History of Kioloa Base
Commanders at Kioloa Base
Bill Rowley
Bill Rowley 1996, Founder of kioloa Base
Bill Rowley.
The history of marine rescue services at Kioloa is integral to the work of Bill Rowley.
Bill Rowley b.1926, joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol - Ulladulla Division on 1 September 1985. He saw the need to establish a base at Kioloa as rescue response time was around one hour thirty minutes from Ulladulla or Batemans Bay. Through Bill's efforts he convinced the Patrol that not only was a base needed but that the villages of Kioloa and Bawley Point could provide the volunteers to maintain a division. His dream was achieved when on 26 September 1992 the division was officially founded with a radio communications room operating from a garage at the rear of his premises at 6 Butler Street Kioloa and the leasing of his vessel Dylan II as the first "rescue" vessel. Bill undertook the necessary training to become a Search Master and held this post until the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol amalgamated with other marine rescue organisations to become Marine Rescue NSW on 1 January 2010.
During his twenty five years service to the boating fraternity Bill undertook weekly radio communications watches, was a qualified Category 2 skipper and acted as boat crew when required. Bill's greatest achievement occurred during his appointment as the first division commander when on 25 September 1995 a permanent base incorporating a boat shed, radio room and mess room was opened on the site.
Bill worked stand-by radio duties up until three weeks before his passing on 4 September 2010. In these final days he expressed his pride in the current volunteers who not only maintained his high ideals but expanded on his dream by extending the building to its current size.
Bill Rowley's passing was commemorated, in accordance with his wishes, by the scattering of his ashes to the south of Bull Pup Beach, Bawley Point NSW. Befitting the occasion Kioloa 20 was joined by the rescue vessel Encounter from Marine Rescue Ulladulla in transporting family and fellow volunteers to the position Latitude: S. 35 31' 59.92", Longitude: E. 150 24'06.34" off Bull Pup. On clam seas under a leaden sky Kioloa 20, skippered by K. Cruise, ferried people from the Base to Encounter anchored 200 metres off-shore. Immediate family members then traveled aboard Kioloa 20 which led Encounter to the site of the ceremony. The following pictures chronicle the solemn occasion.
Bill Rowley b.1926, joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol - Ulladulla Division on 1 September 1985. He saw the need to establish a base at Kioloa as rescue response time was around one hour thirty minutes from Ulladulla or Batemans Bay. Through Bill's efforts he convinced the Patrol that not only was a base needed but that the villages of Kioloa and Bawley Point could provide the volunteers to maintain a division. His dream was achieved when on 26 September 1992 the division was officially founded with a radio communications room operating from a garage at the rear of his premises at 6 Butler Street Kioloa and the leasing of his vessel Dylan II as the first "rescue" vessel. Bill undertook the necessary training to become a Search Master and held this post until the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol amalgamated with other marine rescue organisations to become Marine Rescue NSW on 1 January 2010.
During his twenty five years service to the boating fraternity Bill undertook weekly radio communications watches, was a qualified Category 2 skipper and acted as boat crew when required. Bill's greatest achievement occurred during his appointment as the first division commander when on 25 September 1995 a permanent base incorporating a boat shed, radio room and mess room was opened on the site.
Bill worked stand-by radio duties up until three weeks before his passing on 4 September 2010. In these final days he expressed his pride in the current volunteers who not only maintained his high ideals but expanded on his dream by extending the building to its current size.
Bill Rowley's passing was commemorated, in accordance with his wishes, by the scattering of his ashes to the south of Bull Pup Beach, Bawley Point NSW. Befitting the occasion Kioloa 20 was joined by the rescue vessel Encounter from Marine Rescue Ulladulla in transporting family and fellow volunteers to the position Latitude: S. 35 31' 59.92", Longitude: E. 150 24'06.34" off Bull Pup. On clam seas under a leaden sky Kioloa 20, skippered by K. Cruise, ferried people from the Base to Encounter anchored 200 metres off-shore. Immediate family members then traveled aboard Kioloa 20 which led Encounter to the site of the ceremony. The following pictures chronicle the solemn occasion.
Noel Donnovan
1999. We have no image of Noel.
Neil Wark
Acting Kioloa Base Commander and Divisional Commander Ulladulla RVCP. We have no image of Neil.
Diane Worley
Diane Worley took over from Noel Donnovan as Divisional Commander of Kioloa Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 2002. Diane was an experienced Master 5 skipper with a record of remarkable search and rescue achievements during her less than one year in the position. We have no image of Diane.
