Incidents and Events 2014
MRNSW Long Service Medals Presented at MRK Mess-Meeting, December 2014
Partners Yvonne Fog and Harry Fog were presented with MRNSW 10 Year Service Awards at MRK's December Mess_Meeting. Deborah Morris and Neil Brown were presented with 5 Year Service Awards. Base Commander Louise Andrews congratulated each recipient on presentation.
Presentation of National Medals to MRK volunteers Elsie Collins, Peter Holmes and Wilfridus (Wido) Melis, Monday 8 December 2014

National Medals in recognition of service to Marine Rescue NSW were awarded to Marine Rescue Kioloa volunteers Elsie Collins, Peter Holmes and Wido Melis at Kioloa Base at 1430 on Monday 8 December 2014.
Ann Sudmalis, Federal Member of Parliament for the seat of Gilmour, presented the medals at a ceremony officiated by Kioloa Unit Commander Louise Andrews and attended by forty guests including senior representatives and colleagues from Marine Rescue NSW, local organisations, and the recipient’s family and friends.
Acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, Louise extended a warm welcome to Ann Sudmalis MP, Bill Carter ESM Regional Director of Marine Rescue, Bruce Mitchell ESM the Marine Rescue Illawarra Regional Controller, T.O. Keven Marshall, Doug Muskar immediate past Regional Director, Unit Commander Ulladulla Ken Lambert with his wife Diane, the Deputy Unit Commander Ulladulla Clive Milne and his wife Jennifer, Russell Clifton Captain of the Kioloa Rural Fire Service together with his wife Kathly, Lloyd Tutton Captain of the Bawley Point Rural Fire Service as well as Dianne Tutton, and Joan Noble ESM Deputy Commander Kioloa.
Apologies were received from Commissioner Stacey Tannos ESM, Joanna Gash Mayor of Shoalhaven City Council and Shelley Hancock State Member of Parliament for the South Coast.
Ann Sudmalis, Federal Member of Parliament for the seat of Gilmour, presented the medals at a ceremony officiated by Kioloa Unit Commander Louise Andrews and attended by forty guests including senior representatives and colleagues from Marine Rescue NSW, local organisations, and the recipient’s family and friends.
Acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, Louise extended a warm welcome to Ann Sudmalis MP, Bill Carter ESM Regional Director of Marine Rescue, Bruce Mitchell ESM the Marine Rescue Illawarra Regional Controller, T.O. Keven Marshall, Doug Muskar immediate past Regional Director, Unit Commander Ulladulla Ken Lambert with his wife Diane, the Deputy Unit Commander Ulladulla Clive Milne and his wife Jennifer, Russell Clifton Captain of the Kioloa Rural Fire Service together with his wife Kathly, Lloyd Tutton Captain of the Bawley Point Rural Fire Service as well as Dianne Tutton, and Joan Noble ESM Deputy Commander Kioloa.
Apologies were received from Commissioner Stacey Tannos ESM, Joanna Gash Mayor of Shoalhaven City Council and Shelley Hancock State Member of Parliament for the South Coast.

