue service

Australian volunteer rescue organisation Marine Rescue NSW has taken delivery of three new custom-designed, multi-purpose vessels (MPVs) that can be deployed quickly across New South Wales in the event of an emergency.

Built by local company Yamba Welding and Engineering, the 6.1-metre-long, centre console vessels form part of Marine Rescue NSW's response to recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry with the service receiving AU$3.748 million (US$2.47 million) state government funding to build capability and capacity to support the NSW State Emergency Service and other agencies during significant emergencies.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said when the vessels are not tasked for flood response, they will be part of the Marine Rescue NSW fleet assisting boaters in need, ensuring they will be used year-round.

The first three MPVs, named MR20, MR21, and MR22, have been allocated to Marine Rescue NSW units in the state's north. Each vessel has a shallow-draught hull, which makes them easy to manoeuvre in challenging situations and to access a range of waterways, and a bow door that can be lowered for loading people and supplies via unprepared shores. Two Suzuki 67kW outboard engines meanwhile propel each vessel to speeds of up to 35 knots.

The electronics suite on each vessel includes a Raymarine multi-function display for chart and navigation work.

MR20 will be based at Evans Head, MR21 will be located on the Tweed at the Point Danger Unit, and MR22 will be homeported at Port Macquarie. Another five MPVs are scheduled to be delivered to Marine Rescue NSW over the coming months.