Search and rescue exercise

Central Coast police and volunteer organisations held a major water search and rescue (SAR) training day on Brisbane Water on Friday, October 31.

"Exercise Navex" allowed Central Coast police and accredited volunteer marine rescue groups to improve their rescue response and update, improve and standardise rescue training.

The NSW Marine Area Command Level 1 SAR Course was conducted at the Point Clare Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol (RVCP) Base and the T.S.Hawksbury Cadet Centre.

More than 30 participants included general duties and water police as well as members of the Gosford, Tuggarah Lakes and Terrigal RVCP, Bar Point Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA), Tuggerah Lakes Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA), Terrigal Sea Rescue Services and Norah Head Search and Rescue.

The first half of the day involved participants in the theory of navigation and search and rescue techniques as well as a tabletop exercise.

They then moved to a simulated field search and rescue exercise involving at least five vessels.

The activity was led by Sgt Allen Gannon, SAR-emergency management officer with NSW Marine Area Command.

Press release, October 30