Louise invited Ann Sudmalis to list the achievements of each medalist and to present their awards.
Elsie Collins, awarded the National Medal and Clasp for 25 years service, joined the Rural Fire Service at Kioloa in January 1986, serving in the Shoalhaven RFS Catering unit and as RFS mainstay Callout Officer. On 29th May 1990 Elsie joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol (RVCP), training as crew member on her own vessel Dylan 2, which was leased to RVCP for rescue duties at Kioloa. In 2002 disability forced Elsie to relinquish her place in the boat crew. Qualifying as a watch officer, Elsie performed regular weekly and standby watches ("Standby-3"), the latter for after-hours radio calls. These watches were conducted initially from Kioloa’s first radio base operating out of the garage behind Elsie’s home. In her latter years of service with Marine Rescue Elsie continued in taking 3 standby watches per week up until her retirement in 2014. Elsie has been a driving force behind the fundraising endeavours for both the Fire Brigade and Marine Rescue for over twenty years.
Commenting on Elsie’s work in the RFS catering service Ann Sudmalis said. “That’s hard yakka. I have done a little bit of that myself, they depend on it, well done”.
Elsie Collins, awarded the National Medal and Clasp for 25 years service, joined the Rural Fire Service at Kioloa in January 1986, serving in the Shoalhaven RFS Catering unit and as RFS mainstay Callout Officer. On 29th May 1990 Elsie joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol (RVCP), training as crew member on her own vessel Dylan 2, which was leased to RVCP for rescue duties at Kioloa. In 2002 disability forced Elsie to relinquish her place in the boat crew. Qualifying as a watch officer, Elsie performed regular weekly and standby watches ("Standby-3"), the latter for after-hours radio calls. These watches were conducted initially from Kioloa’s first radio base operating out of the garage behind Elsie’s home. In her latter years of service with Marine Rescue Elsie continued in taking 3 standby watches per week up until her retirement in 2014. Elsie has been a driving force behind the fundraising endeavours for both the Fire Brigade and Marine Rescue for over twenty years.
Commenting on Elsie’s work in the RFS catering service Ann Sudmalis said. “That’s hard yakka. I have done a little bit of that myself, they depend on it, well done”.

Peter Holmes, awarded the National Medal for 15 years service, joined RVCP in July 1997. He trained as a watch keeper; a role he stills performs with Marine Rescue NSW at Kioloa, currently undertaking 2 watches per week. In his early years with RVCP Peter crewed on Else Kioloa’s first Category II vessel, named in honour of Elsie Collins.

Wilfridus, affectionately known as "Wido" Melis, awarded a Clasp to the National Medal for an additional 10 years service (Wido’s National Medal was awarded for 20 years service in the Australian Army Reserve.), joined the RVCP on 22 April 2004 at Batemans Bay where he still participates as a qualified Coxswain and Watch Officer under Marine Rescue NSW. Transferring to Kioloa in 2007,
“Coming to the best part of the world which is here?” Ann Sudmalis teased,
Wido gained Certificate III and IV qualifications entitling him to undertake training on behalf of Marine Rescue NSW. Wido is Kioloa's current Training Officer and, as an accredited first aid instructor, has made a significant contribution in authoring and producing First Aid Manuals for Marine Rescue NSW.
“Coming to the best part of the world which is here?” Ann Sudmalis teased,
Wido gained Certificate III and IV qualifications entitling him to undertake training on behalf of Marine Rescue NSW. Wido is Kioloa's current Training Officer and, as an accredited first aid instructor, has made a significant contribution in authoring and producing First Aid Manuals for Marine Rescue NSW.
Ann Sudmalis concluded by congratulating all Marine Rescue Volunteers for their service to the community.
Held under a marquee adjacent to the Kioloa Base under sunny skies the presentations were followed by a delightful afternoon tea prepared by Kioloa auxiliary members.
The National Medal recognises long service in approved organisations that protect life and property, at some risk to their members.
Fifteen years' service is required to qualify. Clasps are available for each additional 10 years' service.
Held under a marquee adjacent to the Kioloa Base under sunny skies the presentations were followed by a delightful afternoon tea prepared by Kioloa auxiliary members.
The National Medal recognises long service in approved organisations that protect life and property, at some risk to their members.
Fifteen years' service is required to qualify. Clasps are available for each additional 10 years' service.
A Recruitment Sign for Marine Rescue Kioloa, November 2014

A recruitment sign for Marine Rescue NSW (Kioloa) has been erected on the traffic island at the junction of Bawley Point and Murramarang Roads.
Our sign was erected with the approval of the Shoalhaven City Council.
Our sign was erected with the approval of the Shoalhaven City Council.
MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos ESM Visits MRK, 13 August 2014