1999. We have no image of Noel.
Neil Wark
Acting Kioloa Base Commander and Divisional Commander Ulladulla RVCP. We have no image of Neil.
Diane Worley
Diane Worley took over from Noel Donnovan as Divisional Commander of Kioloa Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 2002. Diane was an experienced Master 5 skipper with a record of remarkable search and rescue achievements during her less than one year in the position. We have no image of Diane.
Fred Noble
Fred Noble
Fred Noble, b.1938 moved to Wandellyer Close in Bawley Point from Canberra in 1998 and signed up with the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 1999. Fred was joined by his wife Joan upon her retirement from UNSW ADFA Campus in 2000. Joan, currently Deputy Commander at MR Kioloa joined RVCP in 2001. Fred qualified as radio operator in 2001 and was a member of the boat crew, click here for picture. Encouraged by Neil Wark Divisional Commander Ulladulla Fred stood for the position of Kioloa Base Commander in 2002. With the assistance of Joan as Base secretary Fred continued as Commander at MRK until his passing in 2012.
Fred made an outstanding contribution to the Kioloa Base. Foremost among his achievements are his management of the extensions to the Base completed in 2010, the purchase of a replacement category 2 vessel Kioloa 20 in 2010, and supervision of the Kioloa Base's transition from RVCP to Marine Rescue NSW in 2009. His service to the rescue fraternity in NSW was suitably honoured when in 2006 he became the first recipient of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol Commanding officer's Outstanding Services Award, and was awarded Life Membership of Royal Volunteer Coastal Pat Marine Rescue New South Wales.
Fred made an outstanding contribution to the Kioloa Base. Foremost among his achievements are his management of the extensions to the Base completed in 2010, the purchase of a replacement category 2 vessel Kioloa 20 in 2010, and supervision of the Kioloa Base's transition from RVCP to Marine Rescue NSW in 2009. His service to the rescue fraternity in NSW was suitably honoured when in 2006 he became the first recipient of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol Commanding officer's Outstanding Services Award, and was awarded Life Membership of Royal Volunteer Coastal Pat Marine Rescue New South Wales.
Joan and Fred Noble at the opening of the new MRK Base extension.
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Fred Noble receiving 10 Year Service Medal form Commissioner Stacey Tannos ESM MRNSW.
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Fred Noble with MRNSW Kioloa Base Commissioning Award.
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Fred the tireless volunteer.
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Louise Andrews
Louise Andrews
MRK Commander August 2012 - August 2018. During her tenure as UC at Kioloa Louise oversaw the final transition and consolidation of MRK into Marine Rescue NSW. Louise was an exceptional radio operator overseeing the radio training of new crew at the base. Her operational acumen was accompanied by a cool head in emergencies drawing the respect of all volunteers.
Bruce Mitchell ESM
Bruce Mitchell
Bruce Mitchel ESM, MRNSW Regional Controller Illawara, is currently acting Unit Commander of MR Kioloa, appointed August 2018.
Previous Marine Rescue Skippers at Kioloa Base
Kieren Cruise Skipper at MRK 2005 - 2013.
Kieren Cruise
Kieren, a qualified chemical engineer with Waterford Crystal in Ireland has, in addition, a fine record of ocean sailing in small vessels and historical boats. He also has a distinguished record of service with maritime rescue agencies in Ireland, participating in the rescue of sailors during a storm in the infamous Fastnet Race of 1979. Bringing this experience to his role as skipper in The Royal Coastal Patrol in 2004 Kieren was able to provide crews at Kioloa Base with high levels of practical guidance in night navigation, search and rescue operations, and small vessel handling under difficult sea conditions.
In the search for a casualty off Pretty Beach in heavy seas aboard Kioloa Rescue in 2010, Kieren and crewman Peter Lee were injured when the vessel was lifted onto rocks. Both crewmen survived but Kioloa Rescue was wrecked. Kieren went on to play a significant role in the development of MRK's replacement vessel Kioloa 20.
As a result of serious illness Kieren returned to Ireland in 2012.
Kieren, a qualified chemical engineer with Waterford Crystal in Ireland has, in addition, a fine record of ocean sailing in small vessels and historical boats. He also has a distinguished record of service with maritime rescue agencies in Ireland, participating in the rescue of sailors during a storm in the infamous Fastnet Race of 1979. Bringing this experience to his role as skipper in The Royal Coastal Patrol in 2004 Kieren was able to provide crews at Kioloa Base with high levels of practical guidance in night navigation, search and rescue operations, and small vessel handling under difficult sea conditions.
