Coast Guard Western Port in Hastings, Victoria | Public service

Coast Guard Western Port

Locality: Hastings, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 5979 3322

Address: 21 Skinner Street 3915 Hastings, VIC, Australia

Website: https://coastguard.com.au/flotilla/vf4-western-port/

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• Community group
• Non-profit organisation
• Public service

25.01.2022 We were kept very busy over the long weekend assisting 6 vessels return home, including one medical emergency. On water conditions have continued to be amazing this week, certainly not been a problem for us to head out and offer assistance. Our crew are just heading back from Yaringa Boat Harbour after assisting a vessel with electrical issues. We would also like to pass on our congrats to Eileen from Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad for receiving her Emergency Services Medal for Marine Search and Rescue in the Queens Birthday Honours

24.01.2022 Well that was a busier 48 hours than we expected - almost visited every part of Western Port. We also complete one special assist with the smallest vessel in our fleet at midnight last night in Warneet due to the extremely low tide it was not possible to get RESCUE301 anywhere near the ramp, so we did it in reverse - launching the inflatable at Warneet directly!

24.01.2022 Not a bad way to end a short week with a tow back to Warneet with an amazing sunset over Western Port!! Our crews have been active the last few days helping people get home - given boats have sat idle for a little while, make sure you give it a once over before heading out so you don’t need to meet our friendly masked crews checking/replacing fuel, charging batteries etc. will all aid in a successful outing.

23.01.2022 Over winter we have been doing extensive work on our secondary response vessel Sealite Rescue to fix some outstanding issues and prepare her for the summer workload! The work has included rebuilding the main cockpit structure, completely rewiring the vessel, painting, cleaning and servicing among other smaller items. Thanks to Mako Marine, RJ Parkin Marine Electronics and Kris Oakley Marine

22.01.2022 Under strict regulations, the Chief Health Officer has made exemptions for volunteer emergency services including marine rescue to return to critical skills training to ensure our crews are prepared for the upcoming summer season! This was our first weekend back on the water, our crews couldn’t be happier - for some it has been quite a few months since they were on the boat! Our training focuses on core skills and emergency drills.

22.01.2022 Our crew were called out today to two potentially grounded yachts As usual our crew responded efficiently and professionally. Fortunately, it turned out to be a false alarm as both yachts were seen sailing in the breeze It does however, pose the question as to why boats were out on the water during lockdown Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. We hope you’re spending lockdown with your loved ones

22.01.2022 During training today our crews were simulating drift of a person in the water. A human weighted training aid (Oscar) is thrown over board along with a training marker. You can see in the image below, Oscar was placed in the water at the top X and collected at the bottom X. In 10 minutes he had travelled almost half a mile in fairly good sea conditions - imagine how far someone over board could travel in an hour. It’s so important to raise the alarm for a person over board A...SAP by calling 000. Oh, we towed a boat too - business as usual!

21.01.2022 Cracking night for a romantic sunset cruise on Western Port... We were activated to investigate flare sightings off Flinders at 3PM this afternoon. After a thorough search of the area everything looks to be in order. The crew are on their way back to Hastings, we will be available all weekend as usual - if you are thinking of heading out make sure to give your boat a once over and make sure all your safety gear is in order after the brief break we had

21.01.2022 We were tasked to assist a tinnie in distress off New Haven this afternoon. Fortunately the yacht club were able to launch a vessel to assist while we were en route. With winds gusting over 20kn this afternoon, we can’t stress how important it is to check the weather and know the limitations of your skill and vessel before heading out - this situation could have very quickly turned critical with the on water conditions today!

21.01.2022 While training yesterday afternoon we were activated to two people on kayaks getting swept out to sea. Due to high winds and poor conditions it was a bit of a battle heading south - fortunately Life Saving Victoria were able to launch a RHIB from Balnarring and return the pair safely to shore. It’s so important to check the weather conditions prior to heading out, making sure the conditions are suitable to your ability and watercraft.

19.01.2022 Woohoo! Its boating time well from 11:59PM on the 12th of May it's boating time and with some social distancing applied of course!! Under the new directions, recreational boating is now permissible. Physical distancing and mass gathering rules apply at all times including at the boat ramp and on your boat. As always though, Victorians are being asked to be considered and use common sense when it comes their activities. You should only leave home if you really need to. W...e are all being asked to make sacrifices in order to save lives. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sport-cultural-and-recreational

18.01.2022 We are doing our absolute best to cover as much of Western Port in as shorter period of time as we can - we did better last week, but this weekend isn't over yet! VMR Mornington & Hastings - Volunteer Marine Rescue inc gave us a good run last night with their tow from Bouchers Channel back to Stony Point while we towed into Tooradin. More assists this evening and last night with our crew today undertaking Search Pattern and Recovery Training near the submarine.

