New ‘Ballina 30’ Rescue Vessel Passes Sea Trials Ahead of Local Arrival
Marine Rescue Ballina’s brand-new, state-of-the-art replacement rescue vessel has passed its sea trials with flying colours, moving a major step closer to active service.
The sleek 10-metre Naiad boat — built in Newcastle by Yamba Welding & Engineering — successfully completed its sea trial and induction at Yamba this week. Powered by twin 300-horsepower Suzuki duo-prop engines, it can hit a top speed of 42 knots and tackle some of the toughest bar crossings on the NSW coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin said the new vessel will replace the existing offshore rescue boat, Ballina 30, which has served the community tirelessly since 2013.
“This replacement vessel is a modern version of the boat that has performed exceptionally well for the unit for more than 12 years,” Mr Parkin said.
“It offers improved on-water stability and an axe-head bow, making it capable of handling heavy bar crossings and long-distance offshore missions. The new Ballina 30 has exceeded expectations — with excellent manoeuvrability, rapid acceleration and ergonomic cabin arrangements that reduce crew fatigue.”
A Life-Saving Asset for the Community
Marine Rescue Ballina Unit Commander Peter Hill said his crew were immediately impressed during their first look at the new vessel.
“This vessel will be a valuable life-saving asset for the Ballina community,” he said.
“It’s state-of-the-art, with the latest navigation and communications systems, and it will make search-and-rescue operations safer and more effective — especially at night or in rough conditions.”
The Ballina unit’s volunteers have been hard at work for more than a year helping to fund the upgrade, contributing $150,000 towards the vessel’s cost — a goal they have already exceeded through local fundraising.
“We’ve held raffles with some fabulous prizes,” Mr Hill said.
“Master Skipper Geoff Hutchinson even wrote a book, Shipwrecked, about the 90 shipwrecks that have occurred on the Ballina Bar — and the community has supported us all the way.”
He said the generosity of local people, community organisations and businesses has been overwhelming.
“The support we’ve received really shows how much the people of Ballina value the work of our volunteers.”
Backed by Volunteers and Government Support
Marine Rescue NSW, which operates as a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation, has more than 3,500 volunteers across the state.
The NSW Government has also contributed to the cost of the new vessel, recognising the critical role Marine Rescue plays in keeping the state’s boating community safe.
Marine Rescue Ballina will officially take delivery of the new Ballina 30 this week. Crew inductions will follow, with the vessel expected to be fully operational before the end of the month.
When it hits the water, locals can expect to see a modern, purpose-built rescue craft designed for speed, stability, and endurance — ready to serve those in distress anywhere from the river mouth to far offshore.
“Our volunteers train hard and work together to save lives,” Commander Hill said. “This new vessel will help ensure they can keep doing that safely for many years to come.”
This is great news for our coast and community.