Commissioner Tannos was appointed to lead MRNSW in July 2011 following a 20 year distinguished contribution to the NSW emergency services sector, most recently as the Chief Executive of Emergency Management NSW and the inaugural State Emergency Recovery Controller.
Stacey dropped in at MR Kioloa around 0900 on Wednesday morning and was met by RC Bruce Mitchell, MRK Commander Louise Andrews and Deputy Commander Joan Noble. Others present were Neil on radio watch and Kal observing. Over coffee a number of Base matters were discussed including issues relating to the upgrading of the boat trailer, this matter currently being attended to by Steve Morris and Peter Lee. Stacey responded sympathetically to MRK's initiatives offering to fund all costs of the trailer upgrade, a considerable saving to MRK and one very much appreciated by all present. Stacey was impressed by the evident achievements of Base volunteers at MRK, and by the view from our radio room. After more coffee and inquiries about local snapper holes he departed at 1100.
Stacey dropped in at MR Kioloa around 0900 on Wednesday morning and was met by RC Bruce Mitchell, MRK Commander Louise Andrews and Deputy Commander Joan Noble. Others present were Neil on radio watch and Kal observing. Over coffee a number of Base matters were discussed including issues relating to the upgrading of the boat trailer, this matter currently being attended to by Steve Morris and Peter Lee. Stacey responded sympathetically to MRK's initiatives offering to fund all costs of the trailer upgrade, a considerable saving to MRK and one very much appreciated by all present. Stacey was impressed by the evident achievements of Base volunteers at MRK, and by the view from our radio room. After more coffee and inquiries about local snapper holes he departed at 1100.
Kioloa 20 Stands-By at Paddle NSW's Marathon Paddlefest on Burrill Lake, 19-20 July 2014

Kioloa 20 and crew N. Brown and S Morris joined Ulladulla MR Skipper D. Lindley and leading crew L. Gunn as stand-by rescue for a kayak race on Burrill Lake during the weekend of 19 - 20 July. The MR team stood-off for four hours in cold conditions for the duration of the race, helping to recover course marker buoys at the conclusion. The event was conducted without serious incident.
The marathon kayak race was incorporated into the “Lake Lunacy” weekend of paddling, organised by Makai Paddlers. The weather, overcast with 38km hour southerly winds, didn't discourage the 146 paddlers lining up at the start adjacent to Bungalow Park on Burrill Lake. As with last year, the event was successfully organised by Makai, Big 4 and Paddle NSW (click for further details). The Park’s waterfront looked festive with huge inflatable buoys marking the course, a row of flags and a big marquee. Starting at 2 minute intervals from 1100 the paddlers competed on a 5 Km course tucked in around the southern shore of Burrill lake avoiding the winds. A temperature of 12 degrees celcius made for a brisk Sunday morning.
Kioloa 20 and crew N. Brown and S Morris joined Ulladulla MR Skipper D. Lindley and leading crew L. Gunn as stand-by rescue for a kayak race on Burrill Lake during the weekend of 19 - 20 July. The MR team stood-off for four hours in cold conditions for the duration of the race, helping to recover course marker buoys at the conclusion. The event was conducted without serious incident.
The marathon kayak race was incorporated into the “Lake Lunacy” weekend of paddling, organised by Makai Paddlers. The weather, overcast with 38km hour southerly winds, didn't discourage the 146 paddlers lining up at the start adjacent to Bungalow Park on Burrill Lake. As with last year, the event was successfully organised by Makai, Big 4 and Paddle NSW (click for further details). The Park’s waterfront looked festive with huge inflatable buoys marking the course, a row of flags and a big marquee. Starting at 2 minute intervals from 1100 the paddlers competed on a 5 Km course tucked in around the southern shore of Burrill lake avoiding the winds. A temperature of 12 degrees celcius made for a brisk Sunday morning.
The course:
Division 1-7 = 20Km Division 8 = 15Km Division 9-10 + 10Km. Click on the high definition video at right to view Kioloa 20 and crew on stand-by duty at Burrill Lake. Click images below for more details of the event. |
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Kayak Rescues Runabout: A turnabout at Kioloa Ramp, 7 June 2014

A distraction for attendees at the MR Kioloa markets on 7 June was the unusual sight of a kayaker towing a small runabout to safety at Kioloa Ramp. Aided by the calm conditions the kayaker introduced a whole new category of rescue vessel into the service of providing safety at sea. Rumour has it that Marine Rescue NSW is keeping its options open.
Overturned Runabout on Burrill Lake, 6 April 2014