18.01.2022 We stopped in at Rhyll today to support Maritime Safety Victoria’s first FloatSafe Inflatable Life Jacket Clinic! The one hour clinics are free and will equip you with the skills to self inspect your inflatable life jacket to ensure it’s ready when you need it! For more information or to see clinic locations visit: https://wearalifejacket.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/floatsaf

18.01.2022 We are so lucky to operate in such a magic part of the world, despite temperatures heading for a low of 4 degrees last night, on water conditions were truly spectacular! These photos were taken by one of our crew on an evening cruise to Warneet to assist a vessel with starter motor issues.

17.01.2022 It’s certainly been a busy week on Western Port with great weather and Hastings Ramp opening up again. It’s been days since we did an assist, completing 10 in the last 7 days and visiting pretty much every ramp in Western Port - smashing job by all our volunteers!

16.01.2022 Anyone who was out on Western Port last night might have been lucky enough to experience the squall that came through about 1AM. Within the hour we had 4 calls for assistance, while completing the first we were diverted to provide urgent assistance to a sinking vessel off Hastings. Fortunately VMR Mornington & Hastings - Volunteer Marine Rescue inc were able to spring into action as well helping to get everyone back to port safely. That brings us to a total of 7 jobs in under 24 hours - exhausting

16.01.2022 Our crews sprung into action over the last two days, preparing to respond to two missing persons around Western Port. Fortunately the situations were resolved prior to our departure, everyone was safe and dry - While we are relieved everyone is safe and our services were not required our crews were a little disappointed as we are suffering from a severe case of salt water withdrawals!! With the COVID situation starting to trend down, we are hopeful to be back on the water in no time, hope everyone is staying safe and well...

15.01.2022 COVID has posed a number of challenges for us over the past few months, one of those has been maintaining members skills & qualifications - in this case First Aid & CPR. Many thanks to Life Saving Victoria for providing their online First Aid & CPR Courses to our members. This involves completing all theory training online, then filming yourself performing practical exercises such as bandages and CPR. 40 of our members have completed this training over the last month, getting a bulk of our required training out of the way and aligning our members first aid expiry dates!

14.01.2022 As everyone is aware we are heading back into Stage 3 lockdown but the Government have confirmed fishing and boating will still be allowed (with social distancing) in your local area. We will still be available 24/7 if you get into trouble and need assistance on the water!! Also a friendly reminder Hastings Ramp is closed as of today for upgrades - can’t wait for the new ramp in October!!

13.01.2022 Another busy weekend on Western Port! With 4 assists completed, a total of 146.5KM Traveled and over 300ltrs of Fuel we returned everyone who found themselves in a spot of trouble safely back to shore! It seems the most common issue at the moment is flat batteries, typically made worse by the colder weather. If you don't already, consider picking up a portable jump starter to keep on the boat, it might get you home quicker than waiting for help (in the cold)!!

13.01.2022 We were activated to assist police in the search for a missing person near San Remo just before 8AM this morning - fortunately the person was found alive and well on land! Our crew were quick off the mark, we have been missing the fresh sea air over the last few weeks

12.01.2022 Well there’s no doubt that boating is back, we completed 5 Assists over the weekend - but we totally get it, the weather was amazing and conditions on water were perfect all weekend! While on a regular assist this afternoon the crew were diverted to an emergency call for jet skis drifting out past San Remo after they became disabled!! It’s so important to have the necessary equipment on board any vessel to raise the alarm in an emergency situation, things could have got much worse!!

12.01.2022 This is what you want to see as we approach - a smiling crew to the rescue! Lots of people enjoying the warm weather out on Western Port, only a couple of assists so far. Our thoughts go out to those who have lost their lives on Victorian waterways over the long weekend. If you require assistance on the water, call 000 and ask for the Water Police. Always check your safety equipment before you head out and make sure you let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

11.01.2022 It seems we have set a lockdown precedent for emergencies in Flinders. Just after 8PM this evening we were activated to a sinking yacht off Flinders, conditions were not ideal but the crew were on scene in under 30 minutes along with crews from VMR Mornington & Hastings - Volunteer Marine Rescue inc and Police Airwing. The yacht is alongside Flinders Pier and currently getting pumped out by Flinders CFA.

10.01.2022 Back into training today, once the required exercises were complete the crew took some time to spread some Christmas cheer to other boaters! We might have to investigate floating carols by navigation lights for next year...

09.01.2022 Happy hump day everyone A mid week fishing trip turned in to a tow back to Stony Point for this unlucky fisherman

09.01.2022 Took a break from Essential Training today to provide some Essential Service to a vessel with a flat battery. After a failed jump start, a quick raft back to Stony Point solved the problem! We have been on quite a lot of assists since boating restrictions eased with the two biggest issues batteries and fuel. If you are heading out for the first time in a while make sure to double check all your equipment, charge your batteries and potentially replace your fuel.

09.01.2022 How about a Western Port Sunrise picture for a change? Crews were activated to a vessel requiring assistance off Somers just after 2:30AM this morning. A successful tow back into Stony Point allowed the crew to watch the sunrise over Western port with an unrestricted view (except for RESCUE301)! Back into search pattern and recovery training today, thanks to our faithful assistant Oscar who is always more than happy to jump in the water to help our crews train.

