Media Release
Australia’s fourth dedicated search and rescue aircraft commissioned in Melbourne
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Clive Davidson, today commissioned AMSA’s fourth dedicated search and rescue aircraft, the Dornier 328 turbo-prop, Nemo 4, in Melbourne.
Mr Davidson said this dedicated search and rescue aircraft would greatly improve Australia’s maritime and aviation emergency and search and rescue response capabilities across South East Australia and its offshore region.
“This fourth aircraft will further enhance Australia’s search and rescue capability. It will give a dedicated resource to the people of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania and will ensure a rapid, high-tech response to distress situations.”
The dedicated search and rescue service for South East Australia is part of the $74 million funding package announced in the 2004 and 2005 Budgets to strengthen AMSA’s search and rescue capability around Australia.
The twin turbine engine Dornier 328 is fitted with the latest technology including Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) camera system, satellite communications and direction finding equipment to detect and home in on emergency beacon transmissions and radio distress calls, and surface search radar. Life rafts and other emergency equipment can be deployed from the Dornier to people in emergencies. The Dornier is capable of operating at speeds in excess of 600 kilometres per hour, in all weather conditions and will be ready to respond to an emergency within 30 minutes.
The Dornier is operated by AeroRescue Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of the Paspaley Group, who won the contracts to provide five aircraft for search and rescue services at strategic locations around the Australian coastline. AeroRescue already provides dedicated search and rescue Dornier aircraft, Nemo 1 for AMSA in Darwin, Nemo 2 in Perth, and Nemo 3 in Cairns. The final remaining search and rescue aircraft is to be introduced in Brisbane in February 2007.
The Dornier is an important part of AMSA’s multi-disciplinary approach to maritime and aviation Emergency Response Division and will be available under a whole of Government approach to other agencies.Media Contact:
Tracey Jiggins 0418164901