In the search for a casualty off Pretty Beach in heavy seas aboard Kioloa Rescue in 2010, Kieren and crewman Peter Lee were injured when the vessel was lifted onto rocks. Both crewmen survived but Kioloa Rescue was wrecked. Kieren went on to play a significant role in the development of MRK's replacement vessel Kioloa 20.
As a result of serious illness Kieren returned to Ireland in 2012.
Don Davidson Skipper MRK 2006 - 2011
Don Davidson
Don joined Royal Coastal Patrol Kioloa in 2006 as a volunteer. With his distinguished career as an officer engineer in the Royal Australian Navy Don was able to focus his skills on the development of the Base at a time of its transition to Marine Rescue NSW.
Don's contribution to Marine Rescue Kioloa was significant. Don qualified to become training officer for the Base, achieved skipper's qualifications, and wrote the operating procedures for the new lifeboat Kioloa 20. These OPs were widely acknowledged in MRNSW as a model of their kind.
Don resigned from Marine Rescue NSW in 2011. He rejoined Marine Rescue Ulladulla in 2014 and is currently undertaking reorientation training on their vessels.
Don is currently undertaking a comprehensive formulation of an operation manual for MRU's most recently commissioned rescue vessel, the Category 3 Steber Ulladulla 30.
Don joined Royal Coastal Patrol Kioloa in 2006 as a volunteer. With his distinguished career as an officer engineer in the Royal Australian Navy Don was able to focus his skills on the development of the Base at a time of its transition to Marine Rescue NSW.
Don's contribution to Marine Rescue Kioloa was significant. Don qualified to become training officer for the Base, achieved skipper's qualifications, and wrote the operating procedures for the new lifeboat Kioloa 20. These OPs were widely acknowledged in MRNSW as a model of their kind.
Don resigned from Marine Rescue NSW in 2011. He rejoined Marine Rescue Ulladulla in 2014 and is currently undertaking reorientation training on their vessels.
Don is currently undertaking a comprehensive formulation of an operation manual for MRU's most recently commissioned rescue vessel, the Category 3 Steber Ulladulla 30.
Peter White Skipper MRK 2013-2014, 2018
Peter White
Peter joined Kioloa Base in 2007. Qualifying as leading crew in 2013 Peter acted as skipper of Kioloa 20 until his resignation from MRK in April 2014. With his background as a high ranking officer in the ADF Peter used his military experience, in particular his logistical expertise, to help in furthering the operational performance of the Base. Peter joined Marine Rescue Ulladulla in 2014.
In June 2018 Peter Rejoined MRK as duty skipper of Kioloa 20.
Peter joined Kioloa Base in 2007. Qualifying as leading crew in 2013 Peter acted as skipper of Kioloa 20 until his resignation from MRK in April 2014. With his background as a high ranking officer in the ADF Peter used his military experience, in particular his logistical expertise, to help in furthering the operational performance of the Base. Peter joined Marine Rescue Ulladulla in 2014.
In June 2018 Peter Rejoined MRK as duty skipper of Kioloa 20.
Richard Wright relief skipper MRK
Richard Wright
Richard, a duty skipper with Marine Rescue Batemans Bay and relief skipper with MRK, sadly passed away on Sunday 6 October 2013. With his extensive knowledge of the inlets, bars and rivers of the Batemans coast, plus his experience in small vessels, Richard provided invaluable support to the crew of Kioloa 20 at MRK, especially over the past three years before his death. Living in Batemans Bay Richard was awarded the National Medal in 2012 for his services to marine rescue in NSW.
Richard was loved and admired by his Marine Rescue colleagues at Kioloa Base.
Richard, a duty skipper with Marine Rescue Batemans Bay and relief skipper with MRK, sadly passed away on Sunday 6 October 2013. With his extensive knowledge of the inlets, bars and rivers of the Batemans coast, plus his experience in small vessels, Richard provided invaluable support to the crew of Kioloa 20 at MRK, especially over the past three years before his death. Living in Batemans Bay Richard was awarded the National Medal in 2012 for his services to marine rescue in NSW.
Richard was loved and admired by his Marine Rescue colleagues at Kioloa Base.
Rescue Vessels at Kioloa Base
Kioloa base has been served by four vessels since its inception in 1992, Dylan II, Else, Kioloa Rescue, and Kioloa 20. The vessels are pictured below.
Dylan II
The first official RVCP rescue vessel at Kioloa was Bill Rowley's own centre console runabout Dylan II. This vessel was formally leased to the RVCP for rescue service at Kioloa operating from Bill's premises in Butler Street until the building of the existing base in Scerri Drive in 1995.