At 0930 on Sunday 6 April Kioloa 20 was called to assist in the search for an overturned runabout on Burrill Lake. Crewman N. Brown and S Morris prepped and towed Kioloa 20 to the lake, launching at the Kings Point Ramp at approximately 1015. Relief skipper T. Campion from MR Ulladulla boarded Kioloa 20 at the ramp, logging on with MR Ulladulla using VHF 16. Poor radio reception on the steeply wooded lake precluded the use of DCN channels and, for security reasons, all following communication was conducted by mobile phone.
The weather was overcast with a temperature of 19 degrees C and a southerly wind.
A briefing by local police from the shore confirmed earlier reports of an upturned runabout approximately 350 metres west of Kings Point. An unattended van and boat trailer in the car park gave police reason to suspect the van's connection with the missing runabout, especially since police had been unable to contact the van's owner by telephone and there being currently no other vessels on the lake. Skipper Campion began a box search from west to east leaving a 25 metre spacing.
Given the potential seriousness of the incident a vessel from Port Kembla Water Police, under the command of Sergeant G. Webster and one constable assisting, joined the search at 1115.
Search was started at Lat: S.35.21.538 Long: E.150.25.780. Sonar and trail marker was used on the electronic chart plotter in conjunction with a box search south to north of the preceding coordinates.
The crew were stood down at 1300 when police established contact with the owner and skipper of the vessel who, apparently, had fallen from the vessel in the early hours of the previous morning, swam ashore, walked home and fell asleep.
Kioloa 20 and crew returned to the base and stood down at 1400.
The weather was overcast with a temperature of 19 degrees C and a southerly wind.
A briefing by local police from the shore confirmed earlier reports of an upturned runabout approximately 350 metres west of Kings Point. An unattended van and boat trailer in the car park gave police reason to suspect the van's connection with the missing runabout, especially since police had been unable to contact the van's owner by telephone and there being currently no other vessels on the lake. Skipper Campion began a box search from west to east leaving a 25 metre spacing.
Given the potential seriousness of the incident a vessel from Port Kembla Water Police, under the command of Sergeant G. Webster and one constable assisting, joined the search at 1115.
Search was started at Lat: S.35.21.538 Long: E.150.25.780. Sonar and trail marker was used on the electronic chart plotter in conjunction with a box search south to north of the preceding coordinates.
The crew were stood down at 1300 when police established contact with the owner and skipper of the vessel who, apparently, had fallen from the vessel in the early hours of the previous morning, swam ashore, walked home and fell asleep.
Kioloa 20 and crew returned to the base and stood down at 1400.
Elsie Collins Stands Down from Marine Rescue Kioloa, 16 March 2014

Elsie Collins stood down formally from her operational duties at Marine Rescue Kioloa, amid best wishes from MRK volunteers at the March Mess Meeting on Sunday 16 March 2014. While continuing her membership of MRK, moving from Kioloa to a house in Mollimook obliges Elsie to relinquish her identity as "Standby 3" and related duties as watchkeeper at MRK. Partner of Bill Rowley, founder of Kioloa Base, Elsie is the longest standing member of MRK. In addition to her significant operational duties, Elsie has played a pivotal role in fundraising at the Base since its accreditation by RVCP in 1992; click on the History page for details of Elsie's extensive contribution. (Further details forthcoming)
Survival at Sea and Firefighting, Greenwell Point, 22-23 February 2014

R. Jenkins, P. White and N. Brown attended a Survival at Sea course at Greenwell Point Community Hall on Saturday 22 February 2014. It emerged over lunch on Saturday that under new MRNSW accreditation rules volunteers White and Brown, having completed both courses 2 years prior, were exempt from the program. Nevertheless, P. White elected to undertake the swimming test alongside R. Jenkins at Bomaderry Public Pool. The test required participants to swim 50 metres fully clothed wearing a life jacket, and to demonstrate competency in entering and exiting a life raft from the water.
The course was overseen by Regional Training Manager Glen Sullivan. An excellent presentation and written test was conducted by training officers from MR Shellharbour Geoff Troth and Gerard Kelly on Saturday Morning.
Details of the Safety at Sea and Firefighting presentations are forthcoming.
The course was overseen by Regional Training Manager Glen Sullivan. An excellent presentation and written test was conducted by training officers from MR Shellharbour Geoff Troth and Gerard Kelly on Saturday Morning.
Details of the Safety at Sea and Firefighting presentations are forthcoming.
SAREX, Greenwell Point, 15-16 February 2014

