The Port Stephens Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol has two vessels, on call to assist you, on the water.

Lifeboat Danial Thain

Port Stephens have probably one of the best-dedicated lifeboats on the east coast of Australia.          Danial - Thain is an Arun Class all weather lifeboat built in the U.K. for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (R.N.L.I) and served at Broughty Ferry in Scotland before being delivered to Port Stephens. As a purpose built lifeboat there are many features that make it very safe for the crew to operate in extreme conditions not the least of which is the self-righting capacity in the case of a knock down. The ability to maintain a good speed in rough seas is critical where time is of the essence when going to the assistance of a stricken vessel. Powered by two 460 HP diesel engines, a length of 52 feet and some very sophisticated electronics on board makes the Danial Thain together with its hard working and brave crew a powerful asset in saving life at sea.

The Danial Thain is kept busy at Port Stephens going to the assistance of many vessels throughout the year and has been involved in a number of major life saving rescues. The crews are on call 24 hours a day and response time is less than 20 minutes. Constant training takes place every week in every aspect of crewing and all crew are volunteers giving the community an invaluable service.

Fund raising is part of the requirements of the crew as most funds have to be raised from the community by means of sponsorship, raffles, bequests etc. in order to maintain this top line service. A replacement program is in place with a new inshore lifeboat going into service in May 2003 to complement the offshore capacity of the Danial Thain.

Danial Thain - "To the Rescue"

Yacaaba

Patrol vessel Yacaaba is used mainly for training purposes and for close inshore and estuary assists. Powered by two 90 HP outboard motors she is well suited for this role and maintains regular patrols throughout the holiday season both in the rivers and along the beaches in the Port. With a crew of two and a speed of 30 knots she can be on the scene within the Port in a matter of minutes. Yacaaba will be replaced in May 2003 by a new 30-foot inshore lifeboat powered by twin inboard diesel and jet units.

Yacaaba - "On Patrol"

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