Else (Namesake of Else Collins)*
Else was a 5.4 metre single outboard RHIB purpose built as a dive and rescue craft by Avon. She was purchased secondhand for the price of $16,000 in 1995 with funds raised entirely by the Ladies Auxliiary led by Elsie Collins. Else was christened by her namesake Elsie Collins during the opening of the RVCP Base on Scerri drive in 25 November of the same year, see below. While Else was garaged at the new base the tow vehicle, a tractor, had to be parked elsewhere causing delays to call-outs. This separation of tow vehicle from vessel continued to be a problem until extensions to the Base in 2010 enabled a towing vehicle for the new vessel Kioloa 20 to be garaged inside.
Kioloa Rescue
Built by Naiad in Queensland and powered by twin Honda 65 horsepower outboard motors the RHIB Kioloa Rescue was purchased in 2003 as a replacement for Else. The addition of a tilting targa enabled Kioloa Rescue to be fitted with RADAR while retaining its ability to be garaged within the confines of the Base. Although a fine sea keeping vessel Kioloa Rescue had a number of design limitations. For instance, the three radio consoles and the anchor were located awkwardly under the small cuddy, and the three portable plastic fuel tanks were positioned inconveniently at the stern.
Kioloa Rescue overturned in heavy seas during the search for a casualty off Pretty Beach in 2009. Skipper K. Criuse and crewman P. Lee were rescued by helicopter but the vessel was destroyed.
Kioloa 20
Powered by twin Honda 75 horsepower Outboard Motors Kioloa 20 is a Category 2C RHIB custom built in 2009 for garaging and launching at MR Kioloa by Cobia Boats Pty Ltd at Huskisson NSW. Kioloa 20 is the current rescue vessel at MRK. For further details of Kioloa 20 click here.
Dylan II
The first official RVCP rescue vessel at Kioloa was Bill Rowley's own centre console runabout Dylan II. This vessel was formally leased to the RVCP for rescue service at Kioloa operating from Bill's premises in Butler Street until the building of the existing base in Scerri Drive in 1995.
Else (Namesake of Else Collins)*
Else was a 5.4 metre single outboard RHIB purpose built as a dive and rescue craft by Avon. She was purchased secondhand for the price of $16,000 in 1995 with funds raised entirely by the Ladies Auxliiary led by Elsie Collins. Else was christened by her namesake Elsie Collins during the opening of the RVCP Base on Scerri drive in 25 November of the same year, see below. While Else was garaged at the new base the tow vehicle, a tractor, had to be parked elsewhere causing delays to call-outs. This separation of tow vehicle from vessel continued to be a problem until extensions to the Base in 2010 enabled a towing vehicle for the new vessel Kioloa 20 to be garaged inside.
Kioloa Rescue
Built by Naiad in Queensland and powered by twin Honda 65 horsepower outboard motors the RHIB Kioloa Rescue was purchased in 2003 as a replacement for Else. The addition of a tilting targa enabled Kioloa Rescue to be fitted with RADAR while retaining its ability to be garaged within the confines of the Base. Although a fine sea keeping vessel Kioloa Rescue had a number of design limitations. For instance, the three radio consoles and the anchor were located awkwardly under the small cuddy, and the three portable plastic fuel tanks were positioned inconveniently at the stern.
Kioloa Rescue overturned in heavy seas during the search for a casualty off Pretty Beach in 2009. Skipper K. Criuse and crewman P. Lee were rescued by helicopter but the vessel was destroyed.
Kioloa 20
Powered by twin Honda 75 horsepower Outboard Motors Kioloa 20 is a Category 2C RHIB custom built in 2009 for garaging and launching at MR Kioloa by Cobia Boats Pty Ltd at Huskisson NSW. Kioloa 20 is the current rescue vessel at MRK. For further details of Kioloa 20 click here.
Elsie Collins *
Elsie Collins
Partner of Bill Rowley, founder of Kioloa Base, Elsie has played a central role at Kioloa Base since its accreditation by RVCP in 1992. A fully qualified watch keeper Elsie was, until 2014, a 24 hour standby radio operator (Standby 3) for many years. Elsie has played a pivotal role in raising funds for the Kioloa Base, click here for the History page for details of Elsie's extensive contribution. Elsie, who retired from MRK on 16 March 2014 and the most longstanding member of MRK, is portrayed here wearing her National Medal which was presented at a ceremony at MRK in December 2014. (Click here for details)
"Dylan II" Bill Rowley's own vessel. Bill on the left Ernie Davis centre.
"Kioloa Rescue" and Tractor.