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Kioloa 20 and crew - Skipper P. White, Crew N. Brown, and Trainee Crew R. Jenkins, joined over 60 volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving Australia, NSW Marine Area Command, and Westpac Rescue Helicopter at a Sea and Air Rescue Exercise (SAREX) conducted at Greenwell Point NSW on 15-16 February. The SAREX was jointly organised by Sergeant P. Farquharson of Sydney Water Police, Regional Commander B. Mitchell Marine Rescue NSW, Illawara Division, a team from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Lifesaver 3 stationed at Nowra, and locally based members of Surf Life Saving Australia. The Exercise, integrating theoretical search and rescue sessions with practical on-the-water simulations was conducted on Saturday at the Greenwell Point Bowling club conference rooms and, on Sunday, at sea, aboard participating vessels deployed along the coast between Crookhaven Heads and Currarong. The purpose of the exercise was twofold, first the development of competencies in the planning of a search pattern in quest of 'casualties' reported lost at sea, second the exercise of procedures for the recovery and transfer of casualties to shore.
A presentation by Pete Myers and Greg Walsh from AMSA (Australian and Maritime Safety Authority), reported 7530 maritime incidents in 2013, stressing how Australian boaters place themselves at risk in adopting a "too tough to be safe" approach to safety at sea. A dramatic movie chronicling the rescue of round-the-world yachtsman Tony Bullimore, occurring 2000 NM south west of Perth, demonstrated not only the strength of AMSA's coordinating role, but also the high cost of a major rescue at over $2 million. Craig Roberts, Westpac Lifesaver's General Manager of Operations clarified the role played by their team in joint operations with MRNSW and outlining the constraints surrounding the operation of helicopters in marine and shoreline rescues, in particular matters relating to approach and landing and in the transferring of casualties from vessels to aircraft.
On Saturday participants, in round table groups of 7, applied search and rescue theory in designing a SAREX plan for a simulated boating emergency. A file detailing matters relating to search and rescue planning entitled SAR Guide Sydney Water Police is available to MRK Radio Watch-Keepers for downloading on the protected page Watch-Keeping, Radio, Search and Rescue Operations of this website.
Kioloa 20 was deployed to Currarong in association with vessel Jervis Bay 40 from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay, a jet ski and a two-crew zodiac from Surf Lifesaving Australia. Launching Kioloa 20 due north directly into the ocean, off the (unfamiliar) Currarong ramp, presented Skipper White with a number of navigational hazards, none serious. However, communication difficulties on the agreed radio channel VHF 72 arose soon into the exercise with our designated command vessel JB 40 losing radio contact with SAREX Control at Greenwell Point, obliging Kioloa 20 to act as relay vessel for the rest of the morning. The Zodiac team wore personal VHF radios with reception limited to the immediate vessels. Because of its deployment remote from the main search area, the 'Currarong team' were encouraged in theory to exercise 'local initiative' in conducting their search. In practice, however, the Currarong team were closely directed by SAREX Command at Greenwell Point leading, it was commented, to inefficiencies in the search routines.
Among its duties, Kioloa 20 patrolled .025 NM to starboard of JB 40, using VRL RADAR to hold position in a north-south search pattern close to the shore; acted in the transfer of casualties from zodiacs and the command vessel; and served as standby vessel for Westpac Rescue Helicopter Lifesaver 3. The video clip (below left), entitled The Recovery and Transfer of Casualties, illustrates procedures applied for the recovery and transfer of two "mannequin" casualties, as viewed on Sunday from the deck of Kioloa 20, 2 nautical miles off Currarong Beach.