09.01.2022 Earlier today we were activated to a kayaker off Flinders who had dislocated their shoulder. Crew were on scene within 40minutes and managed to transfer the casualty at sea. After a medical assessment on board RESCUE301 the casualty was transferred to Ambulance at Flinders with great assistance from Flinders Rural Fire Brigade CFA (Country Fire Authority)

08.01.2022 We found something very special while conducting line search training today! Such a privilege to see these amazing creatures in the wild. Remember if you spot Dolphins you must maintain a 100mt exclusion zone, if they find you it’s best to cut your motors and allow them to pass.

07.01.2022 Merry Christmas to all our friends and followers - thank you so much for all your support throughout 2020, it certainly has been a very different and challenging year for so many. Our volunteers faced the challenges and were always there when needed, so to you we thank you very much

07.01.2022 We have been asked a lot lately, and seen considerable discussions on local fishing forums regarding getting assistance on the water in the event of a breakdown or emergency - so here are some answers to your questions! The quickest way to get assistance on the water is by calling 000 (ask for water police). We provide a FREE Service to the Boating Public. Donations are welcome but not required.... We are available to respond 24/7 365 Days a Year You will NOT be fined for breaking down/calling for help. Assistance will come as quick as possible, typically from Hastings. If there is anything else you would like answered please let us know!!

06.01.2022 Our crew are currently searching south of Sandy Point based on reports of a paddle board sighting approximately 2km off Somers alongside VMR Mornington & Hastings - Volunteer Marine Rescue inc. With winds gusting over 30kn, the on-water conditions are extremely rough to say the least. If you have any information relating to this incident please call the police on 131444.

06.01.2022 Despite being midweek, the beautiful weather meant we were kept busy today. It started off with some new anti-foul on Rescue 301's hull, then back on the water for an assist in to Warneet this afternoon. Stunning weather - lets hope it continues for a while longer.

05.01.2022 While en route to Yaringa to assist a disabled vessel our crew were urgently diverted to a sinking vessel off Cape Schanck. Fortunately the occupants were picked up by a nearby vessel, only the bow was visible when we arrived on scene. The vessel was towed back to Flinders where it was recovered with the assistance of a 4WD. The vessel crew were a bit cold but were well prepared with all the necessary safety equipment to both raise the alarm and preserve their lives until assistance arrived.

05.01.2022 Check out the concentration on Phil’s face while rafting this 31ft Yacht home to Yaringa. Phil has completed over 300 assists on Western Port, increasing that number by 4 today with assists off Hastings, Yaringa, Coronet Bay and Somers. It has kept the crew quite busy, building experience with a range of different vessels including a kayak.

04.01.2022 Yesterday afternoon we were activated to a vessel that was just a few lazy miles off shore. Despite having electrical issues the vessel was able to obtain a specific location to assist us in finding them! If you are heading offshore make sure you carry all the necessary safety equipment including flares, EPRIB and radio - most importantly let someone know where you plan to go and when you expect to be back, it might just save your life

04.01.2022 UPDATE: Well done to everyone who correctly guessed Cape Woolami, specifically the Old Quarry. While its technically on the boarder between Western Port and Bass Strait its still a magic spot, as this photo shows! We will share another hidden location this week sometime :) Lets play a game to help pass the time until we can all go boating again - Where in Western Port!? Name the location this photo was taken in Western Port - unfortunately we don't really have any prizes given we are volunteers and all, but it will help build your local knowledge of our magnificent local waterway!!

04.01.2022 We currently have members assisting with COVID Border Check Points alongside Victoria Police and Victoria State Emergency Service. Gary, one of our rescue boat crew is currently assigned to the Swan Hill checkpoint - he seems to be coping ok so far from the water! Always happy to do our best - we work as one Vic Emergency

03.01.2022 It’s a bit like playing a game of chicken on Western Port today - great to see so many boats out taking advantage of this magnificent weather We are on to our second assist (make that sixth) of the day - remember if you break down or get in trouble on the water call 000 and ask for the water police!

02.01.2022 It's ladies night on Western Port! We have commenced Wednesday night training in addition to our weekend training following COVID Restrictions to fast track up-skilling our members to Skipper and Deck Hand. Members head out to familarise with the local area in the dark, while gaining valuable experience with RADAR and FLIR. Hopefully the crew get through all their planned training, after a busy few days with call outs the last two nights including earlier today...

02.01.2022 A false start this afternoon, shortly after getting underway to McHaffie’s Reef the disabled vessel sorted themselves out and got underway - always best to call for help even if you don’t end up needing us, we don’t mind going home early In other news, works on Sealite Rescue are coming along nicely, she is currently getting a new coat of paint after significant modifications to the cockpit.

02.01.2022 Well done to VMR Mornington & Hastings - Volunteer Marine Rescue inc for recovering this overturned vessel. The occupants of the disabled vessel called Coast Guard for assistance, thankfully they had PFD on and were picked up by a passing vessel while VMR were getting underway. Great outcome and shows that preparing with the adequate safety equipment really does save lives.