What is the Coastal Patrol?
The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol is the oldest and most respected of all Australian marine Search & Rescue services. Formed before WW2, Coastal Patrol assisted the Royal Australian Navy in harbor and coastal defense during the 1939-45 war.

24/7 Marine Safety Service

Our members are trained in First Aid, Radio, Navigation and Search & Rescue procedures. Our radio stations - 27 Megahertz, Marine VHF, CB UHF and HF frequencies - are listening 24 hours a day of every day of the year.

Unlike some other maritime organisations we do not charge for our rescue services. Nor do we receive any remuneration from the State or Federal Governments for providing our Safety of Lives at Sea services.

Our members donate a considerable amount of time towards the running of the Hanging Rock Base Station, the upkeep and maintenance of our three rescue vessels and fundraising.

We deeply appreciate the support of local Clubs and businesses, without whose help we would be unable to provide such an excellent SAR service to you. Any donations from the boating public go directly into our working fund, as do Radio Club membership fees.

Shore Bases

Coastal Patrol bases serve as both home base for members on duty and training venues for patrol members and members of the public attending boating courses run by the Coastal Patrol. Our bases are also important, highly visible marketing tools to further promote the image of the Patrol to the community.

Radio Bases

Radio bases are required to maintain a listening watch on maritime communications as required by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) for Marine Rescue Stations, Limited Coast stations and in NSW, the state Emergency Services Board, with accreditation to:

Train Radio Base Watchkeepers

Record vessel movements in and out of ports including type of vessel, destination, ETA, number on board etc.

Pass details of vessels in transit along the coast from base to base.

Provide members of the Coastal Patrol Marine Radio Safety Service with a radio safety network.

Respond to emergency calls Provide base facilities for SAR and MARDAP operations.

Provide communications with Defense Forces when requested Provide Command Centres for Australian Customs and Federal Police special operations when requested.

Vessels

Vessels are required for: -

Marine emergency search and rescue operations

Rescue crew training

Public education course practical training

Surveillance units for Marine Watch.

Crowd control/safety vessels at special events.

Joint operations/training with other emergency services.

General duty water ambulance services - task-specific| vessels and crews

Government Organizations involved

To under-take the above roles the Coastal Patrol works closely with the following Federal, State and Local Government organizations

Federal

Royal Australian Navy

Australian Army

Australian Federal Police

Australian Customs

Australian Communications Authority

State

Police

Harbor Authorities

Ambulance Services

State Emergency Service

State Fire Brigades

Local

Local Councils

Key Liaisons

Effective implementation of the work of the Coastal Patrol requires that both Headquarters and Divisions of the Coastal Patrol liaise closely with:

State Police, especially Water Police State Government authorities responsible for ports and waterways

State Ambulance and St John Ambulance

Australian Yachting Federation

State HQ of the Royal Australian Navy

State Fire Authorities

Naval Command

Other relevant State and Federal authorities

Membership

It's a great feeling being a member of the Coastal Patrol. You learn advanced boating skills and are among a respected group of men and women who make an important, often life-saving, contribution to the boating community.

New members are always welcome, so for any man or woman who is keen to find an organization that respects their experience and can offer participation in an important community activity, join the Coastal Patrol. Mike new friends, learn new skills and enjoy a taste of the Australian boating life.

The Coastal Patrol is the oldest and most active marine search and rescue organization in Australia. You would also be welcome. Give the Coastal Patrol a call and ''Get yourself a float on Coastal Patrol boat.

For further information and details contact:

Batemans Bay Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol

(02)44723060  or rvcpbb@westnet.com.au