A presentation by Pete Myers and Greg Walsh from AMSA (Australian and Maritime Safety Authority), reported 7530 maritime incidents in 2013, stressing how Australian boaters place themselves at risk in adopting a "too tough to be safe" approach to safety at sea. A dramatic movie chronicling the rescue of round-the-world yachtsman Tony Bullimore, occurring 2000 NM south west of Perth, demonstrated not only the strength of AMSA's coordinating role, but also the high cost of a major rescue at over $2 million. Craig Roberts, Westpac Lifesaver's General Manager of Operations clarified the role played by their team in joint operations with MRNSW and outlining the constraints surrounding the operation of helicopters in marine and shoreline rescues, in particular matters relating to approach and landing and in the transferring of casualties from vessels to aircraft.
On Saturday participants, in round table groups of 7, applied search and rescue theory in designing a SAREX plan for a simulated boating emergency. A file detailing matters relating to search and rescue planning entitled SAR Guide Sydney Water Police is available to MRK Radio Watch-Keepers for downloading on the protected page Watch-Keeping, Radio, Search and Rescue Operations of this website.
Kioloa 20 was deployed to Currarong in association with vessel Jervis Bay 40 from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay, a jet ski and a two-crew zodiac from Surf Lifesaving Australia. Launching Kioloa 20 due north directly into the ocean, off the (unfamiliar) Currarong ramp, presented Skipper White with a number of navigational hazards, none serious. However, communication difficulties on the agreed radio channel VHF 72 arose soon into the exercise with our designated command vessel JB 40 losing radio contact with SAREX Control at Greenwell Point, obliging Kioloa 20 to act as relay vessel for the rest of the morning. The Zodiac team wore personal VHF radios with reception limited to the immediate vessels. Because of its deployment remote from the main search area, the 'Currarong team' were encouraged in theory to exercise 'local initiative' in conducting their search. In practice, however, the Currarong team were closely directed by SAREX Command at Greenwell Point leading, it was commented, to inefficiencies in the search routines.
Among its duties, Kioloa 20 patrolled .025 NM to starboard of JB 40, using VRL RADAR to hold position in a north-south search pattern close to the shore; acted in the transfer of casualties from zodiacs and the command vessel; and served as standby vessel for Westpac Rescue Helicopter Lifesaver 3. The video clip (below left), entitled The Recovery and Transfer of Casualties, illustrates procedures applied for the recovery and transfer of two "mannequin" casualties, as viewed on Sunday from the deck of Kioloa 20, 2 nautical miles off Currarong Beach.
Vessel Beached North of Butlers Lagoon, 4 January 2014
Kioloa boat crew responded to a call for assistance from the skipper of a small runabout with mechanical failure beached approximately 300 metres north of Butlers lagoon around 1100 Saturday 4 January.
With advice from RC B. Mitchell re salvaging vessels, normally outside MRNSW's area of responsibility, skipper P. White and crew, nevertheless, elected to render assistance to the vessel. Their decision was judged in light of the distressed state of the vessel's owner, the vessel's proximity to Base, the calm conditions, and the limited vehicle access to the beach.
Kioloa 20 was launched and an extended towing line was heaved to the owner through the surf. However, a rising swell resulted in the surf breaking beyond the safe reach of Kioloa 20's lines and the salvage was abandoned on the first attempt. The crew motored back to the ramp and Kioloa 20 was recovered without incident.
It is believed the beached vessel was recovered by a 4x4 from Murramarang Road later that afternoon.
The incident reminded the MRK crew of the dangers in navigating Kioloa 20 along the surf line.
With advice from RC B. Mitchell re salvaging vessels, normally outside MRNSW's area of responsibility, skipper P. White and crew, nevertheless, elected to render assistance to the vessel. Their decision was judged in light of the distressed state of the vessel's owner, the vessel's proximity to Base, the calm conditions, and the limited vehicle access to the beach.
Kioloa 20 was launched and an extended towing line was heaved to the owner through the surf. However, a rising swell resulted in the surf breaking beyond the safe reach of Kioloa 20's lines and the salvage was abandoned on the first attempt. The crew motored back to the ramp and Kioloa 20 was recovered without incident.
It is believed the beached vessel was recovered by a 4x4 from Murramarang Road later that afternoon.
The incident reminded the MRK crew of the dangers in navigating Kioloa 20 along the surf line.