MORNINGTON PENINSULA: Radios for rescue squads
Marine Search and Rescue units and volunteers have benefitted from the roll out of new digital radios this month to improve their communication on the water.
More than $1.3 million has been spent on 130 portable radios for volunteers and to install radios on 22 vessels and in eight vehicles.
This equipment has been rolled out on units including the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad at Blairgowrie; the Volunteer Marine Rescue at Mornington; and the VF6 Coast Guard at Safety Beach.
The radios are connected to the Victorian Radio Network, giving MSAR units real-time communication with the Water Police Rescue Coordination Centre.
Tom McIntosh, Eastern Victoria MLC, said:
“The radios deliver better communication capabilities to Marine Search and Rescue Units, who do a massive job keeping Victorians safe on the water year-round. Thanks to all the volunteers who give up their time to assist others in the community.”
Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad Secretary Denis Baguley said: “MSAR Digital Radios have been installed in SP1 and SP2 along with portable radios for use by our emergency phone operator.
“These radios have greatly improved communication with the Water Police Rescue Coordination Centre who can now communicate directly with our rescue boats on the water.”
“They also provide a direct communication link with the Police Air Wing and other rescue units in Port Phillip Bay critical during multi-unit tasks,” Mr Baguley said on behalf of the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad.
Pictured: Eastern Victoria MLC Tom McIntosh with Denis Baguley, Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad Secretary