MARINE RESCUE NSW - SUSSEX INLET DIVISION
HISTORY OF SUSSEX INLET COASTAL PATROLThe Sussex Inlet Division of the Coastal Patrol, started as a radio base for the Shoalhaven Division, based in Greenwell Point. A local resident, John Nicholas of Sussex Inlet, becoming a member of Shoalhaven Division in 1974, bought this about and it was from this situation that John Nicholas opened and started to operate a stand by Marine Radio Base from his private residence.As more local residents of Sussex Inlet joined the organisation, it was decided in 1982 that Sussex Inlet should apply to National Headquarters of The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol to accept Sussex Inlet as a division within the organisation. This was granted, and John Nicholas was appointed as Divisional Commander of the fledgling division. In 1984 the Sussex Inlet Division, after some successful fund raising and loans from four members, were able to purchase their first Divisional owned rescue vessel, named 'Patrol Rescue'. This vessel along with a number of private boats of members formed an efficient rescue service for Wreck Bay and the inland waters of Sussex Inlet River and the St Georges Basin. In 1986 after some intensive fund raising the division was able to Commission the building of our first new vessel by a boat building company in South Australia. Having studied the needs of a specialist vessel able to handle the Bar at the entrance to the Inlet it was decided that a Jet propulsion boat, powered by 210hp turbocharged diesel engine would suit the needs required to handle the crossing of the Bar at any time except at very low tides. This proved to be an excellent choice, the new vessel performing to expectations. The name 'Patrol Rescue' was retained after the disposal of the old boat, and was given to the new vessel. During this period a Rigid hull inflatable was bought and used for inshore work.  In 1991 John Nicholas was promoted to Captain and was appointed as the Southern Region Captain of NSW and David Jones was appointed Divisional Commander. In 1998 John Nicholas was appointed the Australian Officer Commanding of The Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, this appointment he held for four years and was awarded the Emergency Services Medal by Her Majesty the Queen. In 1998 David Jones was appointed Captain South and a Company Director. In 2003 David was appointed Chairman of Directors In 2006 'Patrol Rescue' was replaced with a custom, member designed, 8.5m Jet, built to 2C survey standard as required by the State Rescue Board. This vessel was named 'Community Spirit' and is used for offshore work. At about the same time the inshore vessel was replaced with a 5.9m Stabi Craft. Both vessels are stored out of the water on lifts for longer life and less maintenance. In 2006 David was appointed Company Secretary and was awarded the Emergency Services Medal by Her Majesty the Queen. In 2006 Kate Jones was promoted to Captain South Region. In 2006 Ron Ford was appointed Divisional Commander. In 2009 John Lang replaced Ron Ford as Divisional Commander In 2010 the unit became part of Marine Rescue NSW.New BaseThe original Base was built as a private boatshed about 1940 and given to Shoalhaven City Council in 1981 for the sole use of the Patrol.In 2006 it was decided to plan for a new Base building with assistance from the City Council, a Federal Government grant and support from the local community as the building was slowly sinking into the inlet and contained extensive amounts of asbestos, as well as being too small for the membership and running of education classes. The new base was officially opened by senator Ursula Stephens and Shalhaven Mayor Councillor Paul Green on the second of December 2009. 
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Community Spirit ~ Cat 2
Community Spirit 2 ~ Cat 1, The Sussex Inlet Coastal Patrol wishes to thank the Sussex Inlet PC Users Group for maintaining this site. All information as last supplied by the Sussex Inlet Coastal Patrol.
Last updated 23rd March 2012
