The member for Bellarine Alison Marchant visited Coast Guard Queenscliff last week for an education in the work done by the marine rescue organisation.
Last Saturday, March 9 Ms Marchant was kitted out in a self-inflatable life-jacket and briefed on vessel and safety procedures before setting out on Rescue 303 for a routine mission.
In addition to the duty crew, Flotilla Commander Michael Donohue was on board to provide a detailed explanation of mission and crew activities.
Part of CGQ’s remit is to conduct regular checks on historic wreck sites to ensure no boats or divers are too close.
To that end, Rescue 303 travelled to The Ships Graveyard, an area approximately four kilometres offshore between Point Lonsdale and Barwon Heads, to check the wreck site of the steamship Coogee, which was scuttled in 1928.
Following on with the work of her predecessor, former member for Bellarine Lisa Neville, Ms Marchant advocated for and secured nearly $2.3 million in this year’s state budget for a new purpose-built rescue vessel for CGQ, which is currently being designed.
Ms Marchant said recreational boating was a significant activity across the Bellarine and it was important boaters were prepared when heading out on the water.
She thanked the CGQ for allowing her to accompany the mission and said she looked forward to seeing how the new boat would assist with its duties.
“I commend the efforts of the Queenscliff Coast Guard volunteers, as they often head out into volatile situations to assist boaters who find themselves in trouble,” Ms Marchant said.
“As the weather improves, I remind boaters to be prepared, check equipment and carry the right safety gear when heading out on the water. We want boaters to come home safely.”
