VISITS to pubs and shops to raise money from customers has helped Raby Bay VMR crew to upgrade their fleet.
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A $250,000 vessel, named RBIV, will be used for shallow water rescues and to tow small craft.
One of the boat’s two 175 horsepower outboard engines was donated by Suzuki, with navigational systems and safety equipment also on board.
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Base spokesman Carsten Thomsen said the boat could be used for offshore rescues, as it handled well and was a comfortable ride during rough conditions.
“The vessel handles significantly better than the one it replaced,” he said.
Mr Thomsen said RBIV would also be used to teach trainee skippers.
A second craft, a 4.5 metre rigid inflatable, will be used as a tender.
It replaces an aged tinnie, which was decomissioned two years ago.
“The smaller vessel’s primary role is to support larger rescue vessels in difficult to access locations,” Mr Thomsen said.
“It can be launched quickly and is versatile enough to be either be driven or towed to more remote rescue locations.”
He said the replacement tender was bought using money from a gambling community benefit fund.
“The new boats are the last steps in a major upgrade of VMR Raby Bay’s facilities and vessels over the past three years, involving a building upgrade and extension, new boat storage areas, ramp extension and new onsite refuelling facilities,” Mr Thomsen said.
For more information about Raby Bay VMR, visit their Facebook page here.