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Rescue RHIB "Else" 1999.
RHIB "Kioloa 20" and Tractor on the Kioloa Ramp 2010.
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"Else" and tractor 1999.
Category 2 RHIB "Kioloa 20" and Trailer. Note Trailer Cradle Skids.
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Rescue Boat "Else", christened by her namesake - volunteer and standby radio operator Elsie Collins at the Kioloa Base 25 Nov.1995. Bill Rowley centre and RVCP Commanding Officer Keith Jenkins on right.
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The Naiad RHIB "Kioloa Rescue" 2003.
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Boat Crews at Kioloa Base
"Kioloa Rescue" and Crew 2003. Clockwise from top left - Adam Rowley, Fred Noble, Joanna Gash (Fed. M.P.), Richard Hardwick (Skipper), David Rawcroft, John Ross, Scott McGregor and Stan Ball .
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From left Barry Elson, Bob Harris, Peter Holmes with "Else" while on a Rescue Camp at Jervis Bay 1999.
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The Kioloa Base at Scerri Drive, O'Hara Head
Dive Club Members, Milton Ulladulla Times 1993. Click Picture to Enlarge
Prior to operations at Kioloa, responsibility for patroling the Kioloa coast was taken by RVCP Ulladulla. Click here for a picture of the Ulladulla team in 1992.
Initial operation of RVCP Kioloa was managed by Bill Rowley with the assistance of his partner Elsie Collins from their residence in Butler Street Kioloa. However, in 1993, through Bill's encouragement, the Ulladulla Dive Club elected to donate the proceeds from its first-ever treasure hunt to the new Kioloa Coastal Patrol to assist in the establishment of a new base. Contributions were received from the Ulladulla Ex Servos, click here for picture of Bill receiving a contribution.
The new base was built on land leased form the Shoalhaven City Council at the end of Scerri Drive. Conducted largely by volunteer tradesman and Base volunteers with the help of generous donations, the construction of the new Base was coincidental with the building of a nearby concrete launching ramp and breakwater by Shoalhaven City Council.
Initial operation of RVCP Kioloa was managed by Bill Rowley with the assistance of his partner Elsie Collins from their residence in Butler Street Kioloa. However, in 1993, through Bill's encouragement, the Ulladulla Dive Club elected to donate the proceeds from its first-ever treasure hunt to the new Kioloa Coastal Patrol to assist in the establishment of a new base. Contributions were received from the Ulladulla Ex Servos, click here for picture of Bill receiving a contribution.
The new base was built on land leased form the Shoalhaven City Council at the end of Scerri Drive. Conducted largely by volunteer tradesman and Base volunteers with the help of generous donations, the construction of the new Base was coincidental with the building of a nearby concrete launching ramp and breakwater by Shoalhaven City Council.
Opening of the New RVCP Base at Kioloa in 1995
The day was dedicated to Bill Rowley. The handing over of the Base by Keith Jenkins Officer Commanding RVCP is pictured below. The opening of the Base was warmly supported by politicians from the south coast. See two pictures further below.
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The Christening of the Life Boat Else by Elsie Collins
Elsie Collins at the mike with Bill Rowley and RVCP Commander Jenkins to her right.
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Elsie Collins being congratulated.
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The following images capture construction and completion of the Base in 1995.
Additions to Kioloa Base 2009-2010
Since the opening of the RVCP base in 1995 it became clear that the boat shed was too confined for efficient operation of the new rescue vessel and for meeting the expanding requirements of the rescue base. MRK volunteers agreed that an extension be added to the existing building sufficient in size to provide garaging space for a category two life boat with tractor, and a separated radio room on the floor above.
With the generous assistance of local tradesman and MRK volunteers work began in 2009 and was completed in 2010. Features of the extension include a rugged cavity brick and concrete construction dictated by the base's exposure to the sea, 16 solar panels producing a power surplus and a separated radio-watch keeping room.
MRK is especially grateful to the contribution made by tradesmen Alan Banks (KRS139) who kindly donated their time and expertise to the project.
The slide show below pictures the construction of the Base extension and some of the many volunteers who helped in its completion.
With the generous assistance of local tradesman and MRK volunteers work began in 2009 and was completed in 2010. Features of the extension include a rugged cavity brick and concrete construction dictated by the base's exposure to the sea, 16 solar panels producing a power surplus and a separated radio-watch keeping room.
MRK is especially grateful to the contribution made by tradesmen Alan Banks (KRS139) who kindly donated their time and expertise to the project.
The slide show below pictures the construction of the Base extension and some of the many volunteers who helped in